When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
Karen Fondu: I open my eyes and take a silent moment to be grateful for the blessings in my life. I stretch quickly to wake up and start my routine.
TG: What gives you energy?
KF: People. You can never lose the human connection and the energy you get from surrounding yourself with talented, passionate people.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
KF: Family. They are the most important people in your life. Cherish them and prioritize them. Always.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
KF: Absolutely not. You have to disconnect in order to re-energize and operate at 100%.
TG: How do you deal with email?
KF: I utilize my commute on the train to answer and send emails. When I am home, I immediately disconnect to be with family. I also have a rule: No emails on the weekend.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
KF: At the office, I walk around and visit with our young talent. Hearing about their work, their lives and their ambitions inspires me and fuels my sense of purpose for instilling a sense of self-worth in others and helping them to realize their dreams.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out?
KF: I don’t get burned out. I have harnessed a series of signals to alert me of when burnout is imminent. So when that happens, I stop. Pause. Re-energize.
TG: Share a quote that gives you strength when times are tough.
KF: “This too shall pass.”
Karen T. Fondu has been president of L’Oréal Paris USA for over 30 years.
Originally published at journal.thriveglobal.com