"Dive into it, go with the flow, make a splash. What’s the harm in going for a swim?”

In this episode, I chat with Sabrina Rose, a professional mermaid at Aquarium Restaurant, as she shares her unique journey from aspiring marine biologist to living her dream as a mermaid performer. Sabrina opens up about her childhood near the water in Michigan, how a chance encounter with Keith Urban set her on a new and unexpected path, and her big shift from music and audio engineering to mermaiding.

We discuss the importance of letting go of rigid career expectations, how Sabrina found purpose in the water, and why she believes your job should never define you. Sabrina also reflects on her experiences with building a business, finding community, and staying true to her passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:40) Sabrina's creative upbringing

(03:44) Changes in the current of career

(07:58) Diverse job experiences

(08:47) Finding identity beyond career

(10:13) Becoming a professional mermaid

(18:54) Working as a mermaid

(19:47) Balancing mermaiding with life

(21:43) Memorable moments and interactions

(26:41) Splashing advice for aspiring mermaids

Connect with my guest:

Sabrina’s 1st email: partyyourworld@gmail.com

Sabrina’s 2nd email: mermaidsabrinarose@gmail.com
Sabrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsabrinarose/

Explore Aquarium Restaurant: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

"You have to leverage your network and build strong relationships."

In this episode, I sit down with LaToya Davis, Executive HR Business Partner at Kimberly-Clark, to explore her transformative journey from a small town in Indiana to becoming a trailblazer in corporate HR.

LaToya shares how her upbringing, shaped by her hardworking single mother and a close-knit family, set the foundation for her drive and success. We discuss the pivotal moments that guided her career, including her unexpected path to Purdue, her time at Johnson & Johnson, and her recent transition to Kimberly-Clark. She also opens up about her experiences with career pivots, the importance of self-reflection, and how she’s learned to embrace change and give herself grace throughout her journey.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) Early life and family values

(03:46) Breaking barriers in the workforce

(07:33) Educational journey and college decisions

(11:08) First jobs and early career

(17:52) Transition to corporate HR

(25:28) Career advice and life changes

(26:23) Pursuing an MBA at Purdue

(27:50) Internship at Johnson & Johnson

(33:53) Career transitions and family life

(36:46) Moving to Dallas and joining Kimberly-Clark

(44:48) Work for the next generation

Connect with my guest:

LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/

Explore Kimberly-Clark: https://www.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Work hard and be kind.”

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Cunningham, president and CEO of Cunningham Restaurant Group, to explore the personal values and humble beginnings behind a thriving restaurant empire.

We discuss how Mike grew up as the youngest of nine in a working-class family and shaped his approach to business and leadership. From bussing tables at age eight to opening his first yogurt shop, Mike’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and community commitment. He reflects on his early interest in architecture, the lessons he learned from building his first restaurant Boulder Creek, and why every CRG concept is designed to make people feel like they’re on vacation.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:52) Mike's early aspirations and career beginnings

(07:27) Transition to management and move to Indianapolis

(11:15) From frozen yogurt to restaurants

(15:15) The birth of Boulder Creek and CRG's expansion

(22:49) Menu development and culinary team

(24:41) Dining out and restaurant culture

(33:47) Work hard, be kind

Connect with my guest:

Mike Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cunningham-6a73a26a/

Explore Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG): https://www.crgdining.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/