Episode 629 – Sherri Collins

Sherri is a Nonprofit Executive & Performing Arts Fan

Sherri Collins, the Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer at Make-A-Wish Michigan, talks with John Garrett about her passion for the performing arts. Inspired by her mother, Sherri's love for musicals, orchestras, and dance performances began at a young age when she first saw Annie. She discusses how these experiences foster human connection, transcend language and cultural barriers, and enhance creativity. Sherri also emphasizes the importance of pausing and being in the moment, and how these lessons translate into her work at Make-A-Wish Michigan. Additionally, she highlights a recent wish story about a boy wanting a saxophone, showcasing the power of community and emotional support. Sherri encourages listeners to share their interests and passions to create a sense of belonging and genuine connections both at work and in the broader community.

Episode Highlights

· Shared experiences like live performances create unique, bonding moments that connect people on a deeper level.
· Involvement in performing arts enriches emotional and communal experiences, which can be translated into the workplace for a more connected team.
· The passion and commitment observed in performing arts can be inspiring and enhancing for professional work environments, fostering creativity and dedication.
· Engaging in hobbies like performing arts allows for essential mental breaks from work, helping maintain overall well-being and productivity.
· Sharing personal passions and interests in the workplace can foster a sense of belonging and deeper connections among employees, creating a more inclusive and supportive culture.

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Podcast Transcript

Sherri Collins [00:00:05]:
Hi. This is Sherri. And when I’m not experiencing a live performance at the theater, I’m listening to John Garrett, What’s Your “And”?.

John Garrett [00:00:11]:
Welcome to episode 629 of What’s Your “And”?. This is John Garrett and each Wednesday, I interview a professional who, just like me, is known for a hobby or a passion or an interest outside of work. And to put it another way, it’s encouraging people to find their “And.” Those things above and beyond your technical skills are things that actually differentiate you when you’re at work. It’s the answer to the question of who else are you beyond the job title? If you like what the show is about, be sure to check out the award-winning book. It’s on Amazon, Indigo, Barnes and Noble bookshop, a few other websites.

John Garrett [00:00:47]:
All the links are at www.WhatsYourAnd.com. The book goes more in-depth with the research behind why these outside-of-work passions are so crucial to your corporate culture, and I can’t say how much it means that everyone’s reading it and writing such nice reviews on Amazon. Thank you so much for those, and more importantly changing the cultures where they work because of it. And if you want me to read it to you, that’s right. This voice reading the book. Look for What’s Your “And”? on Audible or wherever you get your audiobooks. And please don’t forget to hit subscribe to the podcast. You don’t miss any of the future episodes.

John Garrett [00:01:15]:
I love sharing such interesting stories each and every week and this week is no different with my guest Sherri Collins. She’s the Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer at Make-A-Wish Michigan and now she’s with me here today. Sherri, thanks so much for taking time to be with me on What’s Your “And”?

Sherri Collins [00:01:31]:
Thanks for having me, John. Glad to be here.

John Garrett [00:01:33]:
This is gonna be so much fun. This is also one of my ands, so this is gonna be great. But I have 17 rapid fire questions. Get to know Sherri out of the gate here. So, you got your seat belt on. You’re buckled in. Ready to roll.

Sherri Collins [00:01:44]:
I think I’m ready. Let’s go.

John Garrett [00:01:46]:
Okay. Here we go. I’ll start you easy, I think. Your computer, PC or a Mac?

Sherri Collins [00:01:51]:
Mac all the way. Only a Mac.

John Garrett [00:01:53]:
Oh, fancy. Okay. Alright. Alright. There you go. How about do you have a favorite day of the week?

Sherri Collins [00:01:58]:
I have to say Friday.

John Garrett [00:02:00]:
Friday. Okay.

Sherri Collins [00:02:00]:
Yeah. It’s a good day to I usually get a lot caught up a lot at work, but then you also have the whole weekend to look forward to, so it’s a win on both sides.

John Garrett [00:02:08]:
There you go. Yeah. You don’t wanna get too greedy and make it a weekend. It’s like, alright. No. No. The weekend’s still there. So I like it.

John Garrett [00:02:14]:
Okay. How about pens or pencils?

Sherri Collins [00:02:17]:
I’d say pens, and specifically, like, specialties had sort of markers and that sort of thing. I love, you know, every color, you know, just those specialty pens that are a little unique, not just the plain, you know, black or blue.

John Garrett [00:02:29]:
Right. Yeah. Okay. Alright. Nice. Well, this will be a fun one then. Do you have a favorite color?

Sherri Collins [00:02:34]:
I’d say red.

John Garrett [00:02:36]:
Red. Okay. Alright. Yeah. Just marking stuff up. I see.

Sherri Collins [00:02:41]:
Yeah. The editor in me still comes out. Right.

John Garrett [00:02:44]:
Right. Yeah. How about a least favorite color?

Sherri Collins [00:02:47]:
Maybe gray, especially that matte gray that you see on cars a lot now. I’m not a big fan.

John Garrett [00:02:52]:
Matte anything on cars is so weird to me. But, yeah, but the gray, especially, it’s like, are they not done? Like, did they forget to put the color? Like, it’s like primer. It’s like just such a weird thing. How about ice cream go in a cup or in a cone?

Sherri Collins [00:03:07]:
Cone. Waffle cone to be exact.

John Garrett [00:03:09]:
Oh, okay. Upgrade. I like this. Okay. I like it. Alright. Are we are you more of an early bird or a night owl?

Sherri Collins [00:03:16]:
You know, I’m kind of more of that middle of the day type person. Not too early, not too late.

John Garrett [00:03:21]:
Okay. Alright.

Sherri Collins [00:03:22]:
Do Do you

John Garrett [00:03:23]:
have a favorite

Sherri Collins [00:03:24]:
number? I’d have to say, probably 8.

John Garrett [00:03:27]:
8? Is there a reason?

Sherri Collins [00:03:28]:
Yeah. It’s it’s one of those numbers that’s kinda has some special meaning in my life. I my wedding anniversary is 8 8, you know, August 8th and, you know, just had some special things happening in my life. I went to Europe for the first time and celebrated my 8th birthday there. So and it’s also kind of a a number that sort of represents sort of new beginnings. So so I I just like that number.

John Garrett [00:03:48]:
I love it. That’s awesome. Yeah. Absolutely. How about a least favorite vegetable?

Sherri Collins [00:03:53]:
Oh, least favorite vegetable. Probably brussels sprouts.

John Garrett [00:03:58]:
Solid answer. That’s such a good answer. Oh, man. Yes. Absolutely. Like, they’re terrible tiny cabbages. And it’s like, what are you doing? How about more oceans or mountains?

Sherri Collins [00:04:09]:
That’s a tough one because I love them both, but I I if I had to pick, I’d probably say oceans.

John Garrett [00:04:13]:
Alright. Alright. How about when it comes to puzzles? Sudoku, crossword, jigsaw puzzle maybe, Wordle?

Sherri Collins [00:04:20]:
You know, I’d love to be good at crossword puzzles, but I’m not. So I’m really not into puzzles too much. I I if I had to pick up, I may say crosswords, but I’m not really good at them.

John Garrett [00:04:29]:
Yeah. I thought crossword was gonna be the totally the answer, but then, yeah, you tricked me up on that. Alright. Diamonds or pearls?

Sherri Collins [00:04:37]:
Probably diamonds.

John Garrett [00:04:38]:
Okay. Alright. Alright. How about a favorite actor or an actress?

Sherri Collins [00:04:42]:
I love Denzel Washington. So anything that he’s in, it’s, you know, solid. So I’d have to go with Denzel.

John Garrett [00:04:48]:
Oh, yeah. Solid answer. Absolutely. How about rain or snow?

Sherri Collins [00:04:52]:
Well, being in Michigan, we get our fair share of snow for sure, but probably rain. I think I I enjoy rain more because this, you know, it’s a nice time to just kinda take a nap or, you know, especially if I don’t have to be out in it, you know, if I can just sort of enjoy it from the inside and really fond memories of, like, sitting on the porch with my mother and, you know, light rain, storms, and that sort of thing. So, yeah, I I I’ll take rain.

John Garrett [00:05:15]:
There you go. Yeah. I’m a big fan of raining at night.

Sherri Collins [00:05:18]:
Exactly.

John Garrett [00:05:19]:
But that’s sitting with your grandma on the porch. That’s really cool. Oh, we got 2 more. Toilet paper roll. You go over or under?

Sherri Collins [00:05:26]:
Only over. I don’t understand the under people. It’s gotta be over.

John Garrett [00:05:32]:
Totally. And the last one, the favorite thing you have or the favorite thing you own?

Sherri Collins [00:05:36]:
Probably my wedding ring. I’ve been married for we celebrated 25 years last August. Congratulations. So just for what it represents, you know, just this is my I married my high school sweetheart, and we’ll be celebrating 26 years this coming, you know, summer. So it’s a special thing of more for what it represents than, you know, what it is.

John Garrett [00:05:55]:
Duh. That’s such a perfect answer. That’s so awesome. So awesome. So let’s talk performing arts and going and watching and how did you get started, I guess, getting into this side of things and, you know, going to watch, I guess, concerts and, you know, musicals and orchestra and all kinds of things?

Sherri Collins [00:06:12]:
Well, you know, it was my mother really instilled a love for the performing arts in me. You know, she took me to see Annie was my first musical, and I was probably around 8 years old. So there goes a number 8 again. And, you know, I just fell in love with it. And it’s kind of funny because it’s sort of become somewhat of a rite of passage in our family. So I have twin nieces who just turned 29 this year, but when they were 8, my husband and I took them to see Annie. And then when my daughter turned 8, it’s like a thing when you turn 8, you get to go see Annie. I don’t know if that’s sort of become a thing in our family.

Sherri Collins [00:06:43]:
But, yeah, I I just really fell in love with it from there just to, you know, to see these Yeah.

John Garrett [00:06:56]:
Yeah. And when especially when you’re a kid and you see kids up there, you know, it’s like, what? This is amazing, you know, and songs that you can sing along with and all that. And there’s an experience around it live. That’s different than watching the show on TV.

Sherri Collins [00:07:11]:
Yeah. And you know, the thing that always strikes me is that when you’re with an audience and and watching a performance together, it’s like that’s the only time you’ll be with that exact combination of people ever. And so you’re experiencing this really cool thing together, and it’s the only time that’ll happen with this exact combination of people. So it’s really special.

John Garrett [00:07:29]:
I love that observation. You’re so right. Because we’re all gonna just disperse and go on with our lives. And who knows how many other 8 year olds were in the audience that are on a podcast right now talking about it? Probably none.

Sherri Collins [00:07:41]:
You never know.

John Garrett [00:07:42]:
But that’s a cool experience that we all have together. That’s a deeper, richer thing that I would imagine I mean, you’re able to do at Make A Wish. You’re able to do at all these things where we have a collective of people coming together. That’s a once in a lifetime moment for all of us.

Sherri Collins [00:07:57]:
It definitely is.

John Garrett [00:07:59]:
And so do you have any favorite musicals that you’ve gone to see or ones that are your go tos?

Sherri Collins [00:08:05]:
I was thinking about that, and there’s so many that I I really like. You know, I’ve seen Les Mis and Rent and Aladdin and and Hamilton, of course. Everybody’s talking about Hamilton. I love that one. Probably my all time favorite would probably be Phantom of the Opera.

John Garrett [00:08:21]:
Oh, wow. Going classic.

Sherri Collins [00:08:23]:
Yeah. Because I, you know, I played so from, like, 3rd grade through college, I played the flute. And so we played, Phantom of the Opera and, you know, some of the music from that. And so when I then got to see the musical and I just love the music. It’s just classic. So I was able to see that in Toronto with my mom, and that was pretty cool.

John Garrett [00:08:42]:
That’s great. And, I mean, that’s a classic and, I mean, it’s really good for a reason. And, yeah, the music is unbelievable. I tend to prefer musicals. I don’t know if they just keep me more engaged or whatever it is than a play, I guess. I mean, plays are still good. It’s just I for some reason, my squirrel brain prefers, you know, the music and going along with that type of a thing. But, I mean, you’re into all performing arts, which is awesome.

John Garrett [00:09:05]:
I mean, what are some of the other things beyond the musicals that you also enjoy?

Sherri Collins [00:09:10]:
Yeah. I I really am. I enjoy it all, and it it depends on kinda what type of mood I’m in, but I definitely enjoy going to see the orchestra. So my husband and I usually try to see maybe about 5 or 6 performances a year going to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and, you know, I tend to skew more classical. They do quite a few different types of concerts, and some of them are more, you know, pops concerts or jazz related, but and I like those too, but I I tend to skew classical. So I love the DSO. I love, dance performances too. So whenever the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is in Detroit, I try to to go see them as well as, like, seeing The Nutcracker ballet during, you know, the holiday time.

Sherri Collins [00:09:51]:
So I even saw Xinyang. It’s a, classical Chinese, you know, dance and music. The costumes are amazing. The dance is amazing. So I really enjoy that. And the thing with, like, the orchestra and the dance is, you know, you don’t need words. So that really connects people in a different way. It’s like you can experience this thing and have this emotional connection, and it it transcends, you know, language and culture and all those things that sometimes can be barriers for us.

John Garrett [00:10:20]:
That’s really a great observation as well. And do you feel like being a fan and going to these things, any of this translates over to work at all?

Sherri Collins [00:10:30]:
When I think of the the connection and people just connecting and some of the the common themes that you see in these, you know, different story lines, whether it’s love or passion or unrealized dreams or grief and, you know, there there are things that we can all relate to. And so I think just being able to bring that sorta common shared experience into the workplace, as well as just thinking about the passion that these performers have, the the passion and commitment to what they do. And so, you know, working for Make A Wish and being able to grant wishes to children, you know, we have such a amazingly talented and passionate and dedicated team who really, you know, show up every day for our wish kids and families. So I really see that connection there.

John Garrett [00:11:14]:
And did you ever come across other people that are big fans of, you know, performing arts or maybe even some of the kids that’s their wish type of a thing?

Sherri Collins [00:11:23]:
We just recently had a wish kid who, wanted a a saxophone. He had missed a lot of his senior year because, you know, he was diagnosed with a critical illness and he wasn’t able he was using the school’s saxophone and he wasn’t able to be at school, and so he just wanted a saxophone and wanted to be able to play with his band. And we were able to, you know, work with a local music company and got this amazing saxophone for him and just appreciate that it’s sort of that intangible thing. Right? That, obviously, the saxophone is tangible, but just that feeling of connection with other students and and playing music together and, you know, so we kinda surprised him and and granted his wish for a saxophone. He got to play with his band. He’s, like, oh, I just missed this this so much because he had missed out on

John Garrett [00:12:07]:
Yeah.

Sherri Collins [00:12:08]:
On so much from his senior year. But it’s again, like I said, the common theme for me is that connection and the things that connect us.

John Garrett [00:12:15]:
Yeah. Because, I mean, humans wanna be together. They wanna be connected. And we can be around each other. That’s great. But if you’re making music together or you’re making, you know, art together, dance together, whatever, I mean, man, that just takes things exponentially to a whole new level. It’s really special. And that’s awesome to hear, like, you know, moments like that, you know, because that matters so much.

John Garrett [00:12:37]:
I mean, we wanna be around each other.

Sherri Collins [00:12:39]:
It does. And it’s that kinda intangible thing. Right? It’s not something you can’t always put into words. It’s just that emotion and that feeling of that shared experience that you can’t really explain. And that that really ties into what a wish is, you know, because it is more than it was great that he got a saxophone, kids take trips, and that’s wonderful, but it’s also that community that comes together and that connection and that emotional support and that feeling of knowing that you’re not alone and that you’re in this together.

John Garrett [00:13:07]:
And then I would also imagine that, I mean, as, you know, diversity engagement officer, I mean, a lot of these things I find with clients I work with just shatter a lot of those barriers that we’ve put up or appear to be put up by society where it’s like, oh, you like musical? So do I. It doesn’t matter what, you know, resource group we’re a part of or what, you know, boxes we check on a application form are different or whatever. You know, we have similar, you know, interests, you know, on a human level, on a soul level even. And I I feel like that really brings people together and, you know, those divides become so small all of a sudden when we’re able to connect over our ands.

Sherri Collins [00:13:47]:
Absolutely. Absolutely. Because when you think about just being able to bring your whole self to work and that sense of belonging and as you connect with people on their ends, you know, you realize you’re more alike than you are different, that you have more things in common than you that you have things that aren’t in common. And so having these opportunities just have these discussions around things that interest me, things that have shaped who I am, things that I, you know, share with my children, it really can’t change the the conversation because you realize, like I said, that you have so much more in common than than you realize, and it’s that sort of shared experience and connection that that helps bring us closer together.

John Garrett [00:14:22]:
Absolutely. I mean, despite what the news and social media tries to tell us, we have 99% of the things are all we are all in common. It’s just cool to see when that spark happens when 2 people connect over their end. You know, these outside of work hobbies or passions or, you know, internally in the organization, but also at Make A Wish with, you know, the children that in the families that that you’re making a difference for. I mean, man, that’s just awesome, you know. Like, when you have a kid who wants a saxophone to play with his band, yeah, you better believe I’m gonna be there to watch that because I love that stuff, you know, type of thing, you know.

Sherri Collins [00:14:56]:
And with Wishes, we really have a great opportunity to just be creative around it, you know. So I think of just the creativity performing arts and and, like, one way he wanted to be a dinosaur. So he wanted to become a dinosaur and hatch out an egg and chase people and eat meat and do all these fun things, but then we get to, like, create this, you know, amazingly creative experience. So I think having performing arts as my end, it kinda helps me just be more creative in my job and and being able to help make these wishes come true.

John Garrett [00:15:24]:
Absolutely. It makes you better at your job straight up, you know. Like, I mean, and and at no point in your career progression or in college or anywhere did anyone tell you, you know, be a huge fan of performing arts because it’s gonna make you better at your job, but it does. You know? And everyone’s A and A does in some way.

Sherri Collins [00:15:41]:
Yeah. And I think the thing that I think about, especially with the performing arts, it makes me better because it also taps into that that need to just pause and just really be in the moment and really, you know, for that hour and a half, 2 hours, you’re focused on, you know, that musical or that play or that orchestra performance and not thinking of other things. And it just really is such an important lesson too because I think in our culture, we tend to just go who can be the busiest, who can work the hardest. But you need to have that time to pause. Somebody was talking about that just to me the other day of how you can lean into the pause and how important that is to just have that space to just be in the moment and not to let other things you know, you’re not worried about your let’s do list and all the other things that you have going on.

John Garrett [00:16:23]:
Yeah. That’s the thing is, you know, when you’re at work, sometimes you’re engaged, sometimes you’re not depending on the moment or the day or whatever. But, man, when you’re doing your and, you’re a 100% in on that. You’re not kinda in on it. You’re all in. And so that lights you up. And it’s so crucial that people have these things. Like, how important is it on the organization or on leadership to stress that to people all the way down through the organization that, you know, hey.

John Garrett [00:16:49]:
We care about you as a human. Like, are you living your best life? Are you do you have an and? Like, what is it? Are you doing it? You know, how important is that or is it on the person to just create the space, you’re an adult and you figure it out?

Sherri Collins [00:17:02]:
I think it is important and I think it’s really about, you know, honoring people for who they are, you know, and that they are more than, you know, their job title or the work that they do for that organization or company. When people are able to tap into their interests, you know, their full interest and their interest outside of work, then they are able to bring their whole selves to work as well. So I think that’s just it’s really vital. And, like I said, even from that mental health perspective, it’s like you have to have, you know, just a broader outlook on life and broader. You can’t just be 100% all about work all the time and not have that space to just be who you are and enjoy things outside of work. Because then you can when you show up for work, you’re more ready to do that.

John Garrett [00:17:42]:
I agree totally. And, you know, it’s just our default mode is not our best friend, I guess. Right. You know, default mode, like you said, is, you know, work more, like, work harder. You know, if you have free time, why are you doing it going to musicals? Why are you working more? Are you crazy? You know, it’s like, no, no, this makes me better. When I show up, I’m refreshed. I have a skill set. I have a different lens that I look at things through.

John Garrett [00:18:07]:
It’s just better for everybody here. And those things, they definitely matter. And is there anything that Make A Wish does to unlock that side of people or get them to share or find out what their end is versus what wishes they work on or anything like that? Or is it something that you guys have something specific?

Sherri Collins [00:18:25]:
Yeah. So at Make A Wish Michigan, we really are focused on, you know, people first and really focusing on, you know, the staff and what makes you unique and what things are important to you. So we have opportunities to have staff retreats or even just staff trainings where we are really tapping into, like, you know, what are some things that are unique about you? And then people think, oh, this is unique about me, and they find out that other people like some of those same things. So, our theme this year was really around kinda better together, and a lot of that was really looking at, you know, what things you bring to the table and how together that all makes us better. And so I think that’s so important to tap into that, and it’s not just the skill set, like, oh, I’m better because I have this skill set and you have that skill set. It’s really like, what do I bring to the table? What am I passionate about? What excites me? And being able to connect with people on such a different level, you know, it’s been really nice to have opportunities to get to know people because there are certain things you’ll find out, like, like, oh, I didn’t know that was your favorite TV show, or I didn’t know you like to do this or you like to run or you like to go to musicals. And you then you have a connection with somebody that in something you can talk about and relate to them on outside of just their day to day. Like, okay.

Sherri Collins [00:19:35]:
We got this meeting or I need this project done or I have a, you know, task that I need you to help me with. They just connect with somebody on a such a different level.

John Garrett [00:19:42]:
No. It’s like I know you. Like, I I I know what your job is and what your role is, but I actually know you. That genuine connection really matters, and it makes people more excited to work together. Absolutely. That’s so cool to hear. I mean, that’s such a simple example for people listening at organizations that they can do tomorrow. When I speak at conferences, I like to say, you know, we’re adults now.

John Garrett [00:20:06]:
There were show and tell when you were in kindergarten, and that was like stick figures and a rock that you picked up on the driveway on the way before you got on the bus or something weird. And now we’re adults. Like, we got real money. Like, I want show and tell now.

Sherri Collins [00:20:19]:
Right.

John Garrett [00:20:20]:
You know? And it’s like, man, that would be just amazing to see what matters to people when they talk about things. You know? And and that’s so great. So do do you have any words of encouragement to anyone listening that maybe they love performing arts as well or they whatever their hand is, they feel like, well, no one cares because it has nothing to do with my job.

Sherri Collins [00:20:39]:
I would encourage people to definitely share. You know, sometimes it it might mean being a little vulnerable, but, you know, sharing with others what you do, what you’re passionate about, what’s important to you. But people being willing to be vulnerable, that kinda increases that sense of belonging for others because you may find that there’s somebody else who really is into that same thing or wants to learn more about it. And so I I encourage people to just, you know, show up and show up with your full self and be willing to to share and open up and let people know who you are beyond your job title or the work that you do every day.

John Garrett [00:21:10]:
Yeah. Because, I mean, almost every time the negative thoughts in our head don’t come true. So don’t believe it. Or let it out a little bit at a time and then watch the magic.

Sherri Collins [00:21:21]:
Absolutely.

John Garrett [00:21:22]:
Well, this has been so much fun, Sherri. Thank you so much. But I feel like it’s only fair since I rudely peppered you with questions at the beginning that we turn the tables. We make it to Sherri Collins podcast. Music you like. Yeah. So I’m all yours. I’m the guest.

John Garrett [00:21:38]:
And whatever questions you have for me, let it rip. I’m a little little bit nervous. I’m not gonna lie.

Sherri Collins [00:21:43]:
No. I I won’t be too hard on you. I promise. I won’t be too hard.

John Garrett [00:21:46]:
Alright. Alright.

Sherri Collins [00:21:47]:
So would you rather see the future or change the past?

John Garrett [00:21:52]:
Wow. This is really hard.

Sherri Collins [00:21:56]:
That was the easy one.

John Garrett [00:21:58]:
Oh, lord. Here we go. Yeah. Well, I mean, you know, the past was meant to happen the way it did. I’m where I’m supposed to be right now because of that. So I guess see the future, it would probably light a fire under me a little bit more to be like, oh, wow. It’s a finite amount of time. So, yeah.

John Garrett [00:22:16]:
Probably see the future, I guess. And then I would know which national championship games to buy tickets to that no game’s gonna win. So then it’s like, oh, I just saved $500. Alright. Perfect. Like, it’s

Sherri Collins [00:22:28]:
That’s great. That’s great. What about when it comes to vacation? Do you prefer adventure or relaxation?

John Garrett [00:22:37]:
I mean, a mix of both if it can be, but probably I I like going somewhere and and seeing new things, trying new things. Went to Bali earlier this year in Singapore, and that was definitely adventure. I mean, we were hiking across some rivers to see some waterfalls and, you know, cool stuff like that. It wasn’t just laying around sitting, you know, on the beach or whatever. But there were some days like that as well. But even then, it’s let’s get in the water. Let’s, you know, do some things. So probably a little more active than passive Oh.

John Garrett [00:23:08]:
In general. But it doesn’t have to be, like, hiking the Grand Canyon. It’s like, woah, slow down. We don’t need to go that far. Even though I live in Colorado, those people are great. But I’ll see your pictures and then I’ll take your word for it. That sounds Great.

Sherri Collins [00:23:21]:
Great. Great. Okay. So final question. So think back on your, let’s say, 12 year old self. What would your wish have been?

John Garrett [00:23:30]:
Oh, man. Space camp. 100% space camp. I wanted to go to space camp so badly, and I wasn’t able to, but whatever. It’s all good. I’m sure there’s I’ll work through it one day. But, yeah, Space Camp. I mean, that would have been just awesome.

John Garrett [00:23:45]:
I don’t even know if it’s still a thing or maybe not. I don’t know. But yeah. But Space camp for sure. So if anyone’s listening and has an adult sized rocket suit, I’m all in.

Sherri Collins [00:23:55]:
I’m like, let’s do it. I love that. Yeah. Look, that’s all I have.

John Garrett [00:24:00]:
Those were fantastic, and I love it. And thank you so much for being a part of What’s Your “And”?, Sherri! And just being a living example of this philosophy and how important it is. So thank you for taking time to be on the show.

Sherri Collins [00:24:11]:
Absolutely. Thanks so much for having me again.

John Garrett [00:24:17]:
Everyone listening, if you wanna see some pictures of Sherri or connect with her on social media or check out the link to Make-A-Wish Michigan, maybe consider becoming a monthly donor for just $19 a month. Be sure to go to www.WhatsYourAnd.com. All the links are there. And while you’re on the page, please click that big button to the anonymous research survey about corporate culture, and don’t forget to read the book. So thanks again for subscribing on Apple Podcasts or whatever app you use and for sharing this with your friends, so they get the message that we’re all trying to spread that who you are is so much more than what you do.


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