An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Set Clear Goals
Reflect on Your Experiences
Surround Yourself with Good People
Take Care of Your Health
Growth is an essential part of life, both personally and professionally. Every day presents an opportunity to learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves. But how do we seize these opportunities? How do successful writers, leaders, and influencers ensure they are constantly growing and improving? What daily habits, practices, or mindsets contribute to their continual growth? In this interview series, we are talking to authors, leaders, influencers, and anyone who is an authority about “What We Can Do To Grow Every Day”. As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Henry Criss.
Henry Criss is an executive leader with over 20 years of experience, specializing in healthcare management and organizational change. As the CEO of the Fraum Center on Hilton Head Island, he leads the region’s top provider of restorative medicine and wellness care. A Marine Corps veteran and active community member, Henry is committed to servant leadership and empowering his team to achieve the organization’s goals.
Thank you so much for your time! I know that you are a very busy person. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us your “Origin Story”? Can you tell us the story of how you grew up? Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?
Thank you for having me! I’m glad to share a bit about my background. I grew up with a strong sense of duty and service, values that were instilled in me from a young age. This sense of responsibility led me to join the Marine Corps, where I learned the importance of leadership, discipline, and resilience. My time in the Marines was transformative — it not only shaped my character but also set the foundation for my approach to leadership today.
Professionally, I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can make a real impact, particularly in areas that involve helping others and driving positive change. After my military service, I transitioned into public management and later into healthcare, where I found my true calling. Leading the Fraum Center for Restorative Health has been a natural extension of my desire to serve, combining my skills in leadership with my passion for healthcare. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m committed to continuing to improve the lives of the patients we serve.
Thank you for all that. Let’s now turn to the main focus of our discussion about Personal Growth. To make sure that we are all on the same page, let’s begin with a simple definition. What does “Personal Growth” mean to you?
To me, personal growth means always working on becoming a better version of yourself. It’s not just about your job or career success; it’s about growing in all parts of your life. Whether it’s building better relationships, taking care of your health, or learning new things, personal growth is about pushing yourself to try new things and keep improving. It’s a journey of learning more about yourself and always trying to be the best you can be.
Why do you believe that it’s important to commit to growing every day?
I believe it’s important to commit to growing every day because it keeps us moving forward. Growth helps us become better at what we do, both in our personal lives and at work. By learning something new or improving a little each day, we open up more opportunities for ourselves and build the skills we need to handle challenges. Daily growth also keeps us motivated and gives us a sense of purpose. It’s about making sure we’re always moving in the right direction, even if it’s just one small step at a time.
What are the key upsides for those who mindfully engage in a journey of personal evolution?
Engaging in a journey of personal evolution brings significant benefits. It leads to greater self-awareness, helping you understand your strengths, weaknesses, and what truly matters to you, which in turn helps you make better decisions. It also boosts your resilience, as you learn to see setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as roadblocks. This journey can improve your relationships, making you more empathetic, patient, and understanding, which enhances how you connect with others. Ultimately, personal evolution brings a deeper sense of fulfillment, as actively working on yourself gives you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that you’re making progress and becoming the best version of yourself.
When we stop evolving in intentional ways, what do you think are the biggest downsides?
When we stop evolving intentionally, some big downsides can start to surface. We might feel stuck or stagnant, like we’re not moving forward in life, which can lead to a lack of motivation and even feelings of frustration or dissatisfaction. Without intentional growth, we may miss out on new opportunities or fail to develop the skills we need to handle challenges effectively. Our relationships could also suffer, as we’re less likely to work on improving how we connect with others. Additionally, without growth, we may struggle with adapting to change, making it harder to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. Overall, when we stop evolving, we risk losing the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from continuous personal improvement.
What specific practices, if any, do you have in place to ensure that you don’t become stagnant in life?
To avoid becoming stagnant, I make it a point to stay curious and keep learning. I regularly read books, listen to podcasts, or take courses on topics that interest me or challenge my thinking. I also set personal and professional goals that push me to step out of my comfort zone, whether it’s learning a new skill, taking on a challenging project, or simply trying something different.
I also believe in reflecting on my experiences — taking time to think about what’s working, what isn’t, and what I can do better. This helps me stay aware of my growth and make adjustments when needed. I surround myself with people who inspire me and encourage growth, whether it’s through mentorship, networking, or just having meaningful conversations.
I also make sure to take care of my physical and mental health. Exercise, mindfulness, and spending time with loved ones are all practices that help me stay balanced and energized, allowing me to keep moving forward in life. These practices keep me engaged and ensure I’m always working toward becoming the best version of myself.
Is there any particular area of your life where you are most committed to growth (e.g., spiritually, professionally, socially, internally, relationally)?
I’m most committed to spiritual growth because my faith is a core part of who I am. I believe that nurturing my spiritual life gives me strength, guidance, and a sense of purpose in everything I do. Whether it’s through prayer, meditation, studying scripture, or being involved in my faith community, I’m always seeking ways to deepen my relationship with God and live out my values more fully. This spiritual foundation influences all other areas of my life, including how I approach my work, relationships, and personal growth.
If you could offer five tips to readers on how to stimulate and perpetuate self-growth, what would they be?
1. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Curiosity has been a key driver in my growth throughout my career. I remember a time when I stumbled upon a book about design thinking, a concept I wasn’t very familiar with. Even though it wasn’t directly related to my field, I decided to dive in. The book opened my eyes to new ways of problem-solving and innovation, which I later applied to a project at the Fraum Center. By using some of the principles I learned, we were able to redesign our patient intake process, making it more efficient and user-friendly. This experience taught me that learning from different fields can bring valuable insights that you can apply in unexpected ways.
2. Set Clear Goals
Goal setting has been crucial in helping me achieve both personal and professional milestones. A few years ago, I realized that I needed to sharpen my leadership skills to better guide my team and drive the mission of the organization I was working for forward. I set a specific goal to enroll in and complete an executive leadership program. The program was intense and required a lot of commitment, but it pushed me to think differently about leadership and management. After completing the program, I implemented several new strategies at the organization, including a more collaborative decision-making process and a stronger focus on employee development. These changes led to improved team morale and better performance outcomes, showing me the power of setting clear, actionable goals.
3. Reflect on Your Experiences
Reflection has been a key part of my personal growth. A few years ago, I volunteered to lead a community service project that involved coordinating a large team of volunteers to renovate a local park. The project had its fair share of challenges, from unexpected weather delays to coordinating with local authorities. After the project was completed, I took time to reflect on what went well and what could have been done differently. I realized that I needed to improve my communication with the team and be more flexible in my planning. This reflection helped me become a better leader in future community projects, as I was able to apply the lessons, I learned to ensure smoother, more successful outcomes.
4. Surround Yourself with Good People
The impact of surrounding myself with positive, supportive people became clear during a major life transition. When I decided to pursue an MBA, I was balancing work, family, and studies, which was incredibly challenging. During this time, I was fortunate to have a group of close friends and mentors who provided both emotional support and practical advice. They encouraged me to keep going when things got tough and offered valuable insights that helped me navigate the complexities of graduate school. Their support was instrumental in helping me successfully complete my degree, and it reinforced the importance of having a strong, supportive network during challenging times.
5. Take Care of Your Health
Taking care of my health has been a crucial part of maintaining balance and growth in my life. A few years ago, I found myself working long hours in a high-pressure job, and it started to take a toll on my physical and mental health. I was feeling drained and unmotivated. Realizing I needed to make a change, I started a daily routine that included exercise, meditation, and healthier eating habits. This shift in focus not only improved my energy levels but also had a positive impact on my mood and productivity. By prioritizing my health, I was able to bring my best self to both my work and personal life, proving that well-being is a key foundation for continuous growth.
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck and unsure of how to start their personal growth journey?
If someone is feeling stuck and unsure of how to start their personal growth journey, my advice is to begin small and focus on one area at a time. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you think about all the changes you want to make, so it’s important to start with something manageable. Take some time to reflect on what’s most important to you or what part of your life you’d like to improve — whether it’s your health, learning a new skill, or building better relationships. Once you’ve identified that area, set a small, achievable goal that can create momentum, like walking 15 minutes a day if you’re focused on health. Seek out resources or support, such as a book, podcast, or advice from someone experienced in that area, as positive influences can help keep you motivated. Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Growth takes time, and it’s okay to move at your own pace. Celebrate small wins along the way and remember that personal growth is a journey, not a destination — the key is just to start.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have significantly contributed to your personal growth?
One book that has made a big impact on me is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. This book introduced me to the concept of a growth mindset, which is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. Understanding this has changed how I approach challenges and setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could start a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, it would focus on building empathy and understanding between different communities and cultures. The idea would be to encourage people to step outside their comfort zones, connect with others who have different perspectives, and learn from each other’s experiences. This could happen through community events, educational programs, and projects that bring diverse groups together to work toward common goals.
In a world that often feels divided, promoting empathy can help bring people closer and create stronger, more connected communities. By understanding and appreciating our differences, we can build a more caring society where people are more willing to help each other and work together to solve problems. This movement wouldn’t just be about accepting differences; it would be about truly valuing the unique qualities that each culture and background brings to our lives.
Empathy has the power to change the way we interact with one another, and if more people practiced it, we could see a positive ripple effect that leads to more cooperation, peace, and positive change in the world.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can follow my work online by connecting with me on LinkedIn, where I regularly share insights and updates about my professional journey. You can find my profile at linkedin.com/in/henrycriss. Additionally, I publish articles and thoughts on various topics related to leadership, healthcare, and personal growth on my website at henrycriss.com. These platforms are great ways to stay connected and see what I’m working on.
Thank you so much for sharing these important insights. We wish you continued success and good health!
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of multiple companies. He launched Choice Recovery, Inc., a healthcare collection agency, while going to The Ohio State University, His team earned national recognition, twice being ranked as the #1 business to work for in Central Ohio. In 2018, Chad launched [re]start, a career development platform connecting thousands of individuals in collections with meaningful employment opportunities, He sold Choice Recovery on his 25th anniversary and in 2023, sold the majority interest in [re]start so he can focus his transition to Built to Lead as an Executive Leadership Coach. Learn more at www.chadsilverstein.com
Growing Every Day: Henry Criss Of The Fraum Center On What We Can Do To Grow Every Day was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.