An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Test your limits, do something crazy
“Disappear” for a while and spend quality time alone
Spark someone’s curiosity
Paper takes it all
Find a community to join
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 Arturs Peha.
With over 15 years of expertise in the Language Service Provider (LSP) industry, Arturs passionately transforms innovative ideas into tangible successes. His skill set is broad, focusing on process optimization, developing and executing cutting-edge digital marketing and sales strategies, and harnessing the power of AI, particularly in pioneering Generative AI applications with Large Language Models (LLMs). An early adopter of technology, Arturs is committed to lifelong learning and professional growth. His humility and approachability are coupled with a deep commitment to inspiring positive change in his network and the broader community.
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?
Thank you for this great opportunity! I grew up in Lielvircava, a small village in Latvia, where my mother raised me and my seven siblings on her own. Life there was simple, yet full of lessons that have shaped who I am today. I remember waking up on sunny mornings and seeing people gathered in the yard. In full silence, you do your daily summer drill — “unbox” ducklings, chicks, and goslings with their mothers to place them in enclosures, protecting them from wild predators. I was just 7 or 8 years old, but this responsibility had already become second nature. I would count them in and out every day, and sometimes, one would not make it. My sisters and I would hold a small, respectful funeral, and we would cry deeply, as if something precious had been lost. But through those tears, I learned an invaluable lesson: nothing is eternal, not even pain. This is not the usual day, after the usual morning “unboxing”, you try to take the bull out of the barn to the pasture. But no matter how hard I pushed or pulled, the bull would not budge. Suddenly, you hear everyone in the yard start to laugh, and finally, you hear one person scream, “Why are you trying to take the bull out in the evening?” The day was long and tiring, so my nap messed me up.
This is not a story about pettiness or bitterness — though as a child, I often wondered why I had to face such challenges. It is easy to think, “What if I had been born into a more ‘normal’ family?” But those moments taught me about trust, resilience, and the strength that comes from a solid work ethic and community. Even when resources were scarce, we shared what we had, and there was a unique happiness in that.
Can you tell us a bit about what you do professionally, and what brought you to this specific career path?
Throughout my career, curiosity has been the cornerstone of my journey, continually driving me to understand how things work and to seek out innovative ideas. My professional path at Skrivanek began 18 years ago when I started as a project manager for a large trademark translation project for an EU institution. Initially, I faced challenges related to overcoming my shyness, but the unwavering support from my colleagues and my intrinsic curiosity played a crucial role in my growth. Their encouragement, combined with my own initiative, helped me develop both personally and professionally.
As I progressed in my career, these and many other trainings and experiences shaped my approach to leadership. I have come to deeply value open communication, a spirit of curiosity, and the importance of embracing experimentation. My leadership style is grounded in fostering a supportive environment where team members feel empowered to explore new ideas and grow. For me, it’s not just about the specific industry I work in; it’s about the broader impact of the results on society and the world, as well as the meaningful connections I build with the people I work with. My approach and values would remain the same regardless of the field, as I am driven by the desire to make a positive difference and to foster growth and innovation wherever I am.
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?
Personal growth is one of my core values, and if you are reading this, I believe it is important to you as well. It is not just about acquiring new knowledge regularly, but about applying that knowledge whenever possible, whether in business or personal life. It is also about sharing what you have learned with those who are interested, especially with your closest ones. Reflecting on your accomplishments is essential — there will always be someone who is smarter, fitter, or more financially successful than you. While it is important to draw inspiration from others — and I highly recommend finding your own sources of inspiration, whether in books, podcasts, family members, or even passing strangers — at the end of the day, you should measure yourself against your own progress. Are you better off today than you were a week ago? Have you accomplished your goals, and are you happy with what you’ve achieved?
Why do you believe that it’s important to commit to growing every day?
Growth can be viewed from various angles — whether societal, natural, or even from a personal, self-centered perspective. At the end of the day, who truly cares? The point is, that you should commit to growth if you want to stay relevant, sharpen your adaptability, and build resilience for when tough times inevitably come — and they will. If you are a parent or a dedicated community member, your commitment to growth can serve as a powerful example and inspiration for others. What is the alternative — just existing?
What are the key upsides for those who mindfully engage in a journey of personal evolution?
Realizing that you still know so little, and accepting that a lifetime will not be enough to explore it all — yet finding peace with that and still continuing your pursuit of personal evolution. The benefits of this journey can vary depending on your focus — whether it is spiritual, physical, or professional — and your “why” behind pursuing it. But some upsides are universal: deeper overall satisfaction and happiness with your life, increased assertiveness, and the ability to create deeper, more meaningful relationships. In our very materialistic world, you will also likely find that those who continually seek knowledge often have a higher chance of earning more and achieving “success”.
When we stop evolving in intentional ways, what do you think are the biggest downsides?
We humans do not speak white shark language, but what we do know is that they do not have the option to stop; if they did, water would stop flowing over their gills, leading to suffocation. Unlike sharks, we humans have the luxury to stagnate for a while (depending on where exactly you live) before we start to decline, but that luxury comes with risks. If we stay still too long, we start to miss out on opportunities and lose confidence. Eventually, this can result in pettiness and whining about life — and people tend to prefer positive individuals. While it is important to support one another in the short run, constantly being around those who are stuck can weigh you down as well. You are essentially the average of the people you spend the most time with. If you are weak, you risk dragging others down with you. So, chin up, roll up your sleeves, and keep moving forward.
What specific practices, if any, do you have in place to ensure that you don’t become stagnant in life?
There are at least a few practices I follow, and I suggest everyone find their own through experimentation. One key approach is putting yourself in “uncomfortable” situations — what I like to refer to as challenges — like a recent 100 km hike with a few friends in under 20 hours, exposure to extreme conditions, such as cold and heat, and undertaking prolonged fasting periods lasting three or more days. I also believe in doing things that scare you and stepping outside your comfort zone. We all have our personal “spiders” — but I prefer to think of them as “birds” because once you conquer them, they can really lift you up. This interview is somehow “my bird”. For others, it might be public speaking or solo traveling. Lastly, I have maintained both a “yearly” and lifetime objectives list for many years. Regularly reflecting on these goals helps me stay focused on my growth and ensures that I am continually moving forward, rather than becoming stagnant.
Is there any particular area of your life where you are most committed to growth (e.g., spiritually, professionally, socially, internally, relationally)?
Lately, my focus has been on relationships and professional development, while also making an effort to maintain relatively good physical shape. It’s hard to move forward if your vessel — your body — isn’t in good condition.
If you could offer five tips to readers on how to stimulate and perpetuate self-growth, what would they be?
1 . Test your limits, do something crazy
Self-growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone. We might not always know exactly what we want, but we usually have a strong sense of what we do not want. Take that as your input and challenge yourself. If you have achieved something once, aim higher the next time — do it faster, better, and voilà you have created your own new challenge. Self-growth, for me, is also about overcoming one’s set “limitations” and facing hardships.
Take the example of my recent 100 km walk. Depending on your shape, shoes, and bag weight, the first 60 or 80 kilometers might go smoothly, but then you get tired — because you have walked all night long, under a hot sun, or at times with mosquitoes around, and perhaps some friends or your own self-doubt are not helping either. Who cares? No one will give you a medal for it, but you push through anyway. One of my friends said, “I will never ever repeat this,” but then, a month later, while playing squash, he asked, “When do we repeat that?” Nothing is eternal, not even pain — you push through, make it your baseline, and the next time storms come, you are more ready.
And while self-growth can be a solitary journey, some challenges are more rewarding when shared. You might also find inspiration and an extra bit of energy when sharing the experience with someone else. And the memories? Everyone deserves to have some amazing ones to share and relive.
2 . “Disappear” for a while and spend quality time alone
We are literally being bombarded — try this, do that, oh, you must know this and be there. Deadlines, milestones, and everything in between. It can be quite overwhelming, even for the most assertive and resilient person. How do you know if it is really what you need or want? We are a bit like batteries, and we all need to recharge to keep powering forward. So, find your own haven — whether it is calming music in a bustling café where you can observe passersby, your 5 AM club where you have time for yourself, or meditation. We all deserve quality time alone, yes, even away from our loved ones, to talk to ourselves and reflect on what we really desire and where we want to go. Note it down and implement it.
3 . Spark someone’s curiosity
I can guarantee that there are at least a few things you are great at and know a lot about. Use this to ignite someone else’s interest in the subject, helping them get better, smarter, or avoid mistakes you have already encountered. It is an amazing feeling to know that someone is benefiting from your shared knowledge or experience. This not only deepens your own understanding of a particular subject but also fosters a sense of belonging and a deeper connection with people. Just as you find inspiration in others, you can be the source of inspiration for them. It is like a loop — the more you give, the more you can actually gain. Remember the last time you traveled with someone who has seen less in their lives. Isn’t it amazing to see things from a new perspective?
4 . Paper takes it all
Thinking, discussing, and reflecting are valuable experiences, so write them down to keep yourself accountable. This does not mean you can not change your plan — after all, it is your life, and you can adjust it even ten times a day if you want. I remember participating in a training session years ago where I had to plan my life for the next 15 years. When I revisited those materials seven years later, I realized I had accomplished everything in half the time. Does this mean I excelled in execution, or should I be less humble? It is hard to say, but we should compare ourselves to who we were first and foremost.
When we started our studies at Warsaw University of Technology, we were asked to write a letter to our future selves — the envelope is still with our tutor, but I know I can already cross a few things off that list. Writing down your dreams is a powerful activity, so grab a pen if you have not done it yet.
5 . Find a community to join
Growth thrives in the presence of like-minded people. If you do not have any in your immediate circle, we live in great times where you can create your own mastermind group. They will cheer you up when needed, and you can be the one who lifts them up. Since you have already written down your plan (see point 4.), it should be easier to know what you really want. Ideally, find a community that operates in-person, but an online one can be just as effective if you are dedicated enough.
What advice would you give to someone who feels stuck and unsure of how to start their personal growth journey?
It is okay to feel stuck — you are not alone, especially at a time when we have an abundance of possibilities. Take some time alone to recharge and plan your next move. Give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and reset. Sometimes, the first step in personal growth is simply allowing yourself the space to figure out what you truly want.
Are there any books, podcasts, or other resources that have significantly contributed to your personal growth?
It is not just because of this interview, but I genuinely recommend reading on Medium. You can find a wide range of topics that align with your interests, especially when it comes to tech and personal growth. The authors vary by topic, but I particularly enjoy Simon Sinek for his emphasis on “humanness,” as well as Dr. Andrew Huberman and Lex Fridman. I also use the Headway app for audiobook summaries, which helps me decide which books I want to read in full. Additionally, I appreciate my friends who share fresh ideas and summaries with me.
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. 🙂
Limit phone usage for your children. While movies and series often depict zombie apocalypses, in reality, we are creating a generation of young people who are becoming like “half-zombies” due to excessive screen time. Although some will manage to overcome screen addiction — something even adults struggle with — this issue will not be resolved if left unchecked. Reconnect with your kids and spend quality time with them. It is not just society that will benefit from this; your family will, too.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can stay updated with our company’s latest developments by visiting Skrivanek’s website at Skrivanek.com. Additionally, I welcome connections on LinkedIn, where I regularly share insights and updates, you can connect with me at LinkedIn: Arturs Peha.
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: Arturs Peha Of Skrivanek 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.