Accelerating the Exponential Good
“Every cell in my body knows that the great privilege of being able to put one day in front of the other day is not a given.”
“It’s all amazing and so worth it.”
Genevieve Roth is a maximalist.
She quit her dream job to be the Creative Engagement Director for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. Her team at Glamour Magazine sat teenage girls in the auditorium for an event with First Lady Michelle Obama, whilst dignitaries sat in the balcony. She takes the scenic route and celebrates business wins with chicken sandwich competitions.
What inspires her zest for life?
“I learned really young that the version of life I was living could be removed from me at any moment. It’s one thing to understand that theoretically. It’s another thing for every cell in your body to know it.
Every cell in my body knows that the great privilege of being able to put one day in front of the other day is not a given.”
I often grapple with what it means to live every day as if it were my last and appreciate Genevieve’s perspective on building muscles around being a maximizer…
“The way I’ve been able to feed this need — to make sure that I’m making the most out of every day that is given to me — is: I have these little things that I do. Then, I have these big goals…I want to quit my job and put Hillary Clinton in the White House. I want to climb Kilimanjaro. I want to come up with this grand adventure that takes two years to accomplish…The big thing gives me something to focus on that gives my life that big shape and meaning. But, that’s a little more of a moonshot than making a cup of coffee.”
Building muscles around fulfillment illuminates our agency to feel how we want to feel every day. In our conversation, we explore how Genevieve imbues her life with maximalist energy — from the creative bravery that distinguishes her social impact and culture change agency, Invisible Hand, to celebrating the love stories in her life and embodying the example she hopes to set for her daughter.
This week, consider reflecting on one small moment and one big goal that would contribute to your sense of fulfillment. How might you take a step towards realizing them?
With gratitude,
Jenna