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Get to know... Papa CJ
The comedian, author and executive coach tells us what's on his playlist and what he's currently craving
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.
