SNACKING with NANCY

Nancy Chen

Strategist & Restauranteur

“Some days call for a bag of Cheetos Puffs. 
Please don’t @ me to tell me that crunchy is better, I’ve heard it all before.”

If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time?

I’m obsessed with acquiring knowledge that has zero to little use in my day-to-day work, so I would probably spend my time learning more history, philosophy, psychology and whatever else I’m into at that current time. And I’d probably spend more time eating, therefore definitely allotting more time cooking elaborate meals at home.

What songs have you completely memorized?

Oh my god this is probably very embarrassing to put on the internet because of my music background, but a lot of Cardi B songs, especially in Gangsta Bitch Music Vol. 2. I really hope I don’t have to answer another book/movie/music question in this interview because that’s all you’re getting.

Who is your role model and why?

Catherine the Great of Russia. I know it seems outdated and random but I relate a lot to women’s plight throughout history, and of course it was even tougher to be a woman in the 1700s than modern times. Her story is also just incredible, she came from being an unknown minor German princess to becoming one of the most enlightened and progressive rulers in all of European history. She’s a constant source of inspiration for me and I’m actually going to St Petersburg this summer because I have a weird obsession with her.

What are the go-to snacks you like to eat?

I don’t really snack as I like to sit down to proper meals, but some days call for a bag of Cheetos Puffs. Please don’t @ me to tell me that crunchy is better, I’ve heard it all before.

According to you, who is the best-dressed person in business?

I find this notion that there’s business wear and normal clothes completely outdated. However, if I had to choose one in “business”, I’d choose Christine LaGarde of the International Monetary Fund because she’s like the shining beacon in the otherwise fashionably dull global political scene. 


What skill are you determined to master?

Listening. Because of my fear of public speaking, and even just my fear of speaking in normal social situations, I’ve have this habit of constantly thinking about what I’m going to say vs truly listening to people. So that’s something I’m trying to be more cognizant of every day.

What three films best describe your personality?

Nope. Hahaha. Not answering this one.

What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?

That you’re going to die and that nothing you do actually matters in the grand scheme of the universe. Yes, very morbid & existential, but I do try to think about death and how insignificant I am all the time because it’s important perspective to maintain. Because if nothing you do truly matters then the day-to-day troubles you have, or even the big troubles you run into, don’t matter either. It’s very freeing to begin living each day how you want to instead of being in a constant state of anxiety, obsessively planning your career and thinking about other people. I take each day, each hour, as it comes now, living very consciously and listening to myself all the time.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

That everything you’re worrying about right now doesn’t matter.

Where is your happy place?

The floor of my loft, well actually on a mat that I have permanently on the floor. I don’t know why, but I hate sitting in chairs so I’m constantly just like lying on the floor of my place and never sitting in the 10 totally different chairs/sofas I have bought for my place. Maybe it’s because being on the floor literally gives me a different perspective and it’s a place I find easier to be alone with myself and my thoughts.

What are the 3 Albums that soundtrack your life?

Not answering this one.

Which activities make you lose track of time?

Introspection. And now because of Marie Kondo, introspecting while tidying up my house.

How many Gum Balls would it take to fill a Boeing 747 Airplane?

Didn’t realize I was in a Google interview, but just shy of 23MM. And yes, I Googled the answer.

What three words would you use to describe your past three months of your life?

Challenging, Illuminating, Humanizing.

Name something you couldn’t go a day without. Why?

Time alone. I need that time on my floor each day otherwise I can easily get caught up and forget what’s actually important to me.

List your top five favourite books.

Again, a question I hate answering because I’ll read back on this one day and cringe. Not falling for it this time! But if you ask me directly via Linked In, or wherever, about a specific type of book you’re looking for, I will always have a ton of answers.

Dogs or Cats?

I really genuinely like both but I do think I relate more to cats because they always completely ignore me, or are scared of me, and so I’m always thinking “yeah, I get you cat.”

Do you believe there is a way to turn your passions in to work, and if so, how?

Sure, but you have to be very realistic because most likely you are really passionate about one aspect of job you think you’re passionate about. Like for example, you may love music but the thing you love most about music is listening to it and discovering new music, and NOT all the stuff that comes with it – politics, selling it, promoting it, etc. (obviously this is pulled from my own personal experience)
So if you want to go into what you love, you have to go into it with shit-coloured glasses and realize you’re also about to do a bunch of things you hate to do & you probably have to work a fuck ton more than you expect. The “if you’re working in what you’re passionate in, it won’t feel like work” saying is completely bullshit. I see people burn out and eventually hate doing their passion all the time, so don’t be naïve.

What’s the last item you purchased with cash?

Last week for pho because they NEVER take debit. I’m jealous because I wish I could be as iconic as those pho restaurants and do that at my restaurants too to save on card fees.

Indica or Sativa?

Indica!!!

Read receipt or nah?

Never, I also have a horrible habit of not really reading price tags when I shop.

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