Want to excel at work and life? Harness The ‘Yes, And’ Mindset
Think about how many times others try to force us into an “either/or” category. Do you like cats or dogs? Would you rather see a Marvel or DC movie? What’s better – East Coast vs. West Coast rap? Prefer to drive a traditional car or an electric vehicle?
But in a world that often asks us to choose between work and play, I’m particularly impressed by a group of people I like to call the “Yes, Ands.” These individuals excel at their day jobs while crushing their personal passions, reporting that having a fulfilling side hustle helps them succeed in their profession and vice versa.
I spoke to three “Yes, Ands” recently – Chief Procurement Officer Harry Sinclair who races cars, Chartered Professional in Human Resources and current World Bench Press Champion Shauna Hammer, and PR Firm President and movie critic Stephen Michael Brown. Check out their stories and practical advice for pushing beyond one’s limits in the workplace and the world beyond it.
Racing Through Life with Passion and Precision
As the Chief Procurement Officer for National DCP, the $3B supply chain management company serving Dunkin’ franchisees, Harry Sinclair is used to navigating unexpected challenges in global commodities and strategic procurement initiatives. His life-long love for circuit racing, primarily with classic cars over endurance racing events that range from 7 to 14 hours, has honed Sinclair’s ability to pivot and adapt to constantly changing circumstances.
Car racing is woven into his DNA. Sinclair’s grandfather was part of the legendary 1930s Bentley Boys group in England, and his father also shared the thrill of the track. By the time Sinclair spotted his grandmother’s exhaust falling off a car at just four years old, his destiny as a self-described “petrolhead” was clear. He competed extensively during the early part of his career, and at one-point contemplated driving professionally.
Sinclair sees a direct correlation between racing and success in his professional life. “Endurance racing itself is an exercise in patience, strategy, and collaboration,” he explains. “Racing has taught me teamwork, calmness under pressure and how to get the best out of everybody on the team.”
While racing continues to be a passion, Sinclair says that family and work come first. He aims to participate in one race every quarter as part of a four-man endurance racing team. Doing so is great for his well-being. “Racing is a source of camaraderie, stress release and a way to live fully in the moment,” he says.
Heavy Lifting – At Work and the Gym
As a People & Culture Advisor at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, Shauna Hammer, CPHR supports recruitment, performance development, onboarding, and employee benefits for a dynamic team that trains professionals in the justice, public safety and social services fields. Outside of that role, she answers to a different title – World Champion.
Hammer earned a gold medal at the 2024 World Bench Press Championships in Texas and represented Team Canada in international competitions. She competes in both equipped and classic streams, with her best bench presses at 83 kg (equipped) and 67.5 kg (classic). It’s an amazing journey for someone who started powerlifting just eight years ago.
Her leap from cautious fitness enthusiast to world champion powerlifter started at a CrossFit gym in Saskatchewan, where she asked the gym owner to coach her for a competition. The self-described late bloomer started competing in the Master’s Division and quickly ascended to the world stage.
Powerlifting, Shauna says, is about much more than physical strength. “It’s taught me to break big goals into manageable steps,” she shares. That mindset has transformed her professional life, helping her tackle challenges with confidence and composure. “When you’ve stood in front of judges, an audience, and your own doubts, you learn how to manage pressure in any setting.”
Inspired by her fitness transformation, Hammer became certified in leadership and health coaching. She focuses on nutrition coaching on the side, helping clients bridge gaps between fitness efforts and overall health.
“The idea that you’re not stuck where you are, and that small, incremental steps lead to big results, was life-changing for me,” notes Hammer. “I wanted to help others do the same.”
Capturing Silver Screen Magic
Stephen Michael Brown is an avid storyteller. You see that in his award-winning career in public relations, where he works with some of the world’s biggest brands as the President of Cookerly PR. It is also present in Brown’s side hustle as a popular film critic at Silver Screen Capture. That talent for imagination and creativity, which fuels both efforts, was first harnessed during his childhood love of cinema.
Brown grew up in Greenville, South Carolina working in movie theaters and video stores. Taking on roles from concessionaire and projectionist to curating promotional displays built his understanding of how movies connected with audiences.
He began writing movie reviews in high school starting with Dead Poets Society and by college, was faxing reviews to publications and writing for various outlets. Brown’s journey merged with PR work when he adapted his reviews for video store promotions. Silver Screen Capture was formed over a decade ago, after Brown’s sister-in-law compiled his Facebook movie reviews into a blog.
“I’ve always loved how movies transport us,” Brown shares. “But what I didn’t expect was how much reviewing films would spark my creativity at work. When I go into brainstorms, I’m nearly always putting things in the context of the way film narratives flow.”
From pop-culture references in PR campaigns to the discipline of framing compelling brand stories, Stephen’s dual roles constantly support each other. Reviewing movies helps inspire creativity, keeps him in touch with cultural trends and has helped Brown build a supportive community with fellow journalists and creatives.
“Your passions will make you more creative and relevant in your day job, adding depth to both your professional and personal life,” he adds.
Unleash Your Inner “Yes, And”
Have a hobby that brings you joy, but don’t make time for because of work? Worried that your current job isn’t delivering enough fulfillment, but switching roles isn’t the answer? It might be time to explore your inner “Yes, And,” pursuing what you love as a way to enrich your perspective, strengthen your resilience, and fuel your drive at work. Here are six ways to start pursuing your passions and side hustles:
1. Start Small, but Start Now
Hammer’s journey into powerlifting began with a simple, brave question to her CrossFit gym owner: “Can you help me?” Whether it’s asking for advice, signing up for a class, or dedicating an hour a week to your passion, the first step doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be taken. Don’t wait for the perfect time; start where you are.
2. Find Your Community
Passions thrive when shared. Sinclair found camaraderie on the racetrack, Brown built friendships with fellow film critics, and Hammer leaned on her gym community for support. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your interests. Join a club, attend meetups, or engage in online communities that inspire and encourage you.
3. Balance Passion with Purpose
Pursuing a side hustle or passion doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities. Sinclair advises keeping your priorities straight—know when to pivot if your passion starts to consume you. Set clear boundaries and manage your time effectively to ensure both your work and your side hustle get the attention they deserve.
4. Leverage Your Day Job
Your profession and passion can often fuel each other. Brown found inspiration for award-winning PR campaigns through his love of movies, while Hammer’s confidence from powerlifting made her a more effective HR advisor. Look for ways your passion can enhance your career, and vice versa. Skills, creativity, and networks often overlap in surprising ways.
5. Learn from Mentors and Peers
Hammer’s progress was accelerated by mentors who guided her through the complexities of coaching and competition. Seek out people who’ve walked the path you’re considering. Their insights can save you time, help you avoid pitfalls, and boost your confidence. And don’t underestimate the power of learning from peers—you’ll grow faster together.
6. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
As Hammer puts it, breaking big goals into smaller, manageable steps is the key to progress. Instead of obsessing over the end result, find joy in the journey. Sinclair reminds us to embrace the “living in the moment” feeling that passions bring, while Brown highlights how even failures can spark imagination and growth.
What are you passionate about outside of work, and how does that interest help you excel in your job? How are you living as a “Yes, And” today?