Greg Shane shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Greg , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I get up at 4:30 AM. I head to Starbucks, where I order a Trenta iced coffee with half-and-half. I sit down at a table and practice my magic while I check my work emails. Sometimes, if I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll order a spicy falafel.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I cofounded my nonprofit ArtsUp! LA 23 years ago. ArtsUp! LA transforms the lives of people with disabilities, military veterans, and LA-based youth through the performing arts. Under the umbrella of ArtsUP! LA, is a program very dear to my heart that changes so many lives. Theatre by the Blind is the only all-blind theater company in the country, and I can say firsthand. I’ve seen miracles onstage. The dedication and talent I’ve witnessed over 23 years have truly been amazing.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
On August 25, 2019, my son River Shane was born. That moment changed my life forever. The joy and love I felt when River came into my life are something I cannot express in words. Becoming a dad was the greatest gift I’ve ever received. River teaches me to see the world through his eyes, through imagination, curiosity, joy, and wonder.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
People say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, and though it might sound trite, I truly believe it. I also believe that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Challenges build character, and in adversity, my motto for life is be the emu because the emu is the only animal other than the kangaroo that cannot walk backward, only move forward. I’ve had to deal with quite a bit of health challenges throughout my life, but I wouldn’t have traded it for anything because it’s made me into the person I am today, and I’m so grateful to be Greg Shane.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that the most important thing to me is having a positive attitude and being loyal. They would also say that they can always count on me, no matter what, and that when they need me, I’m there. My closest friends would say that I think about other people who don’t have the same opportunities that I have.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop worrying about mundane things that don’t really matter and focus my attention on my special relationships and my passions in life. I would approach every day with the attitude of being aware of the gifts the day brings, and I would approach every conflict with the attitude that, though it may seem larger at that moment, when I look through a different lens, it doesn’t hold the same weight.
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