What’s a non-negotiable in your daily routine?
I start every morning with hydrotherapy to get my mind and body going. I get into the sauna for about 10 minutes followed by a cold rinse and do that two to three times. I’m also a coffee connoisseur and can’t start my day without a cup of coffee. I do this routine even when I’m traveling.
Who or what keeps you grounded when life gets hectic?
My family, close friends, and living in Hawai‘i keeps me grounded. Even when life gets hectic, I try to remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to go home to my wife, Taylor, to have the best parents and siblings, solid friendships and be able to live in paradise. Life is a journey, we have our ups and we have our downs so it’s a good practice to put things in perspective.
What motivates you to keep evolving personally or professionally?
I’ve always had constant curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. I’ve never had to force myself to get motivated for that. I think that the process of continuously learning naturally leads to personal and professional evolution.
How do you define being a “modern leader” in Hawai‘i?
The modern leader has the ability to inspire others to become the best version of themselves and help them find their true purpose. Everyone’s path is different but how can we as leaders use our success and influence to pay it forward, whether it’s connecting them with a job interview, guiding them through school, or helping them to become leaders in their own right.
What chance encounter changed your life forever?
In August 2019, I read the book “Pursuit of Happiness” by former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh on a flight to the mainland. I was fascinated by his journey as an entrepreneur and the culture he built in the company. During this time, I was looking for inspiration to draw on as I was contemplating my career. A month later in September 2019, I launched our parent company, Guardian Senior Care, after being inspired by the book.
What’s your side hustle or creative outlet?
I love playing golf. I grew up playing tennis all the way through college, so playing individual sports is naturally my creative outlet. Both sports are similar when it comes to self expression—choosing your own style or outfit, developing certain cadences, and getting into character when it’s time to compete.
Has it changed the way you approach your main career or life in general?
The same discipline, openness to learn, and ability to recover when things aren’t going right are the same approaches I use in business or other aspects of my life. I think that’s the beauty of sports, whether it’s tennis, golf, or basketball. The lessons learned can be applicable to everything we do.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned through this side passion?
Your mind is your greatest weapon. Control what you can control, which are your thoughts and emotions. Don’t let ego, mistakes, or other distractions get in the way. Nothing else matters but executing the shot that’s in front of you.
