Get to know... Papa CJ

The comedian, author and executive coach tells us what's on his playlist and what he's currently craving

Comedian, author & executive coach, @papacj

Age:

How rude of you to ask! (Psst: He’s 45)

Occupation:

Comedian, author and executive coach.

Currently I am:

Enjoying having a positive impact on people’s lives through coaching, comedy and my happiness project, in which I take laughter to those who sometimes struggle to smile. I’m also about to start rewriting my autobiography, Naked.

On my playlist:

Empire podcast. Passenger albums. The evergreen Billy Joel.

On my speed dial:

Mum. Dad. Best friend. Booty call.

Today I’m craving:

Calcutta’s Nizam rolls.

Next big splurge:

I have 17 books in my Amazon cart.

Last thing I ordered online:

Four Thousand Weeks (the book) by Oliver Burkeman.

App I check before going to bed:

I just ensure my phone is on silent. One of the biggest perks of what I do is no morning alarms.

Advice I’d give my 18-year-old self:

(1) Financial independence is the only independence. (2) Declare war on the word ‘should’ because there is no ‘right’ way. (3) Always be kind.

A secret skill I have:

I’m not too bad on the golf putting green.

A superpower/magic tool I wish I had:

The ability to make people feel better about themselves. I have it already, though.

My favourite Sunday memory while growing up:

Not having morning PT. (I was a boarding school kid at The Lawrence School, Sanawar.)

My most star-struck moment so far:

Meeting Jim Luce. He supports orphans worldwide and helps develop young global leaders.

If I could travel back or forward in time, I’d…:

Probably take psychology as an undergrad degree.

A trait I despise in people:

Disrespect for other people’s time and dignity.