NIAL PATEL, 34
Vice president, Cornerstone Government Affairs
Nial Patel has has the distinction of being one of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s longest-serving senior staff members, beginning with his first campaign in 2003. When Jindal was elected to Congress, Patel served as his executive assistant. These days, he brings his political expertise to Cornerstone Government Affairs, a government relations and lobbying firm. He’s also chairman of the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Seminar and serves on the Southeast Super Region Committee.
Inspiring books: Freakonomics and The Tipping Point
Both books opened my mind to think differently.
Major professional accomplishments: Helping Gov. Bobby Jindal get elected to Congress and the Governor’s office; assisting in government transition and inaugurations; serving in his office during historic reform movements; coordinating disaster responses during the hurricanes Gustav and Ike, as well as the BP oil spill.
Volunteer and community involvement: Next Generation Council of GNO Inc,, Hugh O’Brian Youth Foundation, Republican Governor’s Association’s National Finance Committee, Southeast Super Region Committee, Louisiana Association of Business & Industry, Baton Rouge Area Leadership Program
PROFESSIONAL
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? An astronaut. I was fascinated with the technology. B eing able to fly to space still blows my mind away.
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I was a waiter at Albasha. It’s important to remember that every job has a customer service root: doctors and patients, engineers and users, politicians and constituents. So be nice.
Favorite place for a business lunch in Baton Rouge? Depending on who and what the discussion is, I love taking folks to Jubans or Beausoleil.
The old saying goes, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Specifically, what are you “being” to make Baton Rouge better? A connector. I like to continue to expand my network and help connect folks that may have similar ideas but won’t necessarily ever cross paths.
What ritual do you do to get pumped up before a big meeting, presentation or pitch? I chew cinnamon gum! Clean breath is always important and the flavor is very refreshing.
How many times will you try something before admitting it doesn’t work? I will keep trying until someone–or Google–explains why it doesn’t work.
What is your best productivity hack? Call a person who never makes you feel stupid … usually my mom.
What did you learn the hard way? True friends are there for you during good and bad times.
TECHNOLOGY
Mac or PC? Mac. Apple products have always intrigued me because of the creativity in every small detail.
What’s your preferred mode of communication: text or phone call? I’m usually readily available via text because I can then multitask and be more productive with my time.
How low will you allow your remaining battery life to get (in %) before you have an anxiety attack? 20%
How many unread messages are in your inbox right now? I like to complete tasks so as soon as I receive something I address it immediately or file it so I can follow up accordingly.
Are you quick to adapt to new tech, or did you hang on to that flip phone way after it became obsolete? I love getting new tech gadgets and will spend hours learning and playing with it.
PERSONALITY
How many times do you hit the snooze button? I’m a planner so before I go to bed. I try to schedule enough sleep time for me to stay healthy.
Breakfast at home? Breakfast on the go? Breakfast at your desk? No breakfast at all? I love to have a good breakfast at home, but it’s so easy to grab something on the go.
Is the glass half empty or half full? What’s in the glass? Glass half full of Dr. Pepper. Why get one flavor when you can get 23?
What’s your motto? Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.
When did you realize you had grown up? When I turned 30, I realized I could not live off eating Taco Bell.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Mike the Tiger
Which living person do you most admire? Rolfe McCollister, because he has a set of morals and the conviction to pursue prosperity.
What trend do you really wish would come back? Trapper Keepers. They were so cool and functional.
If you could choose your age forever, what age would you choose and why? 34 has been a great year for me. I’m old enough to know what’s right and wrong, yet I’m still young enough to work hard and play hard.
What is your favorite journey? When I drive to Kenner to spend the weekend with my mom because she’ll make you feel better with food and conversation.
When and where were you happiest? LSU football games.
Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why? It would be a lot of responsibility, but I would like the power of healing. Whether it’s making someone healthy or laugh or fix a problem–whatever it takes to make them smile and feel better.
If you worked for the CIA and needed a top-secret alias, what would yours be? godfather007
If you would change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I tend to get caught up in trying to please everyone, which can be burdensome or disadvantageous.
What’s your most treasured possession? My laptop. It contains all my photos and music so there are so many memories stored inside.
What do you most value in your friends? Simply being loyal and honest.
What do you miss most about the ’90s? I miss having a set schedule of going to school, doing homework, having fun, and hanging out with family. Life was a lot simpler because you knew what you had to do at that age.
If you had to be a teacher of something, what would you teach? I think it’s important that every child be taught our history and how to be thoughtful citizens, so I would like to teach a high school civics class.
What is your theme song? “Living Fast Forward,” by Kenny Chesney
Who would play you in a movie? George Clooney
If you could go back in time 20 years, what advice would you give yourself? Study hard. It pays off.
What useless piece of information will you never forget? LSU stadium was first built as dorms.
What makes you laugh every time you think about it? The song “MMMBop” by the Hanson brothers.
Who’s the most famous celebrity you’ve ever met? I’ve been blessed to meet many, so I consider everyone I meet a celebrity as long as they have something to offer others.
LOOKING AHEAD
What’s the next challenge you have planned? Get young professionals engaged in the political process.
Three things on your bucket list: Learn to fly a plane, get married and start a family, and climb Mount Everest.
Do you plan to be in the Capital Region five years from now? I never thought I would call Baton Rouge my home, but it is.
Why have you chosen to make your home in the Capital Region? This city has some very motivated citizens and it’s energizing to be around them and their kindness.
Have you peaked, or do you think you’ll still have it when we launch our hypothetical “Forty Over 40” awards years from now? I have certainly not peaked. I live everyday to the fullest so I hope to continue to do great things till I die.
