2. Building a Life at the Crossroads of Entrepreneurship, Purpose and Community with David Dennis, Co-Founder of Ventana Surfboards & Supplies

You know that person in your circle who's always involved in 10 different cool projects, they've got an amazing career going, they're a super connector who introduces you to the person you totally needed to meet, they've always got something interesting to talk about, and at the same time they have time for their family and to have fun? We all know someone like that, and I know many of us wonder: how do they DO that?   Our guest today is one of those people:   David Dennis is a software industry leader, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur. He co-founded Ventana Surfboards & Supplies, an eco-conscious surf company. A lover of outdoor activities and travel, David uses photography to support education, homelessness, and ocean conservation causes. He lives near the beach in Santa Cruz, California and surfs whenever he can.   In this episode, we dive into: How David has found a way to connect his passions, sense of purpose and values to how he makes choices in life and work What makes him gifted at connecting with new people, and building and nourishing relationships over time. How he's learned to live and thrive with mental health challenges as he's built an intentional life, and in the process learning that these two realities are compatible. How we can avoid the trap of thinking that if you seek material stability in life, then you can't pursue creativity (or vice versa). He shares about how he's been able to fulfill both of these desires. David is an inspiration to many in his community and beyond. And he does it all with a dose of humor and humility, which makes it easy for all of us to apply David's insights in our own lives. You can learn more about David's endeavors here: Ventana Surfboards & Supplies: https://www.instagram.com/ventanasurfboards/   David's TEDxSantaCruz talk: "Don't quit your day job": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlaZqdEiCbE