Rich Naha: “You’re Supposed to Enjoy Life”

Rich Naha built his life the way many high achievers do at first—fast, focused, and always moving forward. But somewhere between Detroit, Chicago, and a consulting job in Mexico City, that pace collided with something unexpected: a culture that slowed down long enough to actually enjoy life. That moment—watching strangers walk him to his destination just to be kind—quietly reshaped how he thought about success, community, and what really matters.Years later, that lesson would resurface in an unlikely place. During COVID, a family trip to Costa Rica turned into five months of surfing, healing, and experimentation. What started as a vacation became something deeper when Rich watched his son trade video game addiction for sunrise surf sessions. Around the same time, his own health scare forced him to confront the cost of ignoring his body. Together, those moments revealed something bigger than business: people don’t just need activity—they need connection, challenge, and a place to reset.That realization became Surf Synergy, but not in the way most companies are built. There was no polished business plan or corporate strategy. It grew out of curiosity, risk, and paying attention to what actually helped people feel alive again. The result is an experience that feels less like a product and more like being welcomed into a community—one that blends physical challenge, mental clarity, and human connection.At its core, this conversation is about what happens when you step off the “moving sidewalk” of life. When you stop chasing and start paying attention. And when you realize that the things we’re most afraid of—risk, discomfort, the unknown—are often the doorway to the life we actually want.What You’ll Learn• Why slowing down can completely change how you define success• How fear and risk are signals, not obstacles• The connection between physical challenge and mental healing• Why community may be the real antidote to modern loneliness• How curiosity—not planning—can lead to meaningful work• A different way to think about wellness beyond trends and routinesAbout Rich NahaRich Naha is an entrepreneur and community builder who has spent decades creating businesses centered around connection, from real estate to cultural centers to wellness experiences. He is the co-founder of Surf Synergy in Costa Rica, a globally recognized destination focused on surfing, healing, and human connection.About Extraordinary StoriesExtraordinary Stories explores the ideas, people, and experiences that shape extraordinary lives.Hosts Forbes Shannon, Christine Butler, and Aaron Bare sit down with entrepreneurs, thinkers, creators, and leaders to uncover the moments that changed how they see the world.