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?
Susan Feldman: I go down to the kitchen have a hot cup of water, read emails, and try to write for 20 minutes.
TG: What gives you energy?
SF: It depends on what time of the day. I am an early bird so I wake up typically feeling ready to go. I work out first thing and then start my day. If it is later in the day I have mastered the art of a 5 to 10 minute power nap which is more like meditating. Oh, coffee helps too!!!
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
SF: Power naps…5 minutes and I am reenergized and a new person.
TG: Name a book that changed your life.
SF: Wow there have been so many it is hard to pick one. As a young adult, I did love “To Kill A Mockingbird.” Having lived in the south as a small child, I found it fascinating. For a brief moment, I thought I would be an attorney.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
SF: We are pretty attached at the hip all day until it is time for bed. When I go upstairs to bed, my phone stays downstairs.
TG: How do you deal with email?
SF: I try to respond to all emails the day I get them. I know that I appreciate a quick response so I try to get back to others on a timely basis.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
SF: Enjoy it!!!!
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
SF: I felt really burned out about 3 years after we launched One Kings Lane. On one hand it was the most exhilarating and exciting thing I have ever done. We worked non-stop 24/7. When things calmed down and I let my guard down I was physically, mentally, and emotionally wiped out.
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
SF: “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” — Confucius
Susan Feldman is the co-founder of One Kings Lane, the popular online destination for the home. Susan was inspired to create One Kings Lane after she moved from an apartment in New York City to a house in Los Angeles and experienced the highly fragmented, difficult-to-shop home furnishings industry. An idea was born and an industry was disrupted.
One Kings Lane was acquired by Bed, Bath & Beyond (Nasdaq: BBBY) in June 2016. Susan has been featured in a number of national publications including Elle Décor, House Beautiful, and The New York Times. Susan was named to Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” list in 2012 and 2013.
Susan has an MBA from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and a BA from Stanford University. She sits on the Board of Governors of Parsons The New School for Design.
Originally published at journal.thriveglobal.com