Things I Like About JFDI

What's been keeping me busy these days is my new job as Social Media and Content Marketing Manager at JFDI Asia. In short, I handle our socials and make sure we have awesome content. How I am today – giddy and challenged and fulfilled – is a far cry from what I've been the past few months.

My biggest worry about moving to Cebu was finding the right  kind of work (also, earning a liveable salary). Did you know that unemployment is in the Top 10 traumas for a human being? Going through that was like living a nightmare. Add to that I was also very picky with how I spent my time. I didn't play golf, even if my fiancé often does, as it is something I consider irrelevant.



I didn't take any "survival" job either. I worked in San Diego for year and saved 50% of my salary, so I can be deliberate in finding work in Cebu. I want a position that would force a learning curve in writing and digital media. 

One of the most important points in Dr. Meg Jay's book, 'The Defining Decade' is about spending "your 20's learning." She adds, "Salary is roughly equivalent to your skills. In your 20's don't expect to earn money. You simply don't have the experience. Instead, you should spend this decade learning and absorbing as much as you can. Hopefully by the time you're in your 30's, money shouldn't be a problem." There's a lot of easy-money dead-end jobs, that even my fellow 20-something friends are forced to take. 

One day while browsing Mynimo (an online forum like Craigslist), I saw a job opening in socials for a company called JFDI Asia. Three interviews and a writing trial later, I was hired. I was that overdressed lady you probably saw fist-pumping at the intersection of Cardinal Rosales and Mindanao Avenue on a hot afternoon. At that moment, everything felt so right. 

JFDI Asia is a Singapore-based accelerator. In short, they help venture-fundable startups. Right now my job has me reading and writing about technology, entrepreneurship, risk mitigation, etc. – things I have never written before in my life. This week I had to make an MIT paper web-friendly. I'm racking my brain everyday, but this is exactly the learning curve I'm looking for.



Day One of my employment, I sent out a tweet that JFDI is so cool. Our company mascot is a frog we call Smoochy (#spotsmoochy).


I'll share with you the Four JFDI Principles listed in our employee handbook. I'm very fond of them and believe they can be applied in all areas of life:

4 Principles Of JFDI 

1. Resourcefulness Principle - You should assume that at any given time, other people are busy with their own work, so if you can accomplish something or find an answer to a question without bothering someone else, you should try to do that first. 

This filters all the ignoramus and annoying people out of our offices. It means I can work in peace, except when somebody really needs something from me. I heard this story once about JFDI Chairman Meng Wong. One of my coworkers needed some information, so Meng told the guy to: first, google like crazy; second, hit his head in the wall; third, (if that's still not working) only then ask someone. No spoon-feeding works for us, so we can focus on big wins.

2. Relevance Principle - avoid unnecessarily taxing the attention of people who don’t care. 

3. Searchability Principle - make the communication available on demand to anyone looking for it.

We use the Slack app to make office communication seamless. We don't like email because info gets buried there. So in the Slack's editorial channel, I get almost real-time feedback from my editor, Joyce Huang. All of us gets to read and learn from company 'critical incidents,' something we all talk about weekly. I also get to easily reach out to our CEO Hugh Mason and Chairman Meng Wong, would I ever need quotes. Searchability supports our resourcefulness principle, which in turn supports...

4. Openness Principle - default to the medium which is the most open for the communication at hand.

Openness has long been cited as a hallmark trait in successful marriages. How would I have known these works in company culture too? Everything is online for us to read, check and use. Openness very well ties into searchability and resourcefulness which all, in turn, optimise our work flows. We don't have to rely on other people to 'send us this..' (OK, sometimes we still do). We use Asana for tasks, Nimble for contacts, SlimWiki for company SOP's, and Slack for office chitchat. All open, searchable, paperless, efficient and awesome.

Hi from the office! We use Hangouts to touch base with the Singapore team.

Cal Newport in his book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You,' talked about three things that define great work:

1. Creativity

2. Impact

3. Control

My work today is giving me autonomy and flexibility. I can clearly see the impact of my work in Hubspot metrics, feedback from my colleagues and retweets and follows from tech people on Twitter. When I get better, I'll eventually handle Inbound Marketing, a skill I consider highly valuable in today's connected world. So, I cleared all of Newport's requirements.

Every morning I sit in the garden or take a few minutes in the car to pinch myself. This is the reality of where I am at the moment. I've left my life in San Francisco/San Diego to move to Cebu, Philippines. I'm getting married soon. Despite of being picky and specific, I found the job that I'm looking for.

I read this from Paulo Coelho as a kid and it still holds true today:

Crystal Superal is the Social Media and Content Marketer at JFDI, the #1 business accelerator in Asia. She finished her Multimedia Communications degree while playing golf for a San Francisco-based art school. She currently lives in Cebu City, Philippines. For her thoughts about tech and lifehacks, follow her Twitter @crystalsuperal.

Stories And My New Life In Cebu

I SAT IN FRONT OF JAN YANEHIRO IN HER 79 New Montgomery office at downtown San Francisco. She's dressed in a yellow wool jacket over a black top and long pants. Her gently parted bangs and lilac-colored eyeshadow struck me first as I stare at her.

“Crystal, your voice tends to fall off at the end of your sentences. Project like this.”

She proceeds to say a few words. I follow them. 

“Yes, better. Keep practicing.”

Jan is an Emmy-awarding winning journalist. As the Director of Multimedia Communications of Academy Art University, she had been the first person to encourage me to study production. When I was a scared, stressed, teenage girl looking for a scholarship, she welcomed me in open arms saying, “You’d flourish in my department both as an athlete and a student.” And I believed her.

Four years later, I graduated with several awards, one of them an NCAA Woman of the Year nomination. Not only my US education will enable me to provide for myself, I was also exposed to an environment that proved I could live a creative and meaningful life. A private art school education. Traveling the whole U.S. with artist friends while playing competitive golf. Living in downtown San Francisco -  melting pot of wealthy, artistic, free, environmentally and historically adept people and ideas. My brain, my physique, my soul — all expanded the best way possible any young woman could ever wish for.

That bright afternoon, Jan and I had been working to produce a singing show. It will be our last class together. Although I’m thankful for her kind mentoring, at the same time, I was also feeling nostalgic about the near end of my college journey. It’s graduation soon. It was almost goodbye.

———

After graduating, I moved to San Diego, California. The weather is described as semi-arid, mild and sunny throughout the year. It’s essentially all-day long perfect, the kind that would guilt you if you’re not outdoors.

I’ve been driving for almost an hour now, even turning off the radio so I could focus on the directions. But what I could not find is the entrance to Elfin Forest in Escondido, California. I’m right here, but as with most state parks, looking for the “staging” area (the place where the hike starts), is the hardest to find.

“One mile from destination,” the GPS voice cries in unison with the hazard light clicking. After a U-turn and an illegal left turn, I finally found the gate.

The Elfin Forest hike boasts of several trails that vary in difficulty. As a moderate hiker, I aim for maximum three to four hours in the mountain. Asking for more might be a push for a young woman wandering alone.

Fake alone, I would call it, because you're never truly by yourself in nature. I’m walking on half-sand/half-dry soil. Hundreds of miles of it spread in front of me, sometimes wielding like forks into deeper parts of the woods. I learned this thing in college training where we load our butts and thighs and tighten our bellies for every lunge. My trainer advised it’s best for protecting knees, so I used that in my new hiking hobby. That, and breathing in rhythm, made me fall in love with hiking more.

Up in the mountains, mansions in Escondido peaks looked like tiny cars. California is experiencing its worst drought in years. So right now, a typical California view is like an old pastel painting —  brownish, greenish, bluish — real but faint. Slowly rolling mountains but never too small like hills or staggering like the Grand Canyon’s. And there’s always a body of water, this time the Olivenhain Municipal Water District.

Since moving to San Diego, I learned to relinquish the outdoors. My work ends early so by afternoon, I’m free to sleep under the sun. Without any friends, school or social obligations, I’m living in melancholy, peace and solitude. 

“Aloneness is not the same as loneliness,” one of my favorite quotes would say. The San Diego life, paired me down to what really matters to my core - a purpose (my first employment after school), nature (hikes and coastal views), books (to feed my brain) and lots of reflection time. 

When my working privileges ends, I’m moving back to my home country, the Philippines. My VISA is expiring soon. It’s almost goodbye.

————

And now here I am in Cebu living an entirely new life.

Two weeks ago, I left my siblings in Cavite to move to Cebu permanently. I bawled on the plane until I got bloodshot eyes over missing the three little people I love the most. 

"Why do you want to drop me off at the airport?," I asked my nine-year old sister Ace. 

"Kasi wala na akong ate (Because I will no longer have an older sister)," she said so straight and emotionless, I wanted to crumble inside. A notable hurdle in this new life: Leaving my family. 

A week ago, I sat on the bathroom floor away from screens and noise. My future husband had to rescue me, probably thinking I just went mad. But I needed the space to internalize my losses. I’m waking up everyday depending on one person. I have no place to go or nothing (not even household chores) to do. A notable hurdle in this new life: a loss of a purpose. No work, no dignity.

Two hours ago, Jovi and I, were being toured by a sweet lady around Radisson Blu Hotel. I could not follow her words because she’s speaking in Bisaya — the dialect of Cebuanos. I’m born and raised Tagalog and adopted English from my college days. Bisaya is spoken fast and there are still many words I don't understand. A notable hurdle in this new life: language.

-----

I went to school in San Francisco for four years, then I moved to San Diego for a year. That’s five years of building a life — the first time I would call my real “own” life without much of anybody’s help. I decided to pick my major. I cleaned, slept, cooked, washed and ate in an apartment I chose. I hosted breakfasts with my own adult friends. In those five years I grew up, not only in age, but in a hey-I-can-survive-alone kind of empowering way. 

Goodbye to my independent U.S. life, artists friends in San Francisco, to the crazy mornings of waking up beside my nine year-old sister, or even just the familiarity of my Cavite home or the San Diego freeways. I don’t think a husband is enough to replace all that. And that’s okay. Because when I sleep at night and wake up in a this new life of uncertainty, only one strong, ironic and quizzical thing hits me. The eliminator of all my notable hurdles: Gut-wrenching joy.

"Uncertainty is where things happen. It is where the opportunities — for success, for happiness, for really living — are waiting.”

How I Learn By Samm McAlear

THIS SERIES IS ABOUT PEOPLE I admire answering the question: "How Do You Learn?" According to the dictionary:  learn (verb) means to gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, experience, or being taught. I want, and hopefully my readers as well, to pick up lessons from individuals who are happy, socially responsible and uniquely successful. 

I started off by answering this question myself, and now it's time to pass the baton to Samm McAlear. He and I knew each other as student-athletes at Academy of Art University. Equipped with the grit of a baseball player, Samm is turning his competitiveness and drive to graphic design. He is currently working at Nike as a Product Designer intern. 

Location: Beaverton, Oregon 
Current Gig: Product Designer and Product Graphics Intern (NIKE), Student (Graphic Design, AAU)
Website: sammmcalear.com

HOW I LEARN BY SAMM MCALEAR

What inspires you?

Travel. It's crazy how you can take a 45 minute flight from one city to another and you can tell you're in a completely different enviroment. Culture is everything and I love seeing the differences between people and communities from one place to another. Everyone of us was brought up with different values and family history that contribute to who we are, and what traits we pass on to the next generation. You don't even have to travel the world to find this, you could drive a couple hours to the next state over and gain a whole different perspective on life. I've been lucky enough to be able to travel all over the world and it's definitely influenced me as a designer. Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things a certain way because it's comfortable for us and we fail to see there are other ways to accomplish the same task. 

I love talking to people who were around before technology and hearing how they created. There is an authenticity you get by doing something with your hands, and that seems to get lost in the modern technology age. Part of my reaction to this is now whenever I take photographs I shoot everything on disposable cameras. There is something about capturing a moment on a disposable that is so authentic because you can't snap off 14 frames in a row like you can on modern DSLR's. What you shoot is what you get. You capture that authentic moment and something is so real about it. 

And music. I can't work without listening to music. It sets the tone and allows me to zone into what I'm working on. 

Describe a typical day. 

Wake up. Eat some breakfast while checking Instagram. Spending 15-20 minutes sketching random things to get my brain started up, sometimes the sketches lead to other ideas, sometimes they're chicken scratch. Then sit down at the computer and log into my online classes and try and knock some HW out of the way. Once I get bored of that I'll check my usual design blogs and then get started on whatever freelance work I have. Eat lunch, Work out and shower then get back to either client work or homework depending on the day. 

On travel days I try not to get on my computer. Instead I'll either read a book or draw, but things always change depending on my workload. 

A doodle on a plane

Anything cool you're working on?

I just finished some stuff up at Nike that should be releasing here very soon, and continuing to release throughout the rest of 2014 and into 2015. 

I'm also finishing up Art Direction a national campaign for Monster Products, a headphone company based in the bay. Currently looking for more cool projects too!

How do you get news everyday? 

By watching the news in the morning, the internet, and Twitter. 

How do you share what you know? 

I use Twitter mainly to share what I know. I use Facebook mainly as a way to stay connected to old friends and family that live all over the country. 

What continues to influences your life?

One of Samm's design for Nike

Music and the incredibly talented people that I have the opportunity to work with. If you told me when I started college in 2010 that I would have worked for Nike, and get paid to work for and with musicians and athletes that I look up is still pretty crazy to me, and sometimes it doesn't even feel real. That alone influences and inspires me to continue to grow as a designer and never stop learning. 

An unforgettable quote.

Don't think about what can happen in a month, or what can happen in a year. Instead, focus on the 24 hours in front of you and do what you can to be closer to where and what you want to be. I have no idea who said it, but I love it!

Your Top 5 Fascinating People and what would you like to learn from them?

 Kanye West, Benjamin Franklin, Rick Rubin, Warren Buffet and Nelson Mandela

Warren Buffet - the man started with nothing and now he owns damn near half of the US it seems like. 

Rick Rubin - The guy has produced for everyone from the Dixie chicks to Kanye. He makes a hit album, then seems to disappear for years, then all of a sudden is back making more classics. 

Kanye West - beneath all the craziness and antics there is hints of true creative genius that I feel tends to get misunderstood just because of how passionate he is about what he loves. 

Benjamin Franklin - the way at which he approached problems and discovered solutions really fascinates me. 

Nelson Mandela - He witnessed people at there worst, and was still able to forgive and focus on the good of the greater people, changing the history of a country,  and in turn impacting the world in a way which I think he never imagined. 

What is a book or movie that changed you?

The last book and movie that really made me think were 'The Butler" (Film) and "Lullaby" by Chuck Palahniuk.

What do you know for sure?

I wake up every morning excited that I get paid to do what I love. 

Lastly, I would love for  Andrea Nieto  to answer these questions.

------

Contact: Follow Samm's Instagram here.

To see the rest of his work, go to:  sammmcalear.com

How I Learn By Jovi Neri

THIS SERIES IS ABOUT PEOPLE I admire answering the question: "How Do You Learn?" According to the dictionary:  learn (verb) means to gain or acquire knowledge of or skill in by study, experience, or being taught. I want, and hopefully my readers as well, to pick up lessons from individuals who are happy, socially responsible and uniquely successful. 

I started off by answering this question myself, and now it's time to pass the baton to Jovi Neri. He is my fiancé and my biggest influencer. Other than being a lawyer, Jovi is the owner of REDGOLF, a golf store in Cebu, Philippines. 

Location: Cebu, Philippines 
Current Gig: Owner (REDGOLF), Lawyer at J. Neri Associates and Artist and Golfer

How I Learn By Jovi Neri

Jovi Neri: businessman, golfer, artist and lawyer.

What Inspires You?

I'm inspired by two F's - fiancé and family.  First, my fiancee is 14 years younger than me and she is very healthy (and sexy!).  So this inspires me to live a long and productive life with her. The only way to achieve it is through good health of both the body and mind. I don't want her to be taking care of bed-ridden me in my older age. I want to be going in adventures with her no matter what age I am.  So I try to live a healthy and active lifestyle so I can stay physically fit and mentally sharp. (Ed Note: Kilig. )

The second F is family and the values passed on to me from them - either from teaching or from simply observing. It's something I want to live by and pass on to everyone I meet.  My parents are approaching their 40th anniversary.  My grandparents had a big 50th wedding anniversary, then a 51st wedding anniversary where their grandkids (us!) sang Broadway hits to them, and finally their 60th anniversary in a cruise.  I want to have a relationship with my wife and children to be like that. Strong family ties are a hallmark of the Garcia clan which I want to keep.  In the Neri side, there is this calmness in the face of pressure and conflict that I try to emulate.  I try to avoid rash or impulsive actions in the heat of the moment, and distance myself from the situation for a more objective grasp of the situation when face with pressure and problems. I want to be a loyal husband, a family man, and always seeking peace more than conflict.

Describe a typical day.

Wake up.  Coffee while playing with dogs, reading Flipboard.  Then I go to RedGolf and the Law Office, in no particular order and switch places or stay in one place.  In the late afternoon, I try to catch some exercise in the form of gym or jogging in Cebu Country Club.  At night I check and reply to personal emails, do the rounds on social media, switch on the TV if there are sporting events, and of course wait for Crystal's call.

What Do You Check Or Read Everyday?

Jovi and his comic art collection

I read Flipboard, mostly sports news and some tech news.  I also check Facebook and Twitter everyday.  There are also forums I check: comic art, U2, golf equipment, and other interests.

Who And What Do You Follow?

I follow my friends on social media, and a few athletes and celebrities here and there.  Following my friends are more important though because I always want to know what is up with them in case they'll need my help, or I'll need theirs.

What Influences You The Most?

I am influenced most by the Jesuit and Ignatian slogan of "men and women for others."  One of the best feelings in the world is when you can genuinely help others.  And it gets better when you see them doing the same good things to others what you have done to them.  The best example for me would be how I handled the junior golfers in Cebu Country Club. Even when they were young and annoying, I always showed a genuine care for their lives and games while other adults just brushed them aside.  Suddenly, when they become so good golfers, these adults who ignored them now want to play with them.  The junior golfers can see through that and know it's not genuine.  But because of how I took care of them, I can see their genuine care for the new younger breed - reaching out to play with them and give them advice.  Now this warms my heart.

Kobe Bryant a drawing by Jovi

I also realize I have a God-given talent to draw. Unfortunately, it is not my profession and I don't make money from it. But following the slogan of "man for others", I keep drawing not for myself but to give to others.  That way, God will keep my talent sharp because I am using it and sharing it now.

My role models have gone out of their way to help others.  From U2 using their celebrity and music to fight poverty and AIDS, to basketball player Robert Jaworski who would never leave the arena until every fan got an autograph or picture because he always said they owe it to the fans, and many more examples like Pope Francis - it comes down to my Jesuit upbringing being my biggest influence in how I conduct myself.

When you help others, you give a part of yourself to them, and when you see yourself in them - you can truly find yourself and know who your really are - not by looking in the mirror but by looking at how you've touched their lives. That's always how I've seen it.

What Is A Book Or Movie That Changed You?

What's So Amazing About Grace by Philip Yancey.


Who Would You Like To Learn From?

Jovi, President of Cebu Junior Golf for 8 years

First, I'd like to learn from the youth. There is a lure to me on the purity and innocence of youth as it is still filled with idealism, honesty, and integrity while not yet being corrupted and jaded. They also have this inner nature in detecting if people are genuine or not, and you can see it in how they react towards you or others. I know since I have been handling junior golf for 8 years. So as long as they understand and enjoy you, as opposed to just giving you respect out of fear and deferential treatment to authority - then you know you are still being genuine and acting from the heart. And when you approach them with an open mind, you'll actually learn a lot of life lessons you won't learn from an adult, or you'll remember things from your own youth that adulthood made you forget.

Second, I'd like to learn from the older people.  Most of them have a tendency to keep on talking so much as they reminisce on their younger days.  But there is a lot of wisdom to learn from their words and experiences.  The key is to listen with an open mind.

The secret to learning which not many people follow is: listen to absorb and understand; and not listen to reply, comment, or scrutinize.  Many people nowadays just listen to you, having pre-planned in their minds what their reply will be, or are just waiting for you to end your sentence to they can give their opinions, instead of seeking the value in what you have to say.  I try to be so self-conscious about this and really listen to people when they are talking -especially if it is about their own personal experiences.

Do You Have A Sacred Daily Ritual?

Tucking in my shirt before I sleep at night.

What's A Turning Point For You?

There is no single turning point.  It's the unlikely bumps in life that could never be explained other than just "fate" that you later on realize you'd never be what you are if not for those things. Then it has a domino effect.

If I did not go to Cebu Country Club one summer in 1990 and notice the junior program in full force, I would never longed to play golf the following year.  If I did not play golf, what would I be? Some math whiz? Someone who pursued my art? Would basketball be my sport as an undersized benchwarmer?

Jovi and I in Santa Monica, CA 2012

After finishing law school, I wanted to teach law in the University of Cebu. I wasn't allowed because I needed law experience to teach. So I focused my energies that longed to help others to Junior Golf instead.  If not for that, would I have even met my future wife?

What about open heart surgery? Or close-calls to major car accidents? There are just many different incidents that could be turning points because the pieces just fell into place so correctly that it could not just be mere coincidence.  Every day, I feel I have lived through so many turning points that this life has a purpose which I am always trying to find.

What Essential Things Do You Need To Do Good Work?

I need a peaceful and alert mind, and a healthy 
up-and-about body - all with no distractions.


What Do You Know For Sure?

The strongest weapon is love.

I'd love Bono To Answer These Questions (but I don't think he ever will!).

How I Learn by Crystal Superal

We all have unique beliefs and ways to gather news and information. Lifehacker has a series called, "How I Work"; Oprah is known for her "What I Know For Sure"; and Bianca Gonzales writes for Philstar for "10 Things."  

So if you met the person you admire, the best thing to tell them is: "I'm a fan of your work. How do you learn?" From today onward, I'm starting a series asking people this question, starting with me.

How I Learn by Crystal Superal

What Inspires You?

This quote from Mother Theresa: "You cannot always do great things, but you can always do small things with great love." I always remember that when I'm overwhelmed.

Describe a typical day.

I wake up at 5:30AM to get ready for work. First on my plate is producing a sports commentary, "Hacksaws Headlines." Then throughout the day, I gather news topics related to our show. I scan the internet for the most important topics of today. 

One of the most important habits for me is my afternoon nap. Then at about 5PM, I read, workout, or usually take my brother Wolen out to explore San Diego. Weekends are reserved for cleaning, pampering, and errands.

What do you check or read everyday?

Lifehacker - I cannot emphasize how big of a fan I am of Lifehacker. I love their productivity hacks, and recently, their posts about finance and marriage.

The Atlantic -  Best new analytics site in the world. Here, headlines are broken down to simpler terms and put in context to a global scale. When I read the Ta-Nehesi Coates', 'Case For Reparations,' I wept. 

Who And What Do You Follow?

Brainpickings - exceptional content day in and day out.

Maria Popova of Brainpickings  (Art, Science, Culture) - most remarkable universal content for visuals and literary types. 

Jean of Extrapetite (Fashion) - I credit her for streamlining my wardrobe. 

Trent of Simple Dollar (Personal Finance) - I'm constantly astounded by the depth and gravity of his daily blog.

Gretchen Rubin of Happiness Project (Productivity, Happiness) - Her book is funny, backed with research, succinct and relevant. 

99U (Creativity) - constantly injects me with fresh ideas.

Those are the main ones but I also regularly check Lynne Rosetta Casper of Splendid Table. Her foodie podcast is incredibly enriching. A few years ago, I discovered Rick Steves  of Traveling With Rick Steves. He inspires me to backpack in Europe. 

Carlos, a renowned Manila tour guide (left) and Sarah, a businesswoman/host/model.

Lastly, my two favorite Filipinos are true to their authentic voice, courageous and improves the Philippines everyday: Carlos Celdran and Sarah Meier. 

What Influences You The Most?

My fiancé, Jovi Neri. He is the most stable, happiest, and least neurotic person I know. My theory is because he pursues personal fulfillment, which as experts say, is the core of happiness. Our recent conversation involved wiring funds internationally. I just wouldn't have mapped it out as clearly without him.

Forthright, irreverent, logical and bold. My future husband is one I've always admired. 

Other than Jovi, I'm addicted to reading. You could see that from all the sites I follow! Plus I read several books a month. Current on my shelf is Joan Didion's, "A Year Of Magical Thinking" about death and grief, and Oprah's surprisingly pleasant book on happiness.

What Is A Book Or Movie That Changed You?

For books I recommend, "Your Money Or Your Life" which changed my whole outlook about saving. Also, "So Good They Can't Ignore You" by Cal Newport. 

Who Would You Like To Learn From?

For writing, Ray Bradbury. I still haven't known anybody who respected and found joy in writing as much as he did. For traveling, Rick Steves - man's an empire. And I'm still looking for someone to emulate in terms of a whole, fulfilling life.

Do You Have A Sacred Daily Ritual?

When I sit down to eat, I look at my plate and figure out how nutritionally balanced I can make it. I protect my sleep, and I stretch or exercise everyday. I believe it all starts with taking care of yourself, otherwise you can't for other things.

What's A Turning Point For You?

Learning about Don Miguel Ruiz's "Four Agreements" at a young age.

What Essential Things Do You Need To Do Good Work?

1. Yellowpad for free writing.

2. A Macbook is fast, light and beautiful for creative work. Then I upload or organize my files Google+ and Drive.

3. Car. I live for novelty and my car has enabled me. 

My life has exponentially gotten better now that I'm free to go wherever and whenever I want.

What Do You Know For Sure?

If you do not have time for these then you'll definitely have time for illness later on. The three pillars of health: stress, food and exercise. 

I'd love ___ To Answer These Questions.

Jovi Neri, of course.