Kirti Naik: Redefine Reputation

Episode Summary

In this deeply human and heartfelt conversation, Chris Schembra sits down with his longtime friend Kirti Naik, a powerhouse brand leader turned soulful storyteller, for an episode that moves beyond titles and accolades into the raw, unfiltered truth of a life well-lived. On this crisp New York City fall day, amid Yom Kippur reflections and the festive spirit of Diwali, Chris and Kirti explore the intertwined forces of fate, love, resilience, and identity.

Kirti opens up about her unexpected journey into motherhood and how her daughter, Kiran, became her North Star, pushing her to finish business school while pregnant, guiding her to build a better life, and teaching her lessons in forgiveness and courage. Together, Chris and Kirti unpack the subtle art of pausing in a world obsessed with speed: pausing before responding to an email, pausing to think, pausing to realign with who we are and who we want to become.

They delve into the heavy weight and quiet liberation of reputation, how cultural expectations and personal setbacks (like divorce) shape us, and how we can reclaim our own narrative even after painful turning points. Kirti shares how love and partnership with Greg have reshaped her family and her understanding of commitment — beyond paperwork and traditions — into something deeply chosen and resilient.

The conversation moves fluidly from practical life strategies (like managing anxiety, editing before you send, embracing imperfection) to profound reflections on destiny (or “amor fati”), legacy, and the humility that comes with decades of personal and professional growth. We hear about parenting in New York City, the courage to let go of perfectionism, and how success is measured not just by business milestones but by the depth of relationships we nurture along the way.

This is not a business episode,  it’s a blueprint for living with greater presence, courage, and gratitude. Whether you’re navigating big career decisions, untangling old expectations, or learning to pause before reacting, Kirti’s story is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and embrace the beautiful messiness of life.

10 Great Quotes

1. “Kids, don’t worry about people knowing you. Make yourself worth knowing.” — Chris (quoting Fiorello LaGuardia)
    
2. “She was my North Star — the reason I wanted to be a better person, to work harder, and to finish what I started.” — Kirti
    
3. “Progress comes from movement, not perfection.” — Chris
    
4. “I’ve shifted from people pleasing to teaching and communicating what I authentically think.” — Kirti
    
5. “Precision requires pause. Sometimes waiting 15 minutes changes everything.” — Chris
    
6. “Reputation is hard to rewrite — but it’s not impossible when you lead with honesty and vulnerability.” — Kirti
    
7. “Material things don’t really matter. We don’t actually need anything but each other and some Netflix.” — Kirti
    
8. “We have to rise above business success and find success in our personal lives — the world needs that.” — Chris
    
9. “Love doesn’t have to be defined by societal milestones. Commitment can be something deeply chosen.” — Kirti
    
10. “It’s humbling to realize we’re still learning — not about tools or tactics, but about ourselves.” — Kirti
     

10 Key Takeaways

1. Pause Before You React — Writing a draft and waiting before sending helps you edit, clarify, and prevent future missteps.
    
2. Redefine Reputation — Your past doesn’t have to define you; vulnerability and new actions can reshape how others see you.
    
3. Parenthood as Catalyst — Unexpected life events, like surprise motherhood, can bring purpose and resilience you didn’t know you had.
    
4. Move from People Pleasing to Authenticity — Stop avoiding conflict; respectfully communicate your needs and boundaries.
    
5. Love Beyond Paperwork — Lasting commitment isn’t about traditional milestones but about shared choice and partnership.
    
6. Cultural Expectations Can Be Rewritten — Even deeply ingrained norms can shift when you choose your own happiness and truth.
    
7. Imperfection Is Human — Let go of needing to be flawless; aim for 80–90% and move forward.
    
8. True Success Is Relational — The depth of mentorship, family bonds, and love defines life more than job titles.
    
9. Anxiety Can Be Managed with Pause — Small intentional habits — like stepping back before acting — can reduce fear and increase control.
    
10. Fate vs. Coincidence — Sometimes the unexpected (from your child’s name to life detours) is guiding you toward who you’re meant to become.