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Life Lessons:
Paige Arnof Fenn


*Are you happy at the moment?

Yes, it is a beautiful day outside, I have had productive meetings, am headed to a dinner with interesting people and I get to hang out with my husband all weekend we are both in town.

*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?

I would say that your definition of success will change over time & that’s ok so that I would not have gotten so hung up on things that really did not matter. I had no idea back then then I would not stay on the corporate path and become an entrepreneur instead and that would in fact be a much happier route for a fulfilling life. I ended up learning a lot more from tough situations and setbacks than I would have if things had always gone smoothly in my life. Sometimes not getting what you think you want is actually a gift but that can be hard to see at 16. At 49 I am very grateful for all the bumps and bruises along the way.

I would say to follow your dreams and passions, your love of sports will lead you to an amazing job at the Olympics, your love of music and entertainment will help you find a young company that will go public (I’ll explain that to you later) and get sold to a big successful company, your love of business will inspire you to start your own company and work with other businesses that you can help grow and succeed! Your friends now will be your friends forever and you will make even more great friends all over the world who will enrich your life in ways you cannot even imagine now. Be open to marrying a great person and partner who will make your life even better, it is possible to have a very happy marriage so do not rule it out. You will have a great life if you trust your gut and are true to yourself. You have many gifts to share with the world.

*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?

I am turning 50 this year and I have taken more time to enjoy the people I cherish and time for myself to celebrate. You should not postpone fun for special occasions or milestones, but incorporate it into your daily life. That is what life is all about.

*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?

It is my “jubilee year” I am turning 50 later this year so I really want to enjoy being with the people I love to spend time with a lot this year to celebrate. I want this to be part of my future every day. Before my mom died 5 years ago, she used to always ask me what I did for fun today and that has really stuck with me. I want it to become my habit for the future.

*What’s your secret to happiness?

Surrounding myself with people I love, marrying my best friend, doing work that inspires and motivates me. Sharing what I have learned makes me very happy too. Slowing down and enjoying time with people I care about is the best.

*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?

There are several — food/sharing a meal, exercise, talking to people I love all contribute to my sense of peace & wellbeing.

*What’s your biggest regret?

I wish I had tape recorded the voices of my great grandparents and grandparents before they died.

*What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?

I do not have kids but I am an excellent aunt & godmother. I try to teach the next generation the importance of hard work, gratitude, humor, kindness and humility through my words and actions so I model the behavior for them.

*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?

I wish I could get rid of clutter and not save so many articles and mementos. It is hard for me to throw things away if they remind me of someone or something happy or inspiring.

*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?

I am proud of the person I am, my priorities and the ecosystem I have created. I feel my positive attitude has been a huge asset in my life and helped me get where I am today.

*When were you happiest?

Right now this is the best time of my life. I think I have felt this way many times before I had a very happy childhood and my 40s have been wonderful except for losing so many people I loved through death.

*What ten words best describe you?

Warm, generous, smiley, happy, southern, smart, funny, chatty, brave, loved

Paige Arnof Fenn is the founder & CEO of Mavens & Moguls, a global marketing firm based in Cambridge, MA whose clients include venture-backed startups as well as Fortune 500 companies. She is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several boards, is a popular speaker and has written for Forbes and Entrepreneur. She is quoted regularly in the media, for more information go to MavensAndMoguls.com or visit her LinkedIn page.