Maria Shriver

Suze Orman - Personal Finance Expert, TV Host, Author, Producer & Motivational Speaker

By MariaShriver.com

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1. What are your three words to live by? Why do these words guide your life?

Kind. Necessary. True.
These are the three words that represent the gatekeepers of life that were taught to me years ago by an incredible teacher. Every thought, word or action that I take has got to pass through these three gatekeepers. Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true?
If they do not pass through ALL three gatekeepers, then I need to stop -- and rethink -- what I am thinking, saying or doing.

2. What does being an "architect of change" mean to you?

The question has to be not just what does an architect of change mean to me -- it has to also be who do you want to be an architect of change for? For me, life is about meeting the needs of the people, places and times around us and offering those services to God. In order to do that, you have to know who YOU are and why you are doing what you are doing. What is the true intention behind one's actions? To me, an architect of change really means staying in touch with how my own needs are changing and what I need to stay grounded in the truth. For when I stand in the truth of who I am, then I can speak in truths and not just words. I then can take actions that are rooted in the truth and not just actions for the sake of doing something. An architect of change shows others how to be not by telling them but by showing them with who you are and what you do.

3. Who do you consider to be an Architect of Change in your life? Why?

I consider myself, believe it or not, to be my own architect of change. Everyday I look in the mirror and I look closely to see if I like what I see looking back at me. Not in how I physically look but how my eyes look, how I feel as I am looking at myself. If I am not feeling great and I can see it and I can feel it, then I know something is not right and I have to change it right then and there. I am the only one who can change my life, really. Others can teach, others can show, but I am the only one who can take those teachings and change.

4. What's the most important lesson you've learned in life?

To do what is right versus doing what is easy!

5. What is one thing you are working on right now that you feel especially passionate about?

I am working on what I call a true game-changer when it comes to the banking industry. On January 9th, I am coming out with a prepaid debit card called THE APPROVED CARD. The intention behind this card is to give people a place where they are proud to bring their money home to. A place where no fees or information will ever be in small writing. A card that will ALWAYS put PEOPLE FIRST. Out of all the things I have ever done, this is the one thing that will be an architect of change for how people utilize their hard-earned money. I could not be more proud if I tried.

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Check out her latest book, Money Class