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SummaryGrowing up in India, Kamlika Chandla never considered the possibility that art could be both a passion and her career. After moving to America, her perspective changed as she found the courage to shift away from the corporate world to a life of creativity and creation.GuestKamlika ChandlaHighlightsWhen she was growing up in India, Kamlika never harbored a desire to move west, but on a visit to Chicago she met the man she would marry and decided to give America a chance.Kamlika studied psychology and worked in the corporate world in leadership training and organization development before deciding to follow her passion for art. Moving to America opened Kamlika’s eyes to possibilities and the freedom to choose her own path, so she took the plunge to pursue a career as an artist.Today she is grateful for the opportunity to share a part of herself through her art, fostering connection with those around her.

SummaryGrowing up, Ashley Krohn never considered a career as a librarian, but the more she explored the world the more she realized her passion was to educate and inspire others. Now, as a school librarian, Ashley helps young people explore the universe to find their place in the world..GuestAshley KrohnHighlightsAfter college, Ashley Krohn spent time traveling the world, which helped her discover her passion for education and helping kids explore.She sees libraries as a key resource to inspire kids while also helping them break out of their echo chambers to see other perspectives.Rather than asking kids what careers interest them, Ashley asks kids what problems they want to solve, or what role they want to play in the community. Ashley’s personal experiences with depression and anxiety have compelled her to speak out about the need for better mental health access in the United States.

SummaryNearly two decades ago, Amy Berman read an article that changed her life. A story about child abuse and HIV in Africa prompted her to start the Mother Bear Project. Today she has distributed nearly 200,000 handmade bears to kids in emerging nations affected by HIV/AIDS.GuestAmy BermanHighlightsAmy grew up wanting to write children’s books and she went to journalism school before she was inspired to go another direction.An article about child abuse and the ravages of HIV/AIDS in Africa prompted Amy to find some way to help. Amy’s non-profit, the Mother Bear Project, has distributed nearly 200,000 handmade bears to kids in developing countries impacted by HIV/AIDS.A core principle of Amy’s effort is that the distribution of bears is unconditional, she wants the children to simply feel they are loved.

SummaryFor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, science is a way to open doors to the future. As a physicist and Vice Chancellor at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, Prof. Vilikazi is working to enhance our understanding of the universe and create a better future.GuestZeblon VilakaziHighlightsProfessor Vilakazi started out studying mechanical engineering but quickly transferred to physics, where he was more inspired by the potential for discovery.For Prof. Vilakazi, recent images from the James Webb telescope are a concrete example of the triumph of human ingenuity and our ability to solve complex problems.As Climate Change impacts the world, Prof. Vilakazi says we are challenged to make choices and changes to adapt and protect the future.  While our window on earth may be small, Prof. Vilakazi says we need to think beyond our own horizons to make the world a better place for generations to come.

SummaryAs a singer/songwriter, Jeremy Messersmith has taken a winding road to success. From working in tech support, to performing in coffee shops, to becoming a nationally acclaimed recording artist, Jeremy has forged his own path by being open to possibilities. GuestJeremy MessersmithHighlightsJeremy started out as a self described “nerd” doing tech support, and he says that computer interest still comes in handy as a musician.After moving to Minnesota to study music, his dreams of playing lead guitar in a rock band gave way to an interest in songwriting.In 2017, Jeremy did a form of open source music making by releasing an album as a songbook, encouraging others to sing and record the songs themselves.When he needs an artistic spark, Jeremy turns to boredom, cutting himself off from the world to force his mind to tap into creative ideas.

SummaryAs a TV and radio producer and a podcast host, Lindsay Guentzel is used to telling other people’s stories. But recently, after her diagnosis with ADHD, she’s been coming to terms with her own story, her own potential, and how she can make a difference in the world.GuestLindsay GuentzelHighlightsLindsay was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has been working hard to understand the impact it has had and how to manage it going forward.Growing up in a small town in Minnesota, Lindsay says she saw the benefits and problems of living in a secluded community. As a college dropout, Lindsay has struggled with confidence as she’s worked to build her career, but she’s finally starting to understand what she brings to the table.Her podcast, Refocused with Lindsay Guentzel, brings new voices and perspectives to help people understand the world of ADHD.

SummaryFor Amy Spurling, the future of work is all about people. As CEO of Compt, Amy is helping companies reimagine the way they take care of their employees to create a more inclusive, more productive, happier workplace.GuestAmy SpurlingHighlightsWhile workplaces have evolved, Amy says worker benefits have not evolved to meet the needs of all employees.After some time teaching English in Italy, Amy returned to the US to pursue marketing. She soon realized her passion was numbers and analytics.Through her work managing HR in various companies she learned the vital importance of People Ops, and the need for companies to manage people better.Amy sees opportunities for companies to embrace new work and social dynamics to strengthen teams and tap the vast potential of employees.

SummaryWhether he’s bringing new life to great compositions, or he’s helping an audience connect with the music in a meaningful way, orchestra conductor Lee Mills finds joy in creating moments of beauty.GuestLee MillsHighlightsGrowing up in a small town in Montana, Lee Mills never imagined a career in music until he went to college, where an advisor opened his eyes to the possibilities.While he liked playing instruments, Lee didn’t love the hours of isolated practice time. When he tried conducting he discovered his true passion.Lee also studied physics in college, and he says there are a lot of similarities between the scientific world and the musical world.There is a great deal of competitive pressure in the conducting world, but Lee says when he is able to be part of a beautiful moment on stage, he realizes he’s doing something that makes a difference.

SummaryAs a husband, father, and the founder of software boutique, OmbuLabs, Ernesto Tagwerker has many demands on his time. Fortunately, his experiences growing up in Buenos Aires, traveling, and starting his own businesses have taught him to value his time and to use it wisely.GuestErnesto TagwerkerHighlightsErnesto Tagwerker grew up in Buenos Aires in a time before the internet, with limited access to computers. Still, he felt an early spark to pursue computer programming as a career.Soon after college Ernesto started an agency with some college friends, building on an entrepreneurial drive that continues today.Ernesto’s parents taught him the value of time and an understanding that you need to be protective of your time so you can focus on what’s most important.As his studio, OmbuLabs, has grown, he has tried to loosen his grip on the work to concentrate on team culture, helping people thrive, and spending more time with his family.

SummaryFor Tolu Adeleye, opportunity is a gift to be nurtured and shared, and sports are a way to even the playing field for kids around the world. That’s why he co-founded AJ Tennis Academy International, using tennis to help kids in emerging economies achieve their potential. GuestTolu AdeleyeHighlightsWhile he was born in the U.S., Tolu Adeleye grew up in Nigeria. At the age of 15 he was given the choice to stay with his family or to move back to the U.S. and support himself. He chose to set out on his own.He co-founded the AJ Tennis Academy International with a goal to build a world class tennis academy in an emerging country, providing new opportunities for kids.A car accident a few years ago left Tolu with a significant brain injury from which he is still recovering, but he is still traveling and working toward his dream for the Academy.He is driven everyday by the idea that opportunity is all about inspiration and opening people’s eyes to their own potential.

SummaryJeff Eaton has always been driven to find order in the complex, whether he was teaching himself programming skills or re-evaluating his relationship with faith and religion. Now, as Partner at Autogram, he’s helping large companies make sense of their digital worlds. GuestJeff EatonHighlightsAs a kid, Jeff Eaton got interested in programming as a way to solve problems using Hypercard on his family’s Mac computer.After high school, Jeff intended to go to college to study “new media” but a summer job at a marketing agency turned into a longer term job, and Jeff realized he was already doing the things he meant to study.A growing passion for open source and Drupal led Jeff to Lullabot, where he got to dive deeper into content strategy.On the side, Jeff co-hosts a podcast called Christian Rightcast, looking at the history and context of the Christian Right in America

SummaryEven as a kid, Sven Sundgaard was driven by curiosity. He noticed snow levels were declining in Minnesota and he wondered why. His curiosity led him to become a meteorologist and to dedicate himself to educating people about the need to live in harmony with the planet.GuestSven SundgaardHighlightsSven Sundgaard grew up ski jumping, which made him pay attention to the weather and declining snow levels.He learned to be curious about the world around him from his father, and his curiosity drove him to pursue science and meteorology. As a broadcaster, Sven works to help people better understand weather and climate and what it means to live sustainably. Sven believes if we understand our connection to the planet, humans will still make the right decisions for a better future.

SummaryFor Lindsi Gish, the key to success is unlocking potential. Whether it’s creating moments of joy with her son, or helping shine light on the work of a non-profit through her agency, gish&co., Lindsi is focused on doing her part to make a difference in the world every day.   Guest Lindsi Gish, Owner of gish&co.HighlightsDue to the massive expense of In Vitro Fertilization in the United States, Lindsi and her husband traveled to Barbados for IVF to conceive their baby boy, spending a month at a beach front VRBO getting treatments.In stressful times, Lindsi tries to focus on what she can control, such as working to bring a moment of joy to her son every day.She credits her success to teachers and bosses who saw talent in her and trusted her to rise to challenges, and she tries to do the same for others. She founded gish&co. to use her talents to assist organizations that are doing good in the world, to help them accomplish their goals.

SummaryLong before he co-founded his executive search firm, Ballinger | Leafblad, Lars Leafblad had a passion for connection. From organizing a college alumni network to founding PollenMidwest, Lars has provided a guiding hand, bringing people together to make a difference in the world. GuestLars LeafbladHighlightsLars thought he wanted to be a doctor, but in college his passion for human connection guided him to a different path.A chance encounter with a panelist at an event opened his eyes to the world of executive search. He started a side-gig newsletter about job opportunities called the “Lars-O-Festo” that became so popular it evolved into a non-profit: PollenMidwest.Lars has been open about struggles with anxiety and alcoholism, hoping to help others find healthy paths through their own challenges.

SummaryFor Wil Reynolds, success in business is about more than numbers. He wants to make a lasting impact. Through his company, Seer Interactive, and his work in the community, he tries to lift others up and create a future that will be brighter for generations to come.  Guest Wil ReynoldsHighlightsAs a kid, Wil broke the family computer and then fixed it before anyone found out, fueling confidence and a lasting love of technology.Wil started out on track to be a teacher but he grew frustrated by the lack of innovation in the classroom. Data-driven work appeals to Wil, because it puts people on an equal playing field to prove the value of their work.As Seer has grown, Wil has focused on leaving a lasting legacy of impact on his team and on the surrounding community.