When you have the opportunity to ask some of the most interesting people in the world about their lives, sometimes the most fascinating answers come from the simplest questions. The Thrive Questionnaire is an ongoing series that gives an intimate look inside the lives of some of the world’s most successful people.
Claude Wasserstein is the founder and CEO of Fine Day Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm investing in innovative and impactful technology, specifically fintech, medtech, aerospace, cybersecurity, AI, and energy. Prior to her investment career, Wasserstein was a producer for CBS News, where she worked in the network’s Dubai, Belfast, London, and Paris bureaus. During her time at CBS News, she won an Emmy for an investigative series. Claude began her career as a journalist for Newsweek, working out of the publication’s Paris bureau.
TG: What gives you energy?
CW: People, and learning.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
CW: I wish I had one!
TG: Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
CW: It does.
TG: How do you deal with email?
CW: I try to answer daily ,but it sometimes piles up and piles up and then I will go through it all at once and my replies are all very short.
TG: You unexpectedly find 15 minutes in your day, what do you do with it?
CW: Daydream!
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
CW: Years ago as a journalist. Too much travel. Too many issues in the world!
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed and how did you overcome it?
CW: Every day I fail a little bit at something and try to do better. But most importantly, I try to focus on what I accomplished.
TG: How do you prioritize when you have an overwhelming amount to do?
CW: Deal with what is causing the most amount of guilt first.
TG: What advice would you give your younger self about reducing stress?
CW: Very few things matter as much as I thought they did.
TG: What’s your personal warning sign that you’re depleted?
CW: Lack of focus!
TG: When you notice you’re getting too stressed, what do you do to course correct?
CW: Deep breathing or a walk in the park.
TG: What brings you optimism?
CW: My family, friends, and my dog.
TG: Tell us about a small change you have made in your life to improve your sleep. What did you do, how long did it take until it became effective, and how you sustain this habit?
CW: I try to have a routine, but it’s hard to sustain. Still working on it!
TG: What was the biggest turning point in your life?
CW: Having my children.
TG: What’s your evening routine that helps you unwind and go to sleep?
CW: I listen to Calm!