I Think You Should Question Everything - Especially Me
Written by Codie Sanchez Topics: The Struggle Isn't Real
Interviewed by Wendi McGowan of Wendistry
“I think in life we all were put here to figure out what exactly our unique talents are and then spend every ounce of ourselves in sharing them with the world. ”
Questions:
1. What do you do?
As Marie Forleo says, I'm a multi-passionate entrepreneur. What does that mean? I head a fashion styling company called ThreadsRefined, which is sort of like having your own personal celebrity stylist or Rachel Zoe on speed dial. We link top fashion experts with people like me, who hate shopping. I head an investment sales group in Latin America selling investments to large institutions and finally, my biggest passion of late, I write, podcast, blog and speak on all things life hacking, business building and lifestyle design right here.
2. What led you do to what you do?
I think in life we all were put here to figure out what exactly our unique talents are and then spend every ounce of ourselves in sharing them with the world. Life to me is an opportunity to voraciously learn, grow and then help others do the same, it's part of the responsibility we get for each day we are allowed to keep breathing. So my life has been in search of my why; from building an international finance business, to a fashion styling company, to traveling the world while doing it, to now helping share what I've learned.
3. What is, if you have one, your daily routine?
I'm a sucker for a process. I wake up in the morning at 6:00 each morning, start with meditation outside for 10 minutes using the Calm app (mosquitos be damned), drink a cup of coffee with coconut oil in it, and then dive into a quick 5 minute journal post followed by 3 hours of deep work. After that I let the day take me from meeting to meeting and email to email but after my strategic work is done.
4. Tell us about your latest project.
My current passion project is really www.codiesanchez.com and a little pen to paper I am putting on why the struggle isn't in fact real. What keeps astounding me is when people say things like, that's life, it's a grind, the struggle is real; I think just the opposite. My first question is always, what if it was easy? Then I go from there. I try not to overcomplicate things, to leverage those who know more than I do and to question the status quo. Doing that has led to some pretty incredible adventures for me from hiking Patagonia, Machu Picchu, surfing in Puerto Escondido, visiting Ankgor Wat and the great wall to learning archery and getting an MBA from Georgetown all while working.
5. What’s next on the horizon?
My podcast, The Struggle Isn't Real, is live on iTunes, and Stitcher soon which I'm thrilled about. It is about forgetting everything you've been told is possible, redefining the 9-5, and taking advantage of the entrepreneurs and innovators who have come before you.
6. What advice do you have for people aspiring to do what you do?
Ask for what you want. Always. Full period, stop. You'll be surprised what happens.
Proustian Questionnaire: -
Your favorite virtue. Persistance.
Your favorite vice. Selfishness.
Your favorite occupation. Curious cats of all kinds.
Your favorite pastime. Running or skateboarding while listening to a podcast (or really ridiculous gangster rap).
Your chief characteristic. Relentlessly and unabashedly curious.
Your idea of happiness. Me, beachside, sunset, stimulating conversation, on top of a surfboard after a full day mentally and physically.
Your favorite name. I love Joaquin, it's my grandfathers name. - If not you, who would you be? Honestly, I'm living the life I want to be living. It's far from perfect but I am really curious to see where it leads.
What's in your handbag? Too much crap. But my favorite items are a mophie phone charger, wireless head phones and I'm lost without my ipad.
What is your present state of mind? It's Sunday, I'm watching the sun set, thinking about life while answering all these questions, drinking a delicious Malbec. I'm pretty d*mn chill.
Your favorite motto. Money isn't the ultimate goal. The goal is freedom. To work on what you want, when you want and where you want, with whom you want.
How do you Adorn Differently? Heading a fashion company this is something I put some thought into. I love supporting boutiques and local Dallas stores first of all and that certainly includes Wendistry. I love wearing brands that mean something, from people that align with my values. Everything I put on says something about me and how I live, I like that message to be thoughtful and strategic.