Over the last several months, we teamed up with lululemon to host some dinners out East and in NYC with some pretty incredible people. Each one had 20 guests—and since we couldn’t fit everybody at the table, you all acted as the esteemed 21st Guest. This series has highlighted six impassioned individuals over three different dinners, feeding upwards of 60 people with food… and food for thought. For our last interview, Jaclyn Spector steps into the ring for the final round.
Jaclyn Spector is one inspiring human. By day, she’s working for the non-profit Global Citizen and helping to end extreme poverty. By night, she’s brushing up on her boxing moves and working her side hustle as a professional snack enthusiast… it’s a tough hobby, but someone’s got to do it.
Who’s the most inspiring person to you?
It’s impossible to choose just one. I’ve been so fortunate to be surrounded by strong, independent women—in both my professional and personal life. They’ve shown me that success and happiness have no finite form.
What’s the biggest challenge you ever faced? Who helped you get through it?
Recognizing when it’s time to let go is hard. People, expectations, jobs… I’m continually reevaluating everything to ensure I’m working towards my goals in every aspect of my life in efforts to become the best version of myself.
Shout out to my Mom for not only bringing me into this world but giving the best advice and continuing to pick up the phone when I call!
Stop worrying about the final destination, how the journey looks or how long it’s taking. Just live the process.
How have you learned the value of paying it forward?
I’ve been traveling to South Africa a lot for work recently. There’s a concept in South African culture known as “unbuntu” that I really love. Although the word literally means “humanity,” it is is usually translated into “I am because we are.”
I am where I am today because of the collective support from the people around me. I actively work to bring the same energy to other people on their journeys.
What’s something anyone could do to pay it forward?
Listen and acknowledge that you understand. Sometimes people just need to know they are heard.
A time you wanted to help, but couldn’t or didn’t get to?
All the time! It’s impossible to do everything. Of course I want to save all the animals, the rain forest, teach the children and feed the hungry.
I do as much volunteering as I can through New York Cares, which is one of my favorite local resources. They make it easy to find worthwhile volunteer opportunities but don’t require long-term commitment.
Best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Always assume positive intent. Full stop. It will change how you approach every situation in your life, for the better.
One piece of advice you wish you’d gotten but didn’t?
Stop worrying about the final destination, how the journey looks or how long it’s taking. Just live the process.
I am where I am today because of the collective support from the people around me. I actively work to bring the same energy to other people on their journeys.
Where are the places that you go to to find inspiration?
Working out gets me out of my own head and open to inspiration—especially boxing, which I do just about every day. I love getting into the ring and sparring. It’s a great mental and physical workout. I leave ready to take on any challenge.
Books and podcasts feed my soul. I mostly read sociological and business or personal development books, and I try to apply the concepts to my everyday life. There are so many interesting and eloquent people out there, and podcasts and books make it so accessible to learn from them.
Last, and most literally for inspiration, Pinterest! I love a good craft project.
What’s a small way to do someone a solid anytime?
Say “hi” to everyone—whether it’s the person who makes your coffee, your office security guard or a coworker. The world can be pretty gloomy sometimes, so be the light and help make people feel seen and connected.
Pay it forward by: Being present. Being open.
The underlying theme here is “doing a solid.” So if you feel inspired to learn more about lululemon or how you yourself could pay it forward, peruse all of our interviews over at whalebonemag.com/lululemon.
