This week, we’re sharing the first part of a recast of Chris Thomson’s powerful conversation on Paper Napkin Wisdom with host Govindh Jayaraman.

In this deeply personal episode, Chris opens up about his cancer journey, from the moment he was told he had a large mass on his liver and bile ducts, through the confusion of a terrifying working diagnosis, to the mindset and gratitude practices that helped him stay grounded. It’s an intimate look at courage, leadership, and the choice to live with purpose no matter what life brings. 

Far more than a medical story, this conversation is about resilience, mindset, and reframing fear into purpose. Chris shares practical lessons on advocacy, communication, receiving support, and choosing the story you tell yourself when life turns upside down.

Timestamped Highlights

[00:00:00 ] – Govindh introduces Chris Thomson and their 30-year friendship

[00:01:35 ] – Chris explains why he’s sharing his cancer journey and overcoming fear of others’ opinions

[00:03:40 ] – “Who am I to tell this story?” — Chris on realizing the importance of sharing hope

[00:06:30 ] – The day everything changed: learning about a grapefruit-sized mass near his liver

[00:08:10 ] – Turning to his network — how relationships became a lifeline

[00:09:40 ] – Hearing the words “cholangiocarcinoma” — a supposed 12-to-18-month death sentence

[00:10:10 ] – The importance of not buying the “working diagnosis” until confirmed by biopsy

[00:13:00 ] – Why doctors give worst-case estimates and what patients should really hear

[00:16:00 ] – Choosing perspective: getting affairs in order and communicating with his team

[00:18:20 ] – “You can tell people you don’t know.” — transparent leadership during crisis

[00:21:50 ] – The power of reframing: asking “Why is this happening for me?” instead of to me

[00:23:03 ] – Lessons from Seneca: “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”

[00:25:35 ] – A conversation with his son, living the same mindset he teaches others

[00:27:34 ] – Meeting another survivor and finding hope in community

[00:30:00 ] – How giving first in relationships came back as support when he needed it most

[00:33:00 ] – The art of receiving help with gratitude and grace

[00:36:00 ] – “Bring good energy.” — why kindness helps healing

[00:37:25 ] – Mindfulness, meditation, and radical self-care during crisis

[00:41:00 ] – “My job was to be as healthy as possible for the fight of my life.”

[00:42:00 ] – The plot thickens: ongoing uncertainty and inconclusive biopsies

[00:44:09 ] – Closing part 1 — the unknown ahead