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Tom Freston was one of MTV's founding executives and until recently served as CEO of Viacom. Freston is responsible for the generation-defining ad campaign "I Want My MTV." In 1987[…]

Be comfortable in your own skin.

Question: What is the measure of a good life?

Tom Freston: Well I think being happy and comfortable in your skin counts for a lot. Having decent relationships with those who are close around you, whether that be your family, immediate relations, other relations, circle of friends, co-workers, feeling that you’re doing something that’s sort of adding to the good side of, you know, world progress from time to time, and not just leading some avaricious, selfish existence. The ability to travel; the ability to, you know . . . I wouldn’t say live out your dreams, but basically to be able to achieve goals that you set for yourself and have them attainable, you know, brings one great satisfaction. A good balance between, you know, your personal life and your so-called work life. Being able to, for me . . . to feel that, you know, you have an ability to, you know, be creative in whatever form that takes. You know put things together in new ways or create new things altogether.

Recorded On: 7/6/07


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