Ruben

What do you have for breakfast in the morning?

Porridge, fruit, and honey. Too British?

What is the first thing you do every morning to start your day the best way?

3 deep breaths, very simple. But grounding.

What would you write on a billboard in the centre of your city?

There is a poem I love from Mary Oliver - Wild Geese. It’s about freedom and belonging.

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

Do you have rituals that help you feel more confident with yourself?

Taking care of my body and mind helps me with confidence. Practising yoga, working out, eating healthily are all part of my daily ritual.

What comes to your mind when you think of the word ‘success’?

Success to me means being happy with the things that you do and the people that you share your time with.

If you were invited to speak at a conference and you didn't have to talk about your work, what would you talk about?

Most likely ballet, theatre, and Italian food. What a great evening, delicious pasta and Swan Lake.

Is there anything you believe in that other people find crazy?

Wim Hof and Ice Baths.

What human characteristic most appeals to you?

I hope for thoughtful and kind, but it doesn’t always portray.

Three people you would invite for dinner if you had the chance and why.

Steve Jobs, Thich Nhat Hanh, Kriss Jenner. I would definitely like a bigger table.

Do you tend to choose courage or comfort?

I tend to linger in between the two. After being courageous we can find comfort and so on.

If you could change your job for a day, what would you become?

Stock broker, I always wonder what they do in the office all day.

Do you have any favourite podcasts? Which ones would you suggest?

Yes! I love Huberman Lab. Science based episodes on health habits.

Describe your practice in three words.

Attentive, sometimes challenging.

BIG SMALL TALKS

Your everyday uniform: dickies and jumper, fitness gear underneath.
Favourite flowers: hydrangeas
Your comfort food: pasta
Your favourite magazine: Men’s Health or Kinfolk
The book of your heart: I grew up reading Harry Potter, so I’ll stick to that
Your favourite artist: Alexander Calder
Your favourite city: London, and not a city but Italy!