Stephanie Gust is the founder of Benesse Health. There is one word for her, and that is PASSION.
I am profoundly moved and amazed by almost everything. The unique geometric pattern behind a leaf on the ground fascinates me just as much as the latest building by Alberto Kalach. And I can literally talk about each of them for hours, what can I say!? Some of my earliest memories have to do with this profound sense of inquisitiveness that drives a desire in me to know, understand and feel!
I think the word feel is so important! I will never forget, in university, I remember my professor stopped me in the middle of my enthusiastic presentation and corrected me; “don’t say I feel, say instead, I think.” I obeyed and shifted my wording, however, it didn’t feel right. It stuck with me forever. So much value is focused on dense intellect alone. What’s the point of a choice without a feeling? After all, and at the core of our ambition, it’s a feeling we are after, isn’t it? I have come to realize, especially in the last four years, after shedding quite a bit of egocentricity, that feeling your way through decisions, people, observations, and transitions is a high form of intelligence. One that is connected to our most inner authentic self and has never proven me wrong. I always ask myself; how does this make me feel? It’s a great compass.
The most comfortable thing for me has always been being me. I’m black or white, bold, convicted, creative, adaptable, outspoken, and I’ve been called “aggressive” by timid personalities and “passionate” by strong ones. At the very core, my essence is not vastly different from when I was four. Above all, however, I believe my passion for life has honestly saved me at times and has given me the courage to take risks; like making leaps from one profession to the other and eventually owning my own business, all while being a full-time mom!
It’s the passion in the seen, but most importantly, in the unseen that propel me forward. When I don’t know when to start, I start anywhere, as I know that one thing leads to the next and that motion is necessary for progress. We are continuously expanding and never get it done, really… I love it!
