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?
Claudia Chan: I do a “prayer meditation” – I thank God for blessing me with all of my privileges and ask that he help me put my energy to the best use for the day.
TG: What gives you energy?
CC: Taking a few minutes to connect with spirit. With every inhale I am receiving God’s nourishment and with every exhale I am releasing everything that does not serve me.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
CC: This is a chapter in my new book THIS IS HOW WE RISE: I treat my “whole life” as the organization I am leading, and prioritize different life departments depending on the season. Leading my whole life well entails leading my health, parenting, marriage, finances, vocation, employees, social impact and other life departments that really matter to me. In different seasons, certain departments become the priority. By managing my life this way, I prevent one area from neglect. I am far from perfect at this but it’s my version of having it all.
TG: Name a book that changed your life.
CC: The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
CC: Yes with two kids (2 and under), aging parents, a new book and the most exciting time in my life for my career– the phone is my ultimate project management tool. BUT I absolutely need to shift this part of my life because it is becoming increasingly difficult to disconnect. Being wired prevents me from being fully present and this must change especially with young kids…I will need Thrive Global’s help on this 😉
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
CC: “Worry about nothing. Pray about everything.” — Rick Warren
Claudia Chan is the author of This Is How We Rise and a recognized expert on leadership and social entrepreneurship and the founder and CEO of S.H.E. Globl Media, a corporate initiative that helps Fortune 1000 companies modernize and accelerate their diversity initiatives with the goal of achieving gender parity by 2030. In 2015, Claudia became an official U.S. State Department Speaker and has visited countries like South Korea for countrywide speaking tours to educate and empower women. Prior to launching S.H.E. Globl Media, Claudia was president and co-owner of the popular women’s entertainment company Shecky’s for ten years. Claudia is a lifelong New Yorker, proud alumna of Smith College, mom of two, and an equal partner with her husband, John.