Annie Chan, the 142nd person I’ve met on my quest to have lunch with 500 strangers, is on a journey of self-improvement and self-discovery.

Annie wants to become a better communicator, build a better network and gain a better understanding of herself.

So how’s she going about it?

By having lunch with strangers.

Annie is in the process of having lunch with 100 strangers, a goal she started in August. I was the 17th person Annie has met, and the first she’s met in person.

Annie, like me, is an introvert, so, initially, meeting strangers was an uncomfortable experience. But she realised that growth happens only when you push beyond your comfort zone, so she kept going.

I’m glad she did, because I really enjoyed my lunch with Annie. She’s kind, smart, a good listener, a good conversationalist and someone who asks good questions.

Annie works in data governance, a role that involves managing, analysing and exploiting data. 

One of the reasons I’m having lunch with 500 strangers is so I can build relationships with high-quality people. Mission accomplished.