Minisode: Celebrating 200 Episodes & a Tribute to Mandi with Lori Keim

mgraziano45
Jul 21
2 min read

This minisode of Adventures in Business marks a special milestone: 3 years of our live show and 200 episodes! To celebrate, Amani is interviewing one of Mandi’s friends, Lori Keim, on all things Mandi. This conversation is a tribute to friendship, fun, and the woman who brings both to everything she does – Mandi Graziano.

Ketchup, Mustard, and a Friendship That Stuck

Lori Keim first met Mandi at a beach bonfire in Mission Beach back in 2000. While most people were hanging around the fire, Mandi was doing something only Mandi would do: going from person to person with a bottle of ketchup and mustard, making sure everyone had what they needed for their hot dogs and hamburgers.

That little gesture perfectly sums up Mandi. It also sparked a friendship that’s spanned decades, cities, and careers. Lori and Mandi bonded over their shared Ohio roots and swapped pager numbers that night. One page later, a lifelong friendship began.

Three Life Lessons from Mandi Graziano

When asked what she’s learned from Mandi over the years, Lori shared three gems:

1. Stay curious

Mandi is naturally inquisitive and never afraid to ask questions. For Lori, a self-described introvert, Mandi’s curiosity has been inspiring and contagious.

2. Ask for what you want

Whether it’s a job, an opportunity, or just speaking up for yourself. Mandi believes if you don’t ask, you don’t get. That boldness has helped Lori reframe her own approach to big life decisions.

3. Use LinkedIn like a pro

Mandi’s been helping Lori refresh her professional presence during a big career transition. With Mandi’s encouragement, Lori has embraced LinkedIn, updated her resume, and leaned into the next exciting chapter.

From Planned Parenthood to Prague

Lori recently left her job of 22 years as VP of Business Development at Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest and is exploring what’s next. Her dream is to become a globe-trotting restaurant reviewer.

When asked what city best reflects her current vibe, Lori picked Prague for its history, character, and charm. For Mandi? She chose Zimbabwe. Adventurous, vibrant, and always up for something new.

The Book That Made Her Cry

Of all of Mandi’s accomplishments, Lori is especially proud of her book Sales Tales. Why?

Because Mandi has been journaling and documenting stories since the day they met. From travel observations to questions for strangers, even bathroom guest books, Mandi’s always had a writer’s soul.

Seeing her publish her book was a full-circle moment for Lori, and proof that Mandi turns dreams into reality.

A Tribute to Mandi

Mandi may bring the playful energy to Adventures in Business, but Lori reminded us that behind that humor is someone deeply caring and wildly generous.

For example, after Lori left her longtime job, Mandi surprised her with handwritten letters from 20+ friends – spreading them out over a weekend trip to Santa Fe so Lori could soak in the love slowly. It was a gesture that perfectly captures who Mandi is at her core.