"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - Saint Augustine
Immersive travel in other cultures and multi-day wilderness treks are core parts of my life that push me to thrive outside of my comfort zone. Individually, each experience highlights differences and disparities in cultures and comforts, languages and living styles. Put together, they remind me of the common threads that I can rely on anywhere: the importance of focus and clarity of mind, determination and discipline, and how far a smile goes anywhere.
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Exploring India, Personally & Professionally
Growing up, I visited extended family in India regularly. During my seven months in India building Deloitte's offshore team, I applied my cultural acumen to develop and deliver a workshop to over fifty professionals on "Effective India-US Virtual Teaming." I invited other Americans to visit and stay with my extended family for a truly immersive cultural experience. Off-the-Beaten Path in Brunei Darussalam In 2016, I visited Brunei Darussalam, a tiny nation on the North Coast of the island of Borneo. I quenched my curiosity about Bruneian culture by living with locals, learning culinary techniques at the night market, and navigating waterways in modest boats despite language barriers. I remain in contact with the individuals with whom I stayed during my visit to Brunei. Multi-day Ice Trekking in the Scottish Highlands Several years ago, my hiking partner and I took shelter in our tent during an unexpected blizzard. As the tent walls ruptured and icy water rushed inside, I panicked. My partner pulled me to focus in time to open our survival blankets and slow the water flow. This experience fortified my ability to make calm, collected decisions in difficult circumstances. |