We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Stoddard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chris, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
When I was in high school I was not very outgoing. I mostly kept to myself, hung out with a few good friends, and played many sports. But at some point, I realized that life is short and even if you embarrass yourself from time to time, nobody cares or will remember except you. So I became much more outgoing. Now I enjoy meeting new people, talking to strangers, and not worrying about getting embarrassed occasionally. Because in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter. And it makes life a lot more fun!
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a full-time commercial pilot for American Airlines. A huge benefit of my job is I have about half the month off for other things. Another benefit is free or discounted flights, and I travel very often. I am still in the United States Marine Corps Reserves and have 19 years of service. I have been doing residential real estate since 2017 and now have my own brokerage with 4 agents working for my brokerage, Freedom Realty. I obtained my Emergency Medical Technician certification in 2020, mostly to have the knowledge of first responder medical care, but I hope to volunteer as an EMT at some point in the future.
I started a non-profit, The Co-Pilot Foundation, to provide mentorship and support for children that have lost a parent in the line of duty. I am passionate about this cause and my goal is to grow the non-profit and start helping families and children in need.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
My thirst for knowledge has been very helpful for my success in my career. I was never much of a reader when I was younger but once I picked up a Malcolm Gladwell book I was hooked on reading. The one thing people can’t take from you is your knowledge. I try to better myself every day, whether it’s reading a book, practicing my Spanish, learning an instrument, taking a dance lesson, listening to a podcast, or going to the gym. People often make excuses that they don’t have enough time, but there is always time if you make it a priority in your life.
Health and physical fitness have always been important to me. I’m convinced that how we present ourselves to the world significantly impacts our overall success. Research suggests that individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle often achieve greater accomplishments in both their personal and professional lives. This could be attributed to factors like increased energy levels, improved cognitive function, and a more positive outlook.
I would say I am a bit OCD at times, but I believe that being organized and clean can significantly contribute to greater success. A clutter-free environment promotes a clear mind and reduces stress, allowing for better focus and productivity. When you can easily find what you need, you waste less time searching and can dedicate more energy to accomplishing tasks. Additionally, a clean and organized workspace or living space can create a positive impression on others, which can be beneficial in both professional and personal settings. By cultivating habits of organization and cleanliness, you can improve your overall efficiency, effectiveness, and well-being, ultimately leading to greater success in various areas of your life.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
It might seem trivial, but I’m truly grateful to my parents for getting me braces when I was younger. I often receive compliments on my smile, and while they’re nice, I believe the real benefit lies in how often I smile. Numerous studies suggest that smiling can positively impact our success, even in remote interactions like phone calls. A smile lifts our mood and can be detected through our tone of voice. When we smile at others, it can help break down barriers and foster better communication. Give it a try, smile at someone today. It will lift both of your moods!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/chrisstoddard
- Instagram: @chrisstoddardusa
- Twitter: @stoddard_usa
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