I Choose...A Life of Service with Claire Babineaux-Fontenot
I Choose Me with Jennie Garth
Deep Dive
Why did Claire Babineaux-Fontenot decide to leave her high-paying job at Walmart to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector?
Claire decided to leave her job at Walmart after being diagnosed with cancer, which made her realize she needed to make a choice that aligned with her personal values and passions. She felt a strong calling to dedicate her life to service and knew that staying at Walmart would not allow her to achieve her full potential in that regard.
Why does Claire believe that food insecurity in the U.S. is a solvable problem?
Claire believes that food insecurity is solvable because the U.S. has more than enough food to feed everyone, and the issue is largely one of distribution and waste. Feeding America recovers and redistributes billions of pounds of food that would otherwise go to waste, demonstrating that the problem can be addressed through better resource management and community support.
Why did Claire's parents care for 108 children, and what did she learn from growing up in such a large and diverse family?
Claire's parents cared for 108 children through a combination of birth, adoption, and fostering. Growing up in this environment taught her about the importance of diversity, the unique needs of different individuals, and the power of community. She learned to be sensitive to others' emotions and to leverage diversity as a strength in all aspects of her life.
Why did Claire choose to become a tax lawyer, and how did her career path lead her to Feeding America?
Claire chose to become a tax lawyer somewhat randomly, as she realized there were no tax lawyers from her law school, and she was intrigued by the field. Her career path included roles in government, big four accounting, and Walmart, where she eventually became the treasurer. Her passion for service and a conversation with a colleague at Walmart led her to the opportunity to become the CEO of Feeding America.
Why does Claire emphasize the importance of self-care, and what are some of her self-care practices?
Claire emphasizes the importance of self-care because she understands the risk of burnout, especially in a high-pressure role. Her self-care practices include reading, walking, dancing, singing, and taking baths. She also prioritizes listening to her body and knowing when to pause and take a break, even if it means saying no to opportunities or commitments.
Why does Claire believe that the giver receives, and how does this belief influence her work with Feeding America?
Claire believes that the giver receives because she has experienced a unique sense of unity and fulfillment when volunteering and helping others. This belief influences her work with Feeding America by reinforcing the importance of community and service, and by inspiring her to encourage others to get involved in the fight against food insecurity.
Why did Claire's father's advice to 'just be you' have such a profound impact on her during a moment of doubt?
Claire's father's advice to 'just be you' had a profound impact because it came from a man who had always believed in her, even when others might not have. His words reminded her of her own capabilities and the value she brings to her work. This advice gave her the confidence to face challenges and continue her leadership role at Feeding America.
- Grew up with 108 siblings (a mix of birth, adoption, and fostering)
- Parents instilled values of service and giving back
- Learned the importance of diversity and individual needs
- Diverse teams are more successful
Shownotes Transcript