Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Peter Schirripa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Peter, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
I remember at a young age thinking about the quote “your health is your wealth” and not putting much stock into it. Now, many years and experiences later, it’s advice I share most frequently. If you aren’t focusing on your health – both mental and physical – the negative impact will trickle into all parts of your life.
Your relationships, the quality of your work, and your self confidence is directly tied to how well you take care of yourself.
For me, I try to subscribe to a few principles; sweat once a day, eat as clean as possible, find opportunities to grow, and listen to yourself.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As VP, Sales of a big tech company, accountable for the well-being of 200+ employees, I have a personal responsibility to ensure that those around me have an opportunity and desire to succeed. When I am not working I try to stay healthy and lead with a growth mindset. I have been recently named Chair of the Woodlea Melrose Neighborhood Board (I am biased…but it’s the best neighborhood in Phoenix!) which has taken up a lot of my time. From managing a budget, to coordinating events, to hearing feedback from the community, I strive to carry some best practices from my professional life into this role.
Traveling, eating out, CrossFit, and reading are just a few of my pastimes.
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?
I’ve had quite the journey and whenever I look back on how I got here, it’s a fun exercise to give credit to certain skills that really did make a difference. Here are three; 1. Be open-minded. Every conversation you have can and should provide value. Whether consciously or subconsciously, it’s easy to enter a conversation/situation with your mind already made up. This closed minded approach prevents us from seeing things from different perspectives, which ultimately opens us up to new ideas.
2. Spend your time in thirds. 1/3 should be with people who think just like you. Those are the easiest environments because we feel most comfortable. 1/3 should be spent with people that you can learn from; this could be mentors, coaches, etc. 1/3 should be spent with folks that you can help and mentor. Each provide a specific and unique experience, all of which contribute to well rounded thinking.
3. Read. If I look back on my life, if there’s one thing I could do more of, it’s read. Reading provides so much value; it gives you things to talk about. It provides enjoyment and education. It introduces you to ideas and topics otherwise unknown. I made a commitment to read 1 book per month starting in Jan 2020 and I’ve held true since!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
Being overwhelmed is normal. With such a big workload people often ask me how I don’t get so stressed. My answer is easy; “I plan not to.” There’s a quote I like..”proper planning prevents poor performance.”
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Having too much on your plate. being behind on a deadline, not having enough or the right resources to complete a project, etc. All of those are a byproduct of not being prepared. If you plan your day/week/month (and there are many proven systems to best do so) and you ask for help, you will always stay in front of your to-do list.
If you simply don’t have enough time to plan properly and the feeling of being overwhelmed comes, focus on your breathing. It lowers your heart rate and time slows down.
Outline your responsibilities and look to assign a priority. Is this urgent? Is this important? Is this the most important and urgent thing right now? From there, it should allow you to divide and conquer.
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