When the Host Becomes the Guest: Chris Jarvis on Vulnerability, Evolution, and Finding Your Why

What happens when the man known for asking thought-provoking questions finally sits in the hot seat himself?

In this special episode of Be the Giraffe, the tables turn as Shannon Faulkner interviews Chris Jarvis—the show’s creator and host—about the origins of his giraffe philosophy, his deeply personal journey, and the hard-won lessons that shaped his life and mission.

Why “Be the Giraffe”?

Chris explains that the giraffe is the only animal that evolved to be more vulnerable—with a long neck that literally sticks out, making it an easy target. Yet, that same vulnerability allows it to see further and reach higher than any other animal on the savanna.

For Chris, that’s the essence of personal growth: embracing vulnerability not as weakness, but as the key to authenticity, awareness, and impact.

“The giraffe gets to see things others can’t and reach heights others won’t,” Chris says. “It’s about being confident in your vulnerability—and evolving into your truest self.”

From Numbers to Purpose

Before hosting a TV show and writing best-selling books, Chris was a math prodigy turned actuary. On paper, he had it all—success, money, recognition. But as he shares with Shannon, those achievements came with a haunting emptiness.

After walking away from a lucrative career, starting companies, and even getting kicked out of one he built from the ground up, Chris discovered that fulfillment doesn’t come from “further, faster”—it comes from choosing the right direction.

“I spent years asking how to go further, faster,” he reflects. “But I never stopped to ask, should I even be going this way?”

Pain, Perspective, and Purpose

In one of the episode’s most emotional moments, Chris opens up about losing both parents to cancer, undergoing multiple surgeries, and the death of his sister—all within a single year.

Those experiences forced him to reevaluate everything. He realized that the very pain he tried to escape had shaped his empathy, his resilience, and his gift for helping others connect through shared struggle.

That insight became the heartbeat of Be the Giraffe: giving people permission to be vulnerable, to evolve, and to lead with authenticity.

Finding the “Wild Factor”

Chris also introduces his self-assessment tool, The Wild Factor—a 20-question quiz that helps individuals and teams identify which aspects of life they’re thriving in and which they’re neglecting.

Used by companies like Microsoft and Closets by Design, it’s designed to start real conversations about health, finance, relationships, and fun—encouraging curiosity and connection both at work and at home.

“It’s not about content—it’s about context,” Chris says. “The question isn’t whether something’s interesting. It’s whether it’s valuable to you right now.”

Evolution Never Stops

Even today, Chris admits he’s still evolving. A transformative experience during a meditation led by Michael Beckwith helped him reframe his relationship with money and purpose. He realized that his true calling wasn’t just about wealth—it was about impact and joy.

“Money’s great, but it’s not the goal,” he says. “It’s about what that money allows you to do—for others and for yourself.”

The Giraffe Philosophy

Through every story, setback, and success, Chris embodies the giraffe’s lesson: vulnerability gives us vision.
When we stop hiding and start sharing who we really are, we connect more deeply, lead more authentically, and evolve more powerfully.

Watch the full conversation on Now Media Television (available on Roku) or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Take the Wild Factor Assessment — free with code JARVIS — and discover where you’re thriving, where you’re sacrificing, and how you can start reaching higher today.

P.S. If this episode resonated with you, you’ll love my Be the Giraffe book.