Thrive Global: What’s the first thing you do when you get out of bed?
BETSY: I make my bed! It’s a simple habit, but it sets the tone for a calm and organized day ahead.
TG: What advice would you give your younger self about reducing stress?
BETSY: Take a walk around the block every day, no matter how busy life gets.
ALEX: Breath all the way in and all the way out. It’s harder than it sounds.
TG: What gives you energy?
BETSY: A strong, aromatic cup of coffee. For better or worse, it’s my reliable fuel.
TG: What’s your personal warning sign that you’re depleted?
BETSY: When I start forgetting words mid-sentence or find myself eating straight from the fridge, I know I need to recharge.
ALEX: When I catch myself staring off into space in the morning while drinking my coffee.
TG: When you notice you’re getting too stressed, what do you do to course correct?
BETSY: I call my best friend and list all the things I’m stressed about. Somehow, saying it out loud makes everything feel more manageable. Her job? Just to listen.
What’s a surprising way you practice mindfulness?
BETSY: By immersing myself in art. Whether it’s a painting, sculpture, or installation, it pulls me into the present moment like nothing else.
ALEX: Going fast – on a bike, on a snowboard, or on foot; it’s impossible to let your thoughts consume you when you’re trying not to fall.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
ALEX:Reminding myself that when I feel inferior or “less than,” it is very likely because I have left my gifts at the door.
TG: Name a book that changed your life.
BETSY: The Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. It opened my eyes to the wonders of science and the universe, making the complexity of life feel both profound and accessible.
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
BETSY: It’s practically an extra limb at this point, though I’m working on healthier boundaries.
TG: How do you deal with email?
BETSY: I delete the clutter ruthlessly and reply to personal emails immediately—it’s the only way to stay sane in the digital age.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day. What do you do with it?
BETSY: I’d call a friend I haven’t spoken to in a while. If they don’t answer, I leave a heartfelt message—it’s a small but meaningful way to reconnect.
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out, and why?
BETSY: The holidays. Enough said.
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed, and how did you overcome it?
BETSY: I don’t dwell on failure—it’s all part of learning. Someone once told me that FAIL stands for “First Attempt In Learning,” and I embrace that mindset. The truth is, most people aren’t watching or judging us as much as we think they are, and that’s incredibly freeing.
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
BETSY: “I try to be kind whenever possible. And it is always possible”
ALEX: “You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars.” – Max Ehrmann
TG: How do you prioritize when you have an overwhelming amount to do?
BETSY: Parenting has been my greatest teacher in prioritization. I’ve learned that most things aren’t truly “urgent.” I start with what absolutely can’t wait, then tackle the rest in order of importance.
TG: Do you have any role models for living a thriving life?
BETSY: My mother—she’s truly remarkable and a constant source of inspiration.
TG: How do you reframe negative thinking?
BETSY: I don’t let it become a habit. I actively focus on gratitude and solutions instead of ruminating.
TG: What brings you optimism?
BETSY: Spending time with older people. Their wisdom and perspective on life always leave me feeling more grounded and hopeful.
TG: Fill in the blanks: People think I’m _______, but really I’m _______.
ALEX:super serious, super confused
TG: Tell us about a small change you have made in your life to improve your sleep.
BETSY: This is a tricky one for me—sleep improvement is a work in progress!
ALEX: Listening to a good book on Audible with a calming narrator (currently The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese)
TG: Tell us about a small change you have made in your life to improve the way you connect with others.
ALEX: Encouraging walking and talking rather than sitting and talking
TG: Tell us about a small change you have made in your life to improve your focus.
ALEX: Believe it or not, intense focus is one of my gifts, so I welcome distraction; I just have to work on giving my full attention to the distraction, whether it be my husband, daughter, dog, or call from mom!
TG: What was the biggest turning point in your life?
BETSY: Becoming a parent. It shifted my perspective on everything and gave my life deeper meaning.
TG: What’s your secret time-saver in the morning?
BETSY: An organized closet! Knowing exactly where everything is saves me time and stress.
TG: What’s your evening routine that helps you unwind and go to sleep?
BETSY: A glass of water, an old movie, and absolutely no news programs—just peace and nostalgia to end the day.
YOUR HIDDEN GENIUS by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison is out now. Copyright © 2025 by Betsy Wills and Alex Ellison. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.