Meet John-Paul Sukkar: Senior Director, People at Rent The Runway, traveler, foodie, adventurer, and an all-around affable man living his best expat life in New York City.
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
“The world is a book – those who do not travel read only one page” – This famous quote by St. Augustine of Hippo is often used as my rationale for packing a bag, on a whim, and heading away somewhere new for the weekend.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU LEARNED IN HIGH SCHOOL?
You can do anything in the world if you’re surrounded by good friends. Real, good friends will be with you for life, irrespective of your changing circumstances. Most of my closest friends are ones that I made in school – even though we are thousands of miles apart.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST PET PEEVE?
Lines. I can’t stand waiting in lines – especially for food. Even more so for fad-foods that I get sucked in to wanting to try but then get so peeved at the lines.
WHAT DO YOU WEAR THAT MAKES YOU FEEL STRONG?
Glasses. I love treating myself to a new pair, and whatever I chose ends up being a reflection of that phase of my life.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WITH A BROKEN HEART?
Love yourself first and foremost. Healing means focussing totally on self-love – that means doing whatever makes you happy.
WHAT IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND?
Lamp, wireless iphone charger, speaker dock, watch charger and a collection of international coins that I unload at the end of each day (or trip).
WHAT GIVES YOU GOOSE BUMPS?
Hearing people tell their personal stories of triumph over adversity – whenever I am reminded of the real power of human spirit and strength I am moved.
WHAT IS YOUR BAD DAY BACKUP PLAN?
A glass of wine with good friends – preferably on a rooftop somewhere.
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?
Hitting goals I set out to achieve.
BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED?
Nothing good comes easy.
WHAT MAKES YOU FORGET TO EAT?
Skiing. The slopes are my happy place where I often forget about everything else happening in the world.
WHAT DID YOUR 8-YEAR-OLD SELF LOVE DOING?
Pretending I was a Power Ranger. I used to think I had a morpher in my pocket at all times and at any given moment I could morph into my favorite ranger and fight all the evil powers.
WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU GRAB IN A FIRE?
- The watch my family gave my for my 21st birthday.
- The fountain pen my dad gave me when I graduated from business school
- The farewell card my nieces and nephews made for me when I left Australia and moved to New York City.
FAVORITE WORD?
Delicious. Taste is my favorite of all the senses – and this word just encapsulates the happiness of that sensation.
FAVORITE WORK OF ART?
I’m going to cheat and pick 2. Favorite artwork generally – “The Persistence of Memory“ by Dali. However, the piece that most took my breath away when I saw the original at the MoMa was van Gogh’s “Starry Night“.
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Road by Cormac McCarthy. It really resonates with readers based on their phase of life, I read it when I finishing up university and it’s always stuck with me.
