How do we gain agency over our perspective?
“Adaptability is, given a set of situations, instead of resisting it, you embrace and surrender to it. Then, figure out: How do you succeed?”
“Where you stand, be the soul of that place.”
This Rumi quote always reminds me of Manish Chandra. He’s not only the soul of every place he’s in. He illuminates the soul of every person he meets, as a father, friend, and the founder of Poshmark.
I learned this during our first fireside chat, early in our friendship. We were celebrating Poshmark’s latest fundraise and product launches. I was in my early 20s and felt out of my league with an audience full of investors. Yet, as we stepped on stage, on the night of his team’s news, Manish introduced me first, sharing his gratitude for my time and what was then a small collection of interviews. My nerves diffused and we settled into a memorable conversation.
Manish has since become an incredible teacher who I’m honored to call my friend. I was thankful to explore the spirit he embodies in today’s episode — One of love and connection, gratitude and perspective.
I’ve returned to his words on adaptability over the last few months. Specifically, the two choices we have when facing a challenge: We can resist it, essentially running into a closed door. Or, we can accept it, and walk through an open one beside it.
“Adaptability is, given a set of situations, instead of resisting it, you embrace and surrender to it. Then, figure out: How do you succeed in that situation? How do you adapt?
There's always a winning strategy. If you approach it with that possibility, first of all, it’s hopeful, right? It's optimism. It means that you can succeed. Second, by not resisting the circumstances, you take the time to understand the circumstances. Third, life is a series of these episodes. So, you can apply your learnings to different circumstances and grow in various ways.
All of these things are amazing byproducts of first accepting the circumstance, then adapting, then succeeding.”
Our conversation is a collection of stories that center on this intersection of agency and trust; Eliciting a quote from, The Alchemist, one of Manish’s favorite books…
“When you want something, the whole universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”
I’m thankful to close our Inspiring Hope series with Manish’s wisdom. In illuminating our agency, he reminds us that hope is always possible.
What is one situation where adopting a new perspective may be helpful? How might your adaptability unveil new possibilities?
Thank you for joining me for these conversations!
Jenna