matt thibodeauxEvery week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week – Matt Thibodeaux

Matt Thibodeaux spends a lot of his day on Facebook – and not in a bad way. He is a Social Media Consultant – and one of the best around. His in-depth knowledge means I learn something every time we meet. Matt was born and raised in Lafayette and is a LSU Alumni who has recently moved back to our city. We are very lucky to have him. I first met him many years ago when he was a waiter at The French Press (this guy knows how to make an impression) and we shared a love of English Football (as an English person I’m not allowed to call it Soccer) – and we support the same team. Matt is one of the nicest guys you will ever met, so next time you see him, smile and introduce yourself – you won’t regret it.

What was your first job?
When I was 10 my brother and cousins would get together at my grandparent’s house and put on concert’s for our families. We would tape the concert and sell the cassettes for $5!

Describe a typical day in your life.
Everyday is different for me, but the first thing I do every morning is take my dog Ozzie for a walk downtown. Downtown Lafayette is such a unique oasis and I love having the opportunity to start each day with a fresh outlook.

What advice would you give the younger you?
I’m pretty sure I’m the first one to coin this phrase “Just do it”

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
Moving to Los Angeles when I was 21 was a huge event in my life. I was young, care-free and ready to embark on a new journey. Moving back to Louisiana a few years later came at a vital point in my life, but it’s something I would never regret.

What values do you live by?
Judge not lest ye be judged

What do you most appreciate?
I don’t appreciate my parents enough but I’m working on it.

What is your favorite journey?
The one I’m on right now.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
Soccer field

What living figure most inspires you?
Anyone who does what they love for a living.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
“If you work at something hard it gets easy. If you work at something easy it gets hard” quote from my Dad

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Ha ha ha…anything by Chuck Palahniuk.

What is the best thing about where you live?
Food, culture and honestly the weather is not too bad compared other parts of the country

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
Good food, drinks, music

What did u want to be when you grew up?
A Lawyer or a Professional Soccer Player

What is your motto?
Every passing moment is another chance to turn it all around.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
If Billy Zane can do it..

What is your favorite word?
It’s not appropriate for this column.

What food could you live on for a month?
Hamburgers or Sushi

What would you change about yourself?
I think we all want positive growth, I am working on patience and self-reflection.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
I’m not sure about the identify thing, but my celebrity doppelganger is Billy Zane!

Describe yourself in five words.
Self-aware confidant kind discerning passionate

What is your idea of happiness?
Beach, Breeze, Booze and Boobs

What is your favorite movie?
Vanilla Sky. I fell in love with the character of “Sophia” (played by Penelope Cruz) over 10 years ago and I’m still searching for her in real life.

What music defines who you are?
I’m not sure any music defines me but when I’m walking Ozzie downtown you can be sure I’m jamming to  “I Need a Dollar” by Aloe Blaac

What do you most regret?
No regrets only reflection.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
Who is my favorite soccer team?

What would the answer be?
Tottenham of course!
(Great answer Matt)