Joe Pope shares his passion for home brewing beer and smoking meats, revealing how his science background and connections with the craft beer community sparked his brewing journey. He talks about experimenting with different styles, giving his beers creative names, and the fun of sharing these creations with friends and colleagues. Joe emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and how hobbies outside work foster those connections, especially in his role as a business development leader. He also discusses Hinge's unique "Hinge Has Your Back Day," encouraging employees to celebrate their interests and build a positive culture. Joe believes that embracing one's "And" makes professionals more relatable and successful.

Episode Highlights

· Sharing your personal "And"—your hobbies or passions outside work—can help build better relationships and make you more successful professionally.
· Joe found more success when he embraced who he really is and shared that openly, even on platforms like LinkedIn.
· He believes understanding clients' and colleagues' interests outside of work leads to stronger connections and better business outcomes.
· Creating a supportive, human-centric environment starts at the top and is essential for a positive agency culture.
· At his company, they have an annual "Hinge Has Your Back Day," encouraging employees to step away from work and do what they love, reinforcing the value of having interests beyond just the job title.