Globetrotting for Growth

Travel isn’t just about collecting passport stamps or snapping picturesque sunsets—it’s something that shapes who you are, how you see the world, and even how you do business. Over the years, my journeys—from Greek party islands with the boys in my late teens, to lengthy business projects across Asia—have taught me that travel enriches your mind, deepens your compassion, and fuels creativity in your professional life.

I still remember those early days as a teenager when a European holiday with my mates felt like stepping into a whole new universe. The cobblestone streets and white washed walls of tiny Greek streets, the laughter over many spilled beers and many more that did get drunk were the first lessons in spontaneity and adaptability. Fast forward a couple of decades, and golfing holidays with the guys across Canada have taken on a different flavor - more refined perhaps, but still imbued with the same sense of adventure and camaraderie. Each trip, regardless of its purpose, taught me to embrace the unexpected and to find value in every new experience.

Travel soon became a family affair. My wife and I have called several places home: from the seaside charm of North East England and the dynamic energy of Singapore, to the sun-drenched vibrancy of Miami and even a couple of memorable summers in Athens. Living in these diverse environments wasn’t just about changing addresses—it was about changing perspectives. Each location offered a unique cultural tapestry that, in its own way, challenged my assumptions and expanded my worldview. These experiences, combined with my personal adventures, have subtly influenced the way I approach business. They’ve instilled a deep respect for different cultures, an ability to navigate ambiguity, and a knack for finding creative solutions under pressure.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to visit 79 countries—a number that’s become more than just a badge of honor. Every country has contributed a chapter to my story, shaping my understanding of the world and offering invaluable lessons in empathy and resilience. From bustling markets to serene landscapes, each journey has provided a fresh narrative to share. These stories have proven incredibly useful in business—they bridge cultural gaps and create instant connections with people from all walks of life. In a room full of executives or young tech sales professionals, a well-timed travel anecdote can turn an ordinary meeting into an engaging conversation.

Moscow - the Ultimate Test!

One of the most defining periods of my travel came during my years in Moscow, where I lived alone for nearly three years. Immersing myself in a culture so vastly different from my own was both challenging and exhilarating. It wasn’t long before my travels extended beyond Russia’s borders—to Ukraine, Armenia, and Azerbaijan—each trip a masterclass in navigating complex cultural and business landscapes. Later, managing expensive projects in Malaysia and spearheading store builds in Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, I witnessed firsthand how business practices and consumer behaviors could vary dramatically from one country to the next. These experiences taught me that success in business, much like in travel, often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing diversity in thought and practice.

North America - A Constant Force in My Life.

North America also left an indelible mark on my journey. It’s where my son was born, and he’s one lucky dude to have dual nationality between the USA and the UK. Having lived and traveled across both the US and Canada, I’ve marveled at the raw power of Niagara Falls and soaked up the laid-back vibe of the Florida Keys. And yet, despite all these wonders, I still haven’t seen the Grand Canyon—a reminder that no matter how much you travel, there’s always another destination calling your name. There’s a lesson in that: life is a continuous journey, and every new experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Singapore. The Greatest Adventure.

What a place. At the crossroads of everywhere it seems, Singapore is at once serene, wild, hot, wet and just amazing. We lived here for the best part of 3 years, it was the pre-kids days, so that meant lots of nights out and beers on Boat Quay. My business portfolio was huge, managing Retail & Sales Execution across such populous nations as Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Philippines and Malaysia. I travelled to them all, and I travelled frequently. I built hundreds of stores from scratch, and managed thousands of people selling BlackBerry devices in a region of the world where every second person had one. I learned languages, overcame huge cultural differences just by being respectful and listening. A Lot. It’s a place I will go back to for as long as I can, and a place I honestly hope to call home again one day.

Chile. Marked on my Soul Forever.

Then there’s Chile—a country that completely captured my heart. Over a two-year period, I visited Chile a dozen times, discovering that just an hour’s drive east of Santiago, you can be carving down snow-covered slopes, while an hour’s drive west immerses you in the serene embrace of the South Pacific. It was a vivid reminder that sometimes the most enriching experiences lie just a short drive away, and that diversity in landscapes often mirrors the diversity in our own lives.

Funny Story 1 - The Volcano!

Of all my travel stories, one stands out for its sheer audacity and unpredictability: my escape from the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption in 2010. I was in Madrid delivering a conference when news broke that the volcano had erupted, shutting down offices and effectively canceling the day’s plans. With no booked flight, my colleague James and I dashed to the airport in a frantic bid to make it back to Newcastle, where I call home.

Our journey quickly morphed into an adventure of epic proportions. After scraping together two seats on a flight to Paris, we found ourselves in mid-air when Paris Charles de Gaulle closed unexpectedly, and our flight was diverted to Paris Orly—a whopping 90 minutes from the city center with no viable connections. In Paris, a taxi queue longer than a French summer day forced us to think on our feet. A taxi-bike service emerged as our unlikely savior, whisking us through the downpour to the only available hotel on the south side of the city.

Yet the hurdles didn’t end there. With European airspace at a standstill, the only option was a cross-channel ferry the next morning. By then, we were scrambling for seats as foot passengers. Navigating the labyrinthine public transit in Paris—subway rides, a short pedal bike stint, and a nerve-wracking dash across Lille when our train halted before reaching Calais—we finally reached the ferry port. At one point, stranded without a taxi, I flagged down a kind French lady in her tiny Renault 5. Her generosity, accepting a modest twenty euros for a much-needed ride, was a heartwarming reminder of how travel reveals the best in people. Ultimately, after a series of train rides and countless near-misses, we made it back to Newcastle. Had I not pushed so hard to get home, I could have been stranded in Europe for a week—or even longer.

That mad dash wasn’t just a test of endurance; it was a lesson in the art of the hustle. In business, as in travel, the ability to think quickly on your feet and adapt to unforeseen circumstances can mean the difference between success and stagnation.

Travel, in all its unpredictable glory, has been the ultimate catalyst for my personal and professional growth. It’s given me a reservoir of experiences to draw upon—stories that resonate in boardrooms and water cooler conversations alike. Every journey, no matter how challenging or amusing, has contributed to a richer, more nuanced perspective on life and business.

What Travel Means for Me & My Family.

On a personal note, I’ve seen the passion for exploration take root in the next generation too. My son, who managed to visit 20 countries by the age of nine, and my daughter, who’s already ticked off five countries before turning three, are living testaments to the transformative power of travel. Their adventures, even at such a tender age, remind me that the world is vast, full of wonder, and brimming with opportunities to learn and grow.

Looking ahead, I’ve set a personal milestone: to reach 100 countries by the time I hang up my career boots. With around 15 years left on this journey, I’m confident that my unquenchable thirst for adventure—shared equally by my wife—will help me achieve that goal. The world is full of stories waiting to be written, and I intend to write every last one of them.

In reflecting on my travels, I often draw a parallel with the way successful businesses evolve. Just as companies must adapt, innovate, and sometimes pivot completely to stay relevant, so too must we as travelers embrace the unexpected and learn from every twist and turn. The lessons gleaned from navigating a foreign city, haggling in a bustling market, or even escaping a volcanic eruption are the same principles that drive business success: resilience, creativity, and the willingness to step into the unknown.

An Ode to my Fellow Execs & Rising Business Stars:

So here’s my message to fellow business executives and rising stars in tech sales and telecom: Embrace the journey. Whether you’re negotiating a multi-million dollar deal or simply planning your next vacation, remember that every new experience is an opportunity to learn, to connect, and to grow. Don’t be afraid to take that unexpected detour or to step outside your comfort zone. It’s often in those moments of uncertainty that the most profound growth occurs.

If you enjoyed this slice of my travel life and the ways these adventures have shaped my professional journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts. How has travel enriched your life and influenced your career? Hit reply and share your stories—let’s connect and explore how our journeys continue to propel us forward. Whether you’re planning your next getaway or looking for inspiration in your business ventures, I’m always here to chat about the beautiful chaos that is life on the road.

Here’s to many more adventures—both on the map and in the boardroom. Safe travels and bold journeys, my friends.

If you found this story inspiring, hit COMMENT to share how your travels have influenced your career or sparked personal growth. And if you’re looking for a conversation on weaving the lessons of travel into your business strategy, let’s connect—your next great adventure might be just around the corner!