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This article originally appeared in the May 2016 issue of SELF.
David Slijper
Gwyneth Paltrows office is surprisingly simple.
Its a confident, stylish space, but nothing hints at the star power of its occupant.
And clearly, thats the way Paltrow likes it.
David Slijper
I love doing this, Paltrow says.
Its using different muscles, she says, which I really enjoy.
Paltrows vibe on this cloudless SoCal day is one of relaxed concentration.
When she stretches her long legs under the desk, strappy sandals peep out from beneath her wide-legged jeans.
I do all the creative.
But Im also involved in the business side and the strategy.
She takes a deep breath, spinning one of several delicate gold rings on her fingers.
Her blue eyes are glowing with happiness.
Im always looking to be challenged in an area where it feels scary, she reflects.
Thats what makes it fun for me.
Although Goop does employ menwe have two!
Paltrow jokesthe staff is largely made up ofwomen.
Id like to have more men, but I do love working with women, she says.
And I love working with mothers.
Mothers take care of business!
Unsurprisingly, busy-ness is a theme thats close to her heart.
Like many women, Paltrow says she struggles withrelaxing.
I have yet to meet someone who isnt burdened with hyperresponsibility.
And Im like, Where did we get this from?
Because Im f—ing exhausted!
At first I was lying there, like, What am I not doing?
What am I not doing?
Paltrow says, laughing.
But then I thought, Can you take one hour?
Its not like youre doing this every day.
So I really let everything go.
It was a full weekend, but times like these recharge and invigorate Paltrow.
It keeps me in the spirit of youth and growth.
Its like, Im good!
Im not going to strive to be anyone else or just anybody else.
Along with Paltrows deeper sense of personal acceptance has come an increased willingness to speak her mind.
We have this idea that you cant be a mother and a businesswoman and like to have sex!
she says, both genuine and amused.
How is an intelligent woman a sexual being?
Its really hard to integrate those things.
She pauses, then shrugs.
Like, Gwyneth has sex?
It doesnt seem to go together.
Hes my taskmaster, she says, smiling at him.
She takes a sip, then gestures broadly, encompassing both herself and her colleagues.
I think women here would tell you that the work-life balance is pretty good.
We want to enjoy life.
But theres a lot to do!
Were all awake to the fact that we really can achieve what we set out to achieve.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Olympia Wedge in white, $408.mnzstore.com.
____ Bottom (blue): Dress, Cedric Charlier, $990; Saks Fifth Avenue.
Gwyneth Paltrow And The Evolution Of Goop:
Photo Credit: David Slijper
