Welcome to our new feature, “Hello My Name Is…”. In the coming weeks we will have the opportunity to spend a little time getting to know people in our community. As you know, the best way to learn about someone is to ask questions. In this series we will ask ten questions to different individuals so that we can know the folks who live with us here on Cape Cod.
Hello, My Name Is Amanda Kaiser
Occupation: Program Manager for EforAll Cape Cod
What was your first paying job?
My first paying job was with my dad’s management consulting business. Data entry and typing and filing kind of stuff.
When was the last time you laughed really hard? Why?
Last night while I was at dinner with my wife. The sheer horror on her face when I told her I was ordering sushi with fish roe for dinner made me burst out laughing. She makes me laugh all the time.
Did you grow up on the Cape? If not, where did you grow up and why did you come to the Cape?
I moved here with my family when I was eleven so I’m forever a washashore.
Where is your ‘go-to’ spot for a cup of chowder?
The Riverway Lobster House. Jason makes a mean cup of chowder!
Do you have a favorite non-profit group here on the Cape?
EforAll Cape Cod, of course! I love that we’re helping Cape Codders make their business ideas a reality. I think it’s vitally important to Cape Cod for there to be opportunities for people to thrive professionally – not just survive. And it’s amazing to me how many people in the community volunteer to share their time & knowledge just to help people who are starting out. It’s hard to have a bad day when I see that kind of generosity all the time. It’s inspiring.
What is the one thing you love to do that surprises people the most?
I love public speaking. The statistics say people are more afraid of public speaking than death! But I think it’s fun – it energizes me.
In a parallel universe, what would you be doing?
Research scientist. I think neuropsychology is really interesting but I didn’t want to pay for a PhD.
What person had the greatest influence on you and why?
My dad. He taught me the importance of critical thought and it’s influenced so many different parts of my life. He taught me that knowing the answer to the question isn’t enough – that you have to understand the why of the answer too.
If I looked in your refrigerator right now, what would I see?
You would see that I am completely spoiled. There’s about a million pre-made meals that my wife cooked me in there right now. Also beer. Definitely beer.
If you could go out on a boat fishing for a day, who would you bring?
Man, this is a tough one! I’m going say Dorothy Parker. One of my favorite writers. She was famous for her acid wit and her drinking prowess so she’d fun. But she was also sharply intelligent, lived through being blacklisted by Hollywood and was fired by Vanity Fair for offending too many powerful people. So she’d be interesting and there would be plenty to learn. And hopefully she’d be willing to be the one to bait the hooks.
We are always looking for new people to feature in “Hello, My Name Is…”. If you know an interesting member of the Cape community, please send us their name: [email protected]. When possible, please include their contact information and a little about them.
Thank you!
About Cat Wilson
