Jonathan Stanley, the bestselling author of “Purposeful Performance: The Secret Mix of Connecting, Leading, and Succeeding,” unexpectedly went viral after connecting with a little girl and her mother at a book signing. But while TikTok success was a surprise, connection was already fundamental to Jonathan’s message for business leaders and employees alike. In a conversation with Paul Jacobs, CFP®, EA, and host Amy Laburda, Jonathan discusses his book at length. Discover why businesses need to identify their values and ensure they’re aligned with both employees and customers; why putting purpose ahead of profit leads to better long-term outcomes; how to help employees achieve and celebrate their successes, and much more.

Editor’s Note: Otto Frank’s name is accidentally transposed in passing as “Frank Otto” (at 38:12).

Links:

• Jonathan’s website
• Purposeful Performance (print or e-book)
• Purposeful Performance (audiobook)
• Taylor Mae’s TikTok
• Jonathan’s TikTok response
• "The Benefits Of Volunteering" ("Something Personal" S2E15, featuring Paul Jacobs)

Whether you’re buying a laptop, replacing a washing machine, or booking an international vacation, retailers are eager to sell you additional protection for your purchase. Whether it takes the form of a service plan, an extended warranty or trip disruption insurance, it can be hard to evaluate whether these add-ons are worth the price. Thomas Walsh, CFP®, joins host Amy Laburda for a deep dive into what these products involve, when they are and aren’t worthwhile, and alternative strategies for protecting your budget and your peace of mind. Learn how to think about your options like a financial planner, and why it’s important to avoid making decisions out of anxiety.

Links:

• “The Elusive Right-Sized Emergency Fund” by Benjamin C. Sullivan, CFP®, CVA, EA
• “Balancing Building Savings With Paying Off Debt” featuring Thomas Walsh, CFP®

Restaurateur Alex Kuk’s great-grandfather founded Wan’s restaurant roughly 60 years ago. When Alex’s aunt decided to retire last year, Alex and his cousin stepped in to make sure that Fort Lauderdale didn’t lose a long-standing part of its culinary community. In this conversation with Melinda Kibler, CFP®, EA, and “Something Personal” host Amy Laburda, Alex talks about what it takes to keep a restaurant running in the rapidly changing South Florida market. Listen in to learn about the power of digital marketing, why a food truck is a bad idea for a first restaurant venture, how important it is to make guests feel like family, and much more.

“Something Personal” will be taking a break for the holidays, but we will return in January 2026! Wishing all of our listeners a very happy new year.

• Wan’s
• Wan's on Instagram
• Wan's on TikTok