Us

Hannah Hopkins

What do you do?

I help run the US ops of a global coffee catering company.

Why do you do what you do?

I wanted to commit to a challenge and see it through.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

There is profound healing in working the earth with your bare hands.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevating-leadership-model-leading-from-your-best-self-early-phd-1f/?trackingId=EGXds3W06TojylvR1Arn9A%3D%3D

Leigh Beamer

What do you do?

Help provide lending to agricultural and rural communities.

Why do you do what you do?

 I love and respect our agriculture community and by doing my job I feel like I can help play a small roll is making it all happen.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

You don’t truly know something unless you’ve lived it.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The Moth

Mark Herring

What do you do?

Park Ranger if you’re asking for the career sense.

Why do you do what you do?

My first boss in parks told me that no day in parks is ever same. I’ve found this to be true every day since he told me this. Whether it’s leading an educational program or fixing a toilet, I’ve love the uniqueness every single day offers.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

In thinking about how I define myself for this list of questions, I find myself moving away from the Instagram bio list of indentities and affliations. Instead I find myself thinking of defining my self in moment big and small from my life. This clip from Citizen Kane came into my mind while thinking about this.

Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The Long Haul: A Truckers Tales of Life on the Road by Finn Murphy, which is by far the most fun you’ll have with a quarantine read.

Hannah Rothwell

What do you do?

I do things that make me feel grateful for my excess time.

Why do you do what you do?

Because I’m unemployed, and currently have excess time.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across 

I can’t give of myself to others in the way I would like unless I am comfortable in my situation in life.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation 

“Dialogues” by Saint Catherine of Sienna

Jessica King

What do you do?

Consumer Compliance Bank Examiner

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy analyzing problems and working in a team environment. I like that the work I do ensures compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how COVID-19 will force us to realize the inequalities that exist in our nation/ the world.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The documentary, Free Solo – it’s really a great story about persistence and hard work. 

Will Shephard

What do you do?

Product Manager for financial data SaaS platform.

Why do you do what you do?

Interesting content set, good benefits/pay, flexible schedule (100% work from home to boot), work with smart, driven, and honest people, and defined work/life expectations

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across 

I’m not very good at playing the guitar and that’s ok. Makes me happy trying to learn.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Bullshit Jobs by David Graeber

Laura Meinzen-Dick

What do you do?

Study land rights in Africa – and teach economics.

Why do you do what you do?

I love puzzling through complexity, and figuring out how to explain it.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

I don’t know if this counts as profound, but I was really moved by the NYTimes listing of the dead – these fleeting images of people’s lives that only highlight by their absence.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The anthropocene reviewed – pretty much any episode has entertained me and made me think and smile.

Timmy Clay

What do you do?

I work on social protection and labor issues as well as photojournalism.

Why do you do what you do?

I’m a strong labor advocate, and enjoy researching/ implementing policies that can improve the employment situation of those who are most vulnerable. I’m a photographer because it gives me the ability to gain insight into other people lives/ and contexts – something I learn a lot about myself from.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all. Sometime you just have to go for it. Human nature is very adaptable.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Between the World and Me – Ta-Nehisi Coates

Sam Fortier

What do you do?

Project Coordinator for a sustainable building product.

Why do you do what you do?

Working with a family company looking to make small changes for the better.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

Humor plays an important part in improving people’s mood! Focus on accruing your own energy to maintain a positive attitude, it is more important than accomplishing that final task immediately and being overworked because of it.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Book: Switch, how to change things when change is hard

Farhat Jilalbhoy

What do you do?

Strategic advising for non-profits and foundations.

Why do you do what you do?

I believe in the power of non-profits. My team and I support them in mapping out their long-term vision and creating a road map (that no doubt will have detours) to achieve it. I enjoy facilitating a process that engages a range of stakeholders and is data driven. Every day I learn something new, which keeps me engaged and challenged.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

“Turn poison into medicine”- Daisaku Ikeda. Changing poison into medicine begins when we face difficulties with the confidence that we have within us the full resources to overcome them. One does not simply return to zero as it were, but one actually gains from the experience that once seemed so poisonous.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood – by Trevor Noah

Alli Jakubek

What do you do?

Supervisory and Compliance Analyst

Why do you do what you do?

I work for an organization that makes me feel like my work actually has an effect on the lives of others. I am lucky to be in communication with bankers in my community and to be involved with small business lending. To be honest though, I really enjoy the organization itself and the opportunities that it presents more than I do my current job.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

There’s always more to someone than you think. More to their story, more to why they act the way they act, more to the way that they treat you. I’ve learned that I need to understand that upfront and not take everything so personally.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The Rosie Project. It’s been a great, lighthearted, quarantine read.

Ashley Utz

What do you do?

I’m a full-time UMW student and I work on Day on Democracy.

Why do you do what you do?

For some reason I want to go to medical school, and I have a burning passion for using my voice to uplift those who have been silenced.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

Everything in the scope of human emotion is the result of teeny-tiny chemicals.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation 

The Myths and Legends Podcast

Ben Saunders

What do you do?

drum and teach and write

Why do you do what you do?

because i love those things!

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

truth is embodied, or, there is no such thing as truth as we tend to speak about it.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

ursula le guin’s translation of the tao

Marina Castro-Meirelles

What do you do?

I ask questions and act on nagging ideas.

Why do you do what you do?

Because it sustains me.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

A pursuit is only risky if it’s not risky.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

http://www.sceneonradio.org/s4-e2-the-excess-of-democracy/

Marie Funk

What do you do?

I’m a social worker and I do psychotherapy

Why do you do what you do?

It uses all of my core strengths, but constantly forces me to stretch them and challenge my assumptions. I feel intellectually stimulated by every session. I get to give and receive some form of uncomplicated love in every session.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

You will never have more access to anyone than you have to yourself; no one will ever have more access to you than you have to yourself. The relationship with self is by far the most intimate relationship available to any of us.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The God of Small Things

Olivia Mason-Lucas

What do you do?

I create, I write, I study, I read, and I observe.

Why do you do what you do?

I want to be able to make a difference to someone, even if that difference is small and fleeting.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

I value my freedom the way I do because I do not want someone to take my vulnerability as weakness. The mere presence of vulnerability is a strength, not a lack of it.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

communion by bell hooks

Harry Masters

What do you do?

Try to get a job

Why do you do what you do?

Because I need a job

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

We are responsible for everything in our lives, no matter the external circumstances.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Time Machine – Adam Spencer

Jeff Paddock

What do you do?

Humanitarian Aid and Relief Work

Why do you do what you do?

To support others to make decisions based on their values so that they can move through the world authentically.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

Leaders are not responsible for the results. They are responsible for the people, who are responsible for the results.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

The Infinite Game – Simon Sinek

Sanitago Sueiro

What do you do?

I work in domestic economic development.

Why do you do what you do?

I want everyone to have a good standard of living and to be able to pursue their goals in life.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across.

I have been thinking a lot about the Jordan documentary. He was so focused on winning that he never really built any warm or long lasting relationships with the people around him, in fact he antagonized a lot of people. In the process he also became one of the most famous, wealthy, and successful people in the world. However, even with all the money and the fame in the world, he doesn’t really seem at peace with himself or to have strong connections with the people who he spent time with back in his playing days. He seems… lonely. Was the fame and glory worth it in the end? I don’t know, maybe it was, but I don’t think I could feel good about it. It made me value relationships more and put some of my own personal goals into perspective. Really it made me ask myself what I want to do with my life that will make me feel truly fulfilled and at peace at the end of the day.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Currently reading Angela Davis – Women Race & Class. Podcast I recommend if you want to unwind and laugh – Cinephobe. These three guys review terrible movies (the movies have to be below 40% on rotten tomatoes. And they basically either irrationally defend the movie or trash it. It’s pretty witty and fun.

Bethany O’Connor

What do you do?

Personal coach to sensitive high-achievers.

Why do you do what you do?

I am passionate about helping empaths like me become healthy high-performers and ditch the “people-pleasing” game we’re used to playing.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

From Eckhart Tolle’s Book: “A New Earth” You are not our thoughts, we are the awareness of your thoughts. The more you make your thoughts (beliefs) into your identity, the more cut off you are from the spiritual dimension within yourself. With awareness comes dis-identification from thoughts, emotions, and reactions.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Eckhart Tolle’s a New Earth and Michelle Obama’s Becoming

Katie Mauro

What do you do?

I work in healthcare technology

Why do you do what you do?

To support my creative, hockey, and hiking interests, and because I believe healthcare and technology should be treated as public goods.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across 

States individually determine criteria for classifying cause of death as COVID19. The lack of consistent guidelines has led to a potential miscalculation of the COVID19 mortality rate.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

G: The Miseducation of Larry P by Radiolab

Lisa Medina

What do you do?

University administrator

Why do you do what you do? 

Support my family and remove barriers for students seeking higher education

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across 

In order to be an ally and anti-racist, I must confront my own biases.

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation 

Counting Descent by Clint Smith https://www.clintsmithiii.com/

Catherine Stewart Willis

What do you do?

Wealth Management Strategy, Bank of America/Merrill Lynch

Why do you do what you do?

Enjoy learning, building my skill set, and working in a role where I have strategic impact. Also, I work to pay off my grad student loans.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. – Henry Ford

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Educated by Tara Westover

Aashna Jain

What do you do?

Business Analyst

Why do you do what you do?

I love being able to get deep into data problems and figure out why we’re seeing the numbers that we are. I also get to be a part of the business and technical teams so I love being able to get a whole picture of the company. I’m not sure if this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, but I’m learning a lot right now and I’m enjoying it.

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

Given the state of unrest and injustice happening in our country, I’ve been reading and trying to educate myself on the history of black lives in the US. During my self-education I came across this James Baldwin quote “I imagine one of the reasons people cling to their hates so stubbornly is because they sense, once hate is gone, they will be forced to deal with pain.”

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Educated – Tara Westover

James Hutcheson

What do you do?

Navy things

Why do you do what you do?

To help people

Recent thought, epiphany or profound concept you’ve come across

“acta non verba” – deeds not words

Book, Article, blog or Podcast Episode Recommendation

Put on a good set of headphones and listen to time by Hans zimmer

css.php