We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Schuyler Arakawa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Schuyler thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?
Not a professional moment, but definitely a life moment. In a Colombian adventure back in 2016, I found myself white water rafting when fate took a dramatic turn. A colossal boulder cascaded from the heights, altering the course of my life in an instant. The impact was staggering, shattering my skull, fracturing my back, both scapulas, and my right femur, while pulverizing my left ankle. The aftermath left me grappling with a new reality, as the injury disrupted my cerebellum and thus, my balance, confining me to the confines of a wheelchair ever since. But through adversity, I’ve discovered resilience and a newfound appreciation for life’s precious moments.
Schuyler, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Since that fateful day in 2016, I’ve discovered firsthand the power of resilience, realizing that no obstacle is insurmountable. Embracing a positive outlook became my guiding light, understanding that negativity only casts shadows upon oneself. So, with an unwavering optimism and a smile gracing my face, I choose to navigate life’s journey, embracing every experience with open arms and a hopeful heart.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
NA profound realization dawned upon me: where there’s a will, there’s undoubtedly a way. Adversity compelled me to adapt, reshaping my approach to nearly every aspect of life. Though the scenery may have changed, I discovered that even from a seated position, there exists a path to accomplish nearly anything. My aspirations, once painted with different strokes, remain within reach, each goal a testament to the boundless possibilities that persist despite the shifting landscape of my life.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
One of my favorite quotes is from my grandma in ‘Inch by inch is a cinch, but yard by yard is hard.’ It brilliantly underscores the power of incremental progress. Each small step might seem insignificant on its own, but collectively, they pave the way for remarkable advancement. It’s a poignant reminder that even the tiniest efforts compound over time, culminating in monumental achievements.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Schuyisthelimit
- Facebook: Schuy Is The Limit
- Linkedin: Schuyler Arakawa
- Twitter: N/a
- Youtube: Schuyler Arakawa
- Yelp: N/a
- Soundcloud: N/a
