Traveling is more than just an escape from our daily routine. It can transform us, helping us become more confident, sensitive to others, and with a wider view of the world and particular markets. Here are three personal anecdotes from individuals who have benefited professionally from their travel experiences.
Susan, a software engineer from Palo Alto, traveled solo to Morocco. She stayed in a Riad, which is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden. While admiring the intricate Islamic design in her Riad, Susan realized the patterns represented in the architecture could help her look at writing code in a different way.
“Traveling helped me understand that the world is a big and beautiful place with so many different ways of doing things,” Susan said. “It has helped me approach problems with a more creative perspective, and I am a better software engineer because of it.”
Donald, a Fintech executive from Hong Kong, traveled to South Africa for the first time. He was amazed at the vibrancy of the local market and how people had successfully started businesses despite the challenges they faced.
“I always had the impression that wealth was concentrated in just the United States, Europe and parts of Asia,” Donald said. “But my trip to South Africa showed me that there are opportunities everywhere, and I expanded my focus to include emerging markets. I even raised money for my Fintech start-up from a VC in Johannesburg.”
Paudge, a sales manager from Dublin, traveled to Brazil and was struck by how similar people were, regardless of their language or cultural background.
“Before my trip to Brazil, I was convinced that cultural differences were a barrier to success,” Paudge said. “But I realized that all people want the same things – to be heard, understood, and respected. This experience helped me develop more sensitivity and empathy, which has made me a much better salesperson.”
These three anecdotes show the power of travel to help us grow both personally and professionally. According to a study by the Global Business Travel Association, business travel is directly linked to increased revenue and profitability, as it allows individuals to build relationships and explore new markets.
In addition, travel can help us become more adaptable, better problem solvers, and more culturally aware. It can broaden our perspectives and help us see the world in a different way.
In conclusion, investing in yourself through travel can be one of the best decisions you make for your personal and professional growth. It’s time to book that plane ticket and experience the transformative power of travel.
