When people hear you work in high finance, they often assume it’s all numbers, all the time. Markets. Spreads. Strategy. Performance. And while those things matter—deeply—there’s another kind of investment I’ve found to be just as important: investing in your passions.
I’m not talking about side hustles or vanity projects. I’m talking about real, soul-feeding pursuits that make you feel alive outside of the boardroom. For me, that includes cooking, scuba diving, and travel. These aren’t “distractions” from my professional life—they fuel it. They give me energy, perspective, and creativity I simply wouldn’t get from working 80 hours a week with blinders on.
Redefining the “Serious” Professional
There’s a narrative out there—especially in high-performing industries like finance—that if you’re not grinding every minute, you’re not serious. I bought into that mindset for years. I thought taking time to pursue anything non-work related was indulgent at best, irresponsible at worst.
But as I’ve grown in my career, I’ve realized the opposite is true. The most effective, thoughtful leaders I know have depth. They have interests and stories and lives outside of their job titles. That depth translates into stronger relationships, sharper intuition, and a better ability to connect the dots across disciplines. It’s not weakness—it’s range.
Creativity Doesn’t Live in Spreadsheets
Spending time in the kitchen has taught me more about creativity, patience, and improvisation than some business courses ever could. Cooking forces you to think in layers—about balance, timing, and presentation. If that sounds a lot like building a pitch or managing a team, it’s because it is.
Similarly, scuba diving has helped me master calm under pressure. When you’re 60 feet below the surface, your breath becomes your metronome. You don’t panic, you don’t rush, and you don’t multitask. That kind of presence? It’s priceless when you’re navigating high-stakes decisions.
Passion Projects Recharge You
We talk a lot about burnout, but not enough about prevention. Passion projects are proactive medicine for burnout. They give you something to look forward to, something that uses a different part of your brain.
Whether it’s photography, writing, restoring old cars, or mentoring youth—these outlets allow you to return to work with more clarity and energy. I’ve had some of my best business insights while chopping vegetables or swimming through coral reefs. When you stop grinding for a moment, your brain finally has room to breathe—and that’s when ideas flow.
The People You Meet Change You
One of the most surprising benefits of pursuing passions outside work is the people you meet. The community around your passion project is often totally different from your professional circle—and that’s a gift.
These interactions expose you to new perspectives and challenge your assumptions. Whether it’s a chef with an entirely different way of problem-solving, or a fellow diver who sees risk through another lens, these conversations stretch you in ways business meetings can’t. And they make you more adaptable, more thoughtful, and ultimately, more effective.
Integrating Passions Makes You a Better Leader
It took me a long time to stop compartmentalizing my life. I used to believe there was “work Scott” and “personal Scott”—and the two couldn’t mix. But the truth is, when you allow your whole self to show up, people respond. They trust you more. They open up more. You become more relatable, more authentic, and more resilient.
Leadership isn’t just about driving results—it’s about inspiring others. And you can’t do that if you’re one-dimensional. Sharing your passions, and encouraging others to explore theirs, fosters a workplace culture that values curiosity, creativity, and humanity.
Passion as a Legacy Builder
Let’s be honest—very few people are going to remember the details of that one project or that killer trade you pulled off five years ago. What they will remember is how you made them feel, what kind of impact you had, and what you stood for outside the numbers.
Your passion projects are part of your legacy. They reflect what you care about, what drives you, and how you show up in the world. For me, hosting a dinner, teaching someone how to cook a perfect risotto, or sharing travel stories has connected me to people in ways that my resume never could.
Final Thoughts: Give Yourself Permission
If you’re reading this and feeling like you “don’t have time” for passion projects, I get it. I used to say the same thing. But here’s the truth: you don’t find time—you make it. And when you do, you’ll be amazed at how the rest of your life improves.
Passion projects aren’t a waste of time. They’re not a luxury. They’re a power move. They keep you grounded, creative, and human in a world that constantly demands performance. So go ahead—take that class, start that blog, join that hiking group. Not just for the fun of it—but because it just might be the smartest professional decision you make this year.