Nu Skin’s CEO Ryan Napierski has been a part of the Nu Skin family from the early days. Since joining Nu Skin in 1995, Ryan has held multiple positions of influence including, most recently, Nu Skin president. He has also served in multiple positions internationally including president of Nu Skin’s North Asia region and president of Nu Skin Japan. Though he has traveled internationally and lived abroad, Ryan was born and raised in Orem, Utah. As part of our ongoing series to help you get to know our executive committee, we sat down with Ryan as he shared everything from his favorite food and vacation spot to his definition of success and innovation.

The Source: What does “success” mean to you?

Ryan: The older I get, the more I realize that everyone defines “success” a little differently. As long as you’re happy with where you are heading then that’s success. Life is a journey and success is defined individually.

TS: To whom do you attribute your success?

R: What I’ve learned is that success is a journey; you’re either moving forward or you’re not. What I’ve achieved so far, I attribute to a whole line of people who have become mentors to me in my life. Success also comes from your own personal ambition and hard-work, but you can’t do it alone. I’ve had mentors my whole life—from my grandfather, who was a salesman and would give me inspirational books as a kid, to Truman, Ritch, and others with whom I’ve worked throughout my career.

TS: What daily habits contribute to your success?

R: I try to plan weekly and execute daily. Part of these plans include the daytime rituals that help me stay on track. The very first thing I do when I wake up is throw on my gym clothes and work out. Before I go to bed each night, I clear and clean my mind out through meditation.

TS: What is your favorite book?

R: Perpetual learning is critical. I read a ton of books so, for me, it’s hard to pick just one. A book that has been particularly insightful is Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg on the power of habits and how they change behavior. I also have book themes that I focus on, and every year I transition to a new theme. After I practice the theme for an extended period, it becomes a part of what I do in my day-to-day life and who I am, and I think that’s very important.

TS: What is your favorite food?

R: Shakes. Anything that’s fast and that I don’t have to spend a lot of time eating. I know that isn’t the norm, so I would say a good steak as well.

The Source: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

R: “When you’re there, be there.” It’s been a huge influence in my life. There is power in being present in the moment.

TS: What is your favorite quote?

R: My favorite quote is one I tore out of a magazine my grandfather gave me when I was a teenager, and I still have the page. It’s a quote by Henry David Thoreau, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you’ve imagined.”

TS: Where is your favorite place in the world?

R: There are so many amazing places in the world, but there’s one place that sticks in my mind, and that’s Bali.

TS: What’s your definition of innovation?

R: Innovation is the creation of new opportunity; be that in terms of a product, process or business. It is fun, invigorating, and transformational. We are all innovators at heart, but we must actively practice as it is more of an art than a science.

TS: What’s something a lot of people might not know about you?

R: I’ve heard from others that I’m really intense. The truth is, I’m fairly easy going. I’m more easy going than what people perceive. Really!