A Chronic Entrepreneur: Marguerita Cheng
Scroll down to the bottom of the page to read Marguerita’s 2021 Update
Chronic illnesses can take many different forms and affect people’s lives in many different ways. Some people live most of their lives with their chronic, others are diagnosed later in life. Marguerita Cheng was diagnosed with asthma at just five years of age. Her chronic is one she’s learnt to manage and thrive with throughout her life and she describes her chronic as teaching her valuable life skills, like empathy, intuition, self-awareness, value for her health and wellbeing, and her ability to both embrace and balance different skills and abilities. Now a certified financial planner who helps her clients take control of their financial lives, she’s run a marathon, built a family and is living her best life.
What’s your Chronic?
Asthma.
Where/when were you diagnosed?
I had pneumonia right before my fifth birthday. I developed asthma as a result of complications from childhood pneumonia. I spent 10 years of my life walking around feeling tightness in my chest and shortness of breath. When I was 15 years old, doctors realised I had asthma.
What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?
I help my clients gain clarity, confidence and control of their financial lives. My entrepreneurial journey means that I can develop meaningful relationships with special people to help them plan for their future.
What came first, the chronic or the entrepreneurism?
Most definitely, my chronic condition.
How did this path come to you?
No one could ever think that having a chronic condition is a blessing, but for me, it really is. I learned at a very young age the importance of listening to my body and listening to others. Sometimes when I had an severe asthma attack that would later escalate into a respiratory infection, I needed to take a combination of prescription medication (inhalers, steroids, antibiotics, etc). When I had to rest, I would sit and read. I would read anything I could find and discovered that I could use my soft skills (empathy, listening and introspection) and technical skills (analysis, critical thinking and problem solving) to help people develop healthier relationships with money and wealth.
Did you go through any sort of 12-stages of grief with the diagnosis or take it in its stride? How did the process manifest itself? Did you immediately reassess your life?
Because I grew up with my condition, I have accepted it. Those closest to me know that I am very committed to my health. It’s not selfish. By taking care of myself, I can be a better daughter, wife, mother, financial advisor and business partner.
Did you seek out or join organisations representing your chronic for support or did you find comfort and answers elsewhere? What would you recommend in hindsight?
I have three children – Sarina, Christian & Karolina. My eldest daughter Sarina does not have asthma. My second child, Christian, has asthma. My youngest daughter Karolina has allergy induced asthma. From the beginning, I was definitely more proactive. I joined http://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/ and our family supports this organisation.
How have you changed, if at all, in your relationships, decisions and values?
I know I have a chronic medical condition, so I have to work harder to stay healthy and keep asthma attacks at bay. For example, I prefer not to ‘happy hour’ because bars are not good places for me. I prefer coffee shops with good conversation. I make sure to make time for health and wellness.
What is your life philosophy and has this changed?
Three stand outs from Maya Angelou:
‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humour and some style.’
‘Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can’t practise any other virtue consistently.’
‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’
What do you wish you’d known before?
The importance of mindfulness.
If you are depressed you are living in the past.
If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present.
Are you on any treatments? Why/why not?
I am pleased to report that I don’t need to take maintenance medication. I do carry my rescue inhaler and maintenance inhalers with me at all times. I don’t need to take my asthma medication on a daily basis because I have improved my pulmonary function. I prefer to stay off medication because one of the side effects is migraines. Migraines are the absolute worst. For me, a migraine is more debilitating than an asthma attack because I can’t even read, let alone move.
What advice do you have for others starting out on this journey?
It is important to have your network of support. I am reminded that a candle loses nothing when it lights another candle. My true mission is light someone’s else candle – be it an inspiring entrepreneur, my clients, colleagues, or the others who touch my life.
What is a ‘bad day’ for you?
When I have an asthma attack. Last winter, I had a severe asthma attack. In fact, it was so severe that I had to go to the doctor three times in 10 days. These attacks are rare, but they happen. I’m blessed to have amazing clients who know I have their back and a supportive family.
What do you do on a ‘bad day’?
Allow myself time for self-care. Rest and read.
How do you deal with stress?
Go for a walk, listen to music, drink a cup of tea, aromatherapy, journal, take a bath, or break a sweat.
What do you struggle with the most?
I’m an introvert empath. I have to make sure that I don’t allow negative energy to affect me.
What are you most proud of?
That I’m leading a healthy life and setting a good example. I challenge myself in a positive manner.
For example, I ran my first marathon. There were so many reasons to let myself off the hook and skip this marathon. I have a beautiful life and family who love me regardless of whether I ran this marathon or not. And yet I embarked on my first marathon, a task that once seemed as insurmountable as climbing Mt. Everest.
My inspiration came from my daughter and a running program in which she participates: Girls on the Run. The message resonates with me because Girls on The Run helps girls increase self-confidence, develop healthy relationships and help them feel good about themselves, inside and out. Girls on The Run is more than running. The programs help girls be joyful, healthy and confident.
I have enjoyed my coaching experience with the program because it’s an amazing feeling to know the positive impact I can make in a girl’s life.
I want every girl to have the opportunity to participate in this program. As a SoleMate, crossing the finish line never felt so good. Not only am I proud of my personal achievement, I am passionate about ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to participate in this program to reach her potential.
I completed the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28 2018. I have been thinking of my daughters as I run. And I have also been thinking of the girls across the country who will benefit from the funds my friends and family are contributing. Many participants’ fees are subsidised by philanthropy: some girls are not able to pay, but the money we are raising is helping them participate in this amazing program.
I imagine the determination on their faces as they run. I imagine their smiles as they finish running a mile for the first time. I close my eyes briefly and I can see them laughing with their friends. This gives me the power to push past excuses and run further than I’ve ever run before.
When we give, we often think we are helping someone else. Do we ever think about how when we give we are actually helping ourselves? This humility keeps me going.
Best bits of being a Chronic Entrepreneur?
I learned to listen to my body at a very early age. I’m very sensitive and perceptive. My condition also makes me patient, understanding and empathetic. Most importantly, I value and appreciate the blessing of health.
My mantra is: ‘So many people spend their health to gain wealth, and then have to spend their wealth to regain their health.’ (A.J. Reb Materi).
Worst bits of being a Chronic Entrepreneur?
As much as I am able to live a healthy, active life, I have to be prepared. For example, I decided to be a superstar and start training to run longer distances. I was four miles out and started to smell something burning. I discovered that someone was burning wood in the park. I really couldn’t run the four miles back, so I walked and jogged. I was racing against the clock because it was starting to turn dark and I had to pick up my daughter. Despite not needing my inhalers for almost a year, I realised that I’m not invincible.
I have to remember that I have a chronic condition. I don’t use asthma as an excuse, but sometimes the toxic fumes from strong cleaning products in a hotel room or brass cleaner in an elevator can make me feel sick.
Are you a 5-year planner or are you winging it?
I’m a certified financial planner, after all. Of course, I can also be spontaneous. Sometimes, I used to just hop on the train and go to the hot springs for the day when I lived in Tokyo in Japan.
Dream weekend plans and have these changed?
I always make time for health and fitness. When my children were younger, I would take them to the park, swimming pool, rock climbing or ice skating.
Ultimate dinner party guests?
Dalai Lama, Barack and Michelle Obama, Tatyana McFadden, Arianna Huffington, Jessica Long, Daddy Yankee, Jose Andres, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ibtihaji Muhammad. All of these individuals are incredible inspiring.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I love what Dr. Seuss says: ‘Be who are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.’
I’m also honest, direct and respectful, but sometimes I’m afraid to explain myself. For example, for several years I had to attend a baseball game after a board meeting. It was rainy, damp and windy. We were always seated in an area with smokers. There was no way to avoid the smoke. Finally, I excused myself politely and left the event. Some folks mistakenly assumed that I was anti-social. Of course, that certainly wasn’t the case. The combination of the wind and smoke created the perfect storm for an asthma attack.
What’s next?
I am a contributor to Forbes, Kiplinger, Investopedia and Thrive Global. I want to write a book.
How can people find you?
You can find me on LinkedIn.
You can find me on Facebook.
You can find me on Twitter.
Let us know what you think below and share your story with us on Instagram tagging @achronicentrepreneur and using the hashtag #achronicentrepreneur.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of A Chronic Entrepreneur or anyone affiliated with it
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2021 Update
1. What's your frame of mind like at the moment? How have you survived the pandemic?
I am cautiously optimistic, meaning the pandemic has allowed us to redirect focus on relationships and priorities. As I type this, I do feel sad in my heart because we have lost many loved ones to Covid-19. I am more cautious walking or running outside alone because many of the violent attacks happening in the AAPI community. I am appreciative of the support of my family, friends and community. I know that my clients value my financial guidance and advice. My dream is to be able to run far and fast again without a mask and without fear of being attacked.
2. What have you learnt about yourself through this journey? How have you changed, if at all, in your relationships, decisions, what you value/your life
I have become more comfortable with setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. In the early days of the pandemic, sometimes I was so focused on work that I would forget to eat. I learned how to still maintain productivity, serve my clients and prioritize my health by taking daily walks. Zoom fatigue is real. I learned that I don’t always need to have the camera on for Zoom meetings. If it is a conference call, I can be alert, tune in and allow myself time for fitness.
3. What modalities are in your wellness teams? E.g. chiropractors, kinesiology, acupuncture, etc... How do you manage your disease through a wellness team?
Asthma is a pre-existing condition. While I don’t need to use my inhalers on a daily basis, during flu season and allergy season, I did use my inhaler as per my healthcare provider’s guidelines until I could receive the vaccine. One potential side effect of using inhalers is headaches. I made sure that I made time for yoga and cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking or running.
