Episodes
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With our busy lives, itâs sometimes hard to find the time, or the energy to act on the big issues that are facing our world.
Climate Change has been described as a Global Emergency for years. The news stories of flooding, wildfires, and famine can either make us want to hide under the duvet or do anything we can to help. But, it can feel hard to know where to start, and also how we can care, how we can be âpassionateâ about it, without allowing the devastation and crises to affect our daily lives.
Jeff Curtes (he/him), a VP at Auer Steel and Heating Supply Company, began his career as a professional snowboarding photographer. He spent years knee-deep in snow, jumping out of helicopters, and taking incredible shots of athletes pushing themselves to their limits. As he became a parent, he began to pay more attention to the legacy that weâre leaving for the next generation. Heâs now a passionate advocate in the fight against climate change.
In this episode, youâll hear Jeff and Laura talk about:
How we can âfind the yesâ and the fun in our passionsHow Jeff stays optimistic and curious with the fight against climate changeWhy Jeff believes in âOne Moreâ and also âOne Lessâ.Tune in to hear Jeffâs inspiring journey and discover practical ways to stay motivated and positive while making a difference.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching, and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers.
Want to go deeper? Here are a few handy links:
Get Jeff's beautiful book, Chasing Epic here.
Get to know Jeff's company, Auer Steel.
Get monthly tips on how to pursue your passions here.Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Discovering and pursuing our passions can sometimes take work, and that can hold us back from starting what could be a life changing experience. After a long day, it can be hard to pick up the hobby weâve been meaning to get to or work on our business idea.
In this episode, Val Stones shares her story with our host, Laura Best, and talks about how as a grandparent and semi-retired headteacher, she participated in the Great British Bake Offâthe hugely successful TV show that pulled in up to 15 million viewers per episode during her season!
In this Chat, youâll hear Val talk about:
her lifelong passion for bakinghow she approached the heavy workload involved in being part of one of the worldâs most popular TV showsher working relationship with Paul Hollywood (!)her philosophy on why we should always choose the more challenging path in life.So, cut yourself a slice of cake, pour a cup of tea and enjoy the conversation!
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are discovering and pursuing their passions in work and life. We offer courses, coaching and Passion Perks - a unique rewards program for Passion Seekers.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter âThe Passion Seekerâ at www.passioncollective.co
Buy Vals' book, "The Cake Whisperer" at: https://valstones.com/
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Missing episodes?
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Is your âcomfort zoneâ holding you back from doing more of the things you love?
In this episode, Kristi Jacobson shares how, as a 42 year old finance leader and mother of two, she decided to â literally â take the plunge and rediscover her childhood love of waterskiing.
Now, Kristi didnât just âdip her toe inâ, she joined a water ski TEAM â yep, one of those acrobatic, pyramid skiing teams!
Host Laura Best talks with Kristi about her motivations, including how Kristiâs remembrance for a beloved family member inspired her to act, and what sheâs learned along the way.
If, like Laura, you canât dream of how standing on someoneâs shoulders in spandex while speeding through freezing cold lake water, in front of hundreds of people, could ever be fun (!), youâve got to listen to the pure joy that Kristi shares, as she tells us about why this passion means so much to her. Trust us, it will warm your heart.
And, even if youâre not a water skier, our hope is that this episode will inspire you to take a deep breath and try that âthingâ you have been putting off, for fear of discomfort in any form.
Learn more about Bald Eagle Waterski Shows at: www.baldeaglewaterskishows.net, and Tradition Capital Bank at: www.tradition.bank
And, while youâre exploring, check out Passion Collective too! Find us at: https://www.passioncollective.co/
Thank you to our sponsor, Coverhound, for their support!
Learn more about how Coverhound prepares you for lifeâs unexpected events at www.coverhound.comPassion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Have you ever felt the burning passion of an idea, yet hesitated to bring it to life? Do the fears of judgment and uncertainty about where to take your dream hold you back?
In this episode, we unravel the emotional journey of Susie Cery, a former advertising powerhouse who dared to turn her adventurous dreams into reality.
Join Passion Collective Founder Laura Best as she chats with Susie about the highs and lows of her journey, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to backpacking through SE Asia with her 1 year old son, Alfred, and the creation of a second travel business during Covid.
In this episode, youâll hear Susieâs advice on pursuing passion projects, the true meaning of community, and her perspective on the rewards of stepping outside the corporate comfort zone.
Join us for a conversation that will encourage and reassure all of the dreamers out there!
Thank you to our sponsor, Coverhound, for their support!
Learn more about how Coverhound prepares you for lifeâs unexpected events at www.coverhound.comTo learn more about Susie's businesses, visit: www.familyhomeswaps.com and
www.ourtribetravels.comPassion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
What do you do when life gets hard? When circumstances, outside of your control, kick you off your path, or hurt you or those you love? Do you rise or do you fall?
Join host, Laura Best, we explore the essence of âresilienceâ with Caitlin Saenz, Chief Operating Officer at Coverhound, whose passion is helping people and businesses protect themselves, so they can thrive.
In this episode, youâll hear how trauma in Caitlinâs early years helped forge her sense of purpose, and how she built strength and determination to build a life where she could not only survive, but rise.
Join us for a conversation that will remind you of your strength, and the power you have to help others!
Learn more about how Coverhound prepares you for lifeâs unexpected events at www.coverhound.com
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Have you ever held back on sharing a passion that lights up your soul? Felt apprehensive about unveiling a side of yourself that doesn't neatly fit into your professional identity?
Join us in this episode as we explore the transformative journey of Kate McRoberts, a CEO, and a powerhouse in her own right.Discover how Kate, the (mostly) fearless leader of Fathom Consulting, embraced her love for singing and took center stage with a local "Dad Band." She not only conquered her fears but also learned to apply the same courage in her professional and personal life.
Listen now and be inspired to step into your own spotlight!
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
When was the last time you experienced a life-changing performance, one that moved you, in your soul?
Jennifer Weir, Executive Director at TaikoArts Midwest and documentary producer, is on a mission to redefine history through the power of Taiko drumming.In this latest Passion Chats episode, discover how she broke through traditional barriers to create a groundbreaking concert featuring the world's finest female Taiko drummers.
Despite facing a global pandemic, Jen's unwavering determination, coupled with her incredible Taiko community and Hollywood directors, brought her vision to life.
Join host Laura Best as they delve into Jen's vision of equity and her remarkable journey producing the Oscar-contending documentary "Finding Her Beat."Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Are you looking for ways to face your fears, even the ones that others might think are crazy?!
Join host Laura Best as she chats with stand-up comedian and Anishinaabe woman, Trish Cook, in this episode of Passion Chats.Trish shares her passion for using laughter as a medicine, and improving Native American representation in both comedy and media as a whole. She shares her beliefs surrounding the importance of turning pain into laughter, and how we can use our voice to overcome life's challenges.
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
What does âfeeling fierceâ feel like to you?
Donât miss this episode of Passion Chats featuring Teresa Sande, veteran corporate HR/talent leader and imposter syndrome expert as she shares the moments when she has felt âfierceâ in her work and life.Listen as she and Passion Chats host, Laura Best, chat about how we can overcome the fear of taking ownership of our life (itâs not as scary as it sounds, trust us!)
Teresa also shares why she's passionate about equity in the workplace, healthy corporate cultures, and ensuring people are valued and rewarded for their contributions.You'll also get advice straight from Teresa's best selling book, "Find Your Fierce: Interrupt Imposter Syndrome and Own Your Success."
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Join host Laura Best as she chats with Lindsay Davis, an award-winning entrepreneur, coach and speaker. Lindsay, originally from South Africa, experienced a life-altering moment when she realized that trying to "have it all" was unsustainable. This prompted her to redefine success and help others find a balance between building businesses and everyday life.
Lindsay shares her personal journey, including how the word "no" changed her path and her belief in the transformative power of reclaiming control over our time. Listen in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and finding fulfillment in life.Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Join host Laura Best, founder of Passion Collective, as she chats with Astrid Benedetto, Assistant Vice President and DEI Segment Manager at US Bank.
Astrid's career journey is filled with resilience and self-discovery. You'll hear Astrid share how she transformed the pain of her layoff into an opportunity to rediscover her purpose, and how she used courage and empathy to create a new path forward in the world of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
In this episode Laura Best chats with Jamie Taets, Chief Vision Officer and founder of Keystone Group International. Discover Jamie's unwavering passion for making an impact, her transformative word for 2023 and the lessons she learned while hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
In this episode, Laura chats with Mecca Bos, the visionary journalist and chef, who recently founded the BIPOC Foodways Alliance. Hear Mecca share her story, including how her love of food and cooking began, her experience as a black female chef, and her mission to fight against white supremacy.
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
Laura Best chats with Jen Swanson, CEO and Principal Advisor at TuckPoint Advisory Group, an expert in digital transformation and passionate about getting people and companies unstuck. They discuss Jen's optimism, her perspective on creativity, her lesson from launching her business and her advice for those who want to "go big" in their lives.
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co -
On this episode, Laura Best chats with Kassie Hilgert, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, one of the largest arts and culture nonprofits in Pennsylvania. ArtsQuest provides access to exceptional artistic, cultural, and educational experiences, using arts and culture to boost economic development for urban communities to the tune of more than 136 million bucks annually. You'll hear Kassie share her story of overcoming being discouraged from her passion as a teen, how she built and left her corporate career, her belief in vulnerability and authenticity as a leader, and how her passion has grown and shaped over the years.
Passion Collective is a global community of people who are pursuing their passions.
Discover more inspiration at www.passioncollective.co
