lindsay guion

Lindsay Guion

Lindsay Guion is a renowned personality in the music, technology and sports management circles. He is best known as the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Global Chairman of the New York based management consulting firm GUION PARTNERS. The clients served by GUION PARTNERS come from diverse sectors such as entertainment, media, sports and technology. Using his unique perspective of music and technology and impeccable problem-solving skills, Lindsay has done a lot to promote music and the names behind the scenes.

As a personal manager, Lindsay constantly works with award winning music artists, producers and songwriters. Artists include D’Angelo and Ginuwine.

Outside GUION PARTNERS, Lindsay Guion has been an Official Label Partner at SONY. He also briefly served as the Executive Producer at Island Records, a Universal Music Group flagship division from 2007 to 2009.

Lindsay attended both Georgetown University and Harvard University to pursue a career in law. In 2020, Lindsay expects to graduate from Columbia University with a Master’s in Sports Management. When he is not at work, Lindsay Guion enjoys traveling, writing and practicing martial arts. He also actively volunteers for the Obama Foundation where he works as a consultant.

What do you like about traveling?

For a busy music executive and personal manager like me, traveling is an integral part of my work. I especially enjoy traveling because it connects me to my audience and provides a rare opportunity to unplug from the normal routine, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I manage clients from across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles.

Do you consider traveling a hobby or a lifestyle?

It is mostly a hobby, which I find very healthy for the body and mind. My travels include short trips within the US and intercontinental crossovers. I have actually travelled extensively across the US and around the world. One thing that always works in my favor whenever I embark on overseas travel is a deeper understanding and appreciation of various customs and cultures.

What travel tips would you offer an aspiring or inexperienced traveler?

If you are traveling far afield, it is vital to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for the trip. This level of preparation will help you embrace change when prompted by a reality check. It is also important to do some research ahead of your travel. Doing so will help you familiarize yourself with the travel destination as well as its history and culture.

What places would you like to visit?

Travel normally gives me something to look forward to and talk about with family and friends. The discussions are always enlightening and stimulating. I would really love to visit Japan, South Africa and Chile. From my brief interactions with friends, I was informed that Chile is a haven for landscape photographers due to popular attractions like the Atacama Desert and El Tatio geyser and hot spring. As a passionate student of music and performance arts, I would also love to explore the South African folk music and ancient Japanese music and instruments.

For the places you have been to; where would you like to revisit?

First, there are many places in Europe, South America and the rest of the world that I yearn to revisit. For the brief time I was in Greece, I toured attractions like the Acropolis temple and the nearby Acropolis Museum. Because of the tight schedule, there are a couple of other attractions I missed out on and would love to explore such as the Parthenon and the Corfu Island.

Do you travel alone? If yes, why?

I mostly travel alone, especially when I am on a work assignment. Traveling alone has many benefits. For instance, the opportunity to focus more on the job and make quick travel adjustments. Family and friends often take center stage during weekend getaways and vacations.

Are you someone who travels light, or packs the whole house?

I am an adherent of packing light because it lets me worry less about the trip ahead. I’ve learnt to pack light from personal experience. Secondly, I don’t have to regularly pay exaggerated baggage rates. Besides packing my suitcase with essential items like clothing, shoes, a travel electric toothbrush and an e-book, the other must haves include power adapter, phone charger and basic toiletries. I recently purchased a travel scale that I normally use to check the weight of my suitcase. For an individual who packs light, the whole process can be arduous when it comes to climate change as this often means dressing appropriately for the weather ahead.

Are you someone who travels light, or packs the whole house?

I am an adherent of packing light because it lets me worry less about the trip ahead. I’ve learnt to pack light from personal experience. Secondly, I don’t have to regularly pay exaggerated baggage rates. Besides packing my suitcase with essential items like clothing, shoes, a travel electric toothbrush and an e-book, the other must haves include power adapter, phone charger and basic toiletries. I recently purchased a travel scale that I normally use to check the weight of my suitcase. For an individual who packs light, the whole process can be arduous when it comes to climate change as this often means dressing appropriately for the weather ahead.

Issac Qureshi

Issac Qureshi

Issac Qureshi is a taxation and wealth management specialist. His expertise in the field has led him to become one of the leading voices in the world of international taxation. He studied at Liverpool University, Manchester University, and the London School of Economics. Qureshi travels frequently, with stops in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. With his broad skill set, Qureshi is able to help his clients deal with many different issues. Issac Qureshi is a valuable member of the international taxation community.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is the ability to experience dozens of different cultures. I travel frequently, and I never grow tired of it. I enjoy being able to experience life in different places, understanding the food, culture, and the people wherever I go. The best part of traveling is putting yourself in the shoes of the local people, imagining how their lives are and what they do when they are at home with their families. Travel can truly be a broadening experience if you let it be.

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Traveling is a lifestyle for me. I am frequently on the road helping my clients deal with taxation and wealth management challenges. As time goes by, I have spent more of my time dealing with clients through video chat software, but I truly prefer to visit my clients in person to combat their problems. I am on the road quite frequently. It’s fortunate that I enjoy traveling as much as I do.

I started traveling when I was in graduate school. I had an internship at a well-known taxation firm in London, and they sent me abroad to help a client with their tax requirements.

What are some travel tips you’d give an inexperienced traveler?

Be sure to get away from the chain hotels and restaurants. When you travel around the world, you have the opportunity to stay in a wonderful variety of hotels. While you may earn frequent hotel points from staying in an American chain, it is better to have new and different experiences. It is especially important that you fully experience the food and culture in each city you frequent. Don’t eat in the hotel restaurant every night.

Also, it is very important to make sure that you are following all of the country’s regulations when it comes to customs and importing items. You may find that something as innocent as a piece of fruit can land you in trouble. Study these requirements and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Where would you like to go?

There are dozens of places around the world where I would love to visit. I hope to be able to explore all of them in the future. I haven’t spent very much time in rural areas of the United States. My work tends to take me to major urban areas. I would enjoy getting out into the western part of the country and seeing the great national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite. I’ve also wanted to see the Grand Canyon. There are so many amazing sights to be found in America. I’ve never been to Africa, but I hope to plan a trip to South Africa for next year.

Where would you like to revisit?

One of my favorite cities around the world is Geneva. It’s such a refined atmosphere with natural beauty. Another favorite place to revisit is Hong Kong. It is truly an urban adventure. I would also like to get back to Jerusalem. It is a place which is close to my heart. Immersing myself in the history of the area is always worth doing.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I generally do travel alone when I travel for work. Sometimes my wife is able to come with me, but usually I am traveling solo. I find it relaxing to travel on my own, though of course it is nice to have company from time to time. When I am traveling alone, I have more time with my thoughts. I like to bring along a favorite book and spend my time learning about the world.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I tend to travel light, though most of the time I need to pack formal suits and clothing. I believe that travelers who dress professionally get more respect from everyone around them. I hate to check bags, though when I travel with a garment bag I generally do have to check it because there isn’t space for it in the overhead bin. Dealing with luggage is one of the few things that I truly do not enjoy about traveling.

It is very important that you keep a change of clothes, all of your medications, and your toiletries in a carry-on bag. I can’t even say how many times my baggage has been delayed. With a little planning, you can reduce the impact of this common problem on your travel.

Caitlin Craig Lawrence at New York Fashion Week

Caitlin Craig Lawrence, Kansas Fashion Designer

Caitlin Craig Lawrence is a fashion designer based in Topeka, Kansas. She attended Bauder College in Atlanta, Georgia. Her work has gained a great deal of attention in fashion circles. Her new summer line highlights the colors yellow and green, bringing fresh natural shades to her designs. Lawrence has been designing clothing for nearly 10 years, honing her skills as the years go by. Her popular designs show off the colors of nature with new and fresh insights.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is breaking up my daily routine. I love my job, but frequently I get the itch to travel. I love to throw my schedule out the window and spend time reconnecting with my creative side. I enjoy getting to know new places and people. When I travel, I frequently bring along a friend so that I can share my new experiences.

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

Travel is both a hobby and a lifestyle for me. I travel frequently to industry shows. I also visit different areas of the world for inspiration for my new designs. I spend so much time penned up in my Kansas studio, so I love to get out and see the world. On my best trips, I spend some time working and some time playing. I have gotten many great ideas for fabrics and designs in different areas of the world.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Don’t be afraid to toss the itinerary and go where the wind takes you. Obviously, you need to make airline or train reservations, but beyond that, you can explore different areas from day to day. If you fall in love with a place, you can stay there for a few extra days. A lot of people tell me that I need to plan my trips better, but they are missing the point. Traveling in the moment is a uniquely liberating feeling.

I also recommend that inexperienced travelers take the time to make sure their bags are packed properly. There is nothing quite so frustrating as being stuck behind an inexperienced flyer in the airport security line. When you pack properly, your whole trip will go more smoothly, and you will experience reduced stress and strain.

Another tip that I have for inexperienced travelers is to make sure that their mobile phone plans can be used abroad. The first time I went on an international trip, I didn’t clear it with my cell phone provider, and I was hit with some terrible roaming charges. You should also inform your credit card companies that you will be abroad so they don’t assume that your cards are being used fraudulently.

Where would you like to go?

I would love to explore every corner of the world. I have never been to Africa, and I want to spend time there in the coming year. I am excited to see the individual countries and the difference in their fashion and style. Traditional African fashions are inspiring and lend themselves well to the yellows and greens I’ve been incorporating lately. I also want to see the natural landscapes like the savanna. I would love to go on a safari, and possibly get some ideas for a safari-influenced design that goes beyond pith helmets and animal prints.

Where would you like to revisit?

I had such a great time in Beijing. I went with my best friend last year. Our guide took us to the most amazing restaurants and natural sights. My imagination was captured by the Asian design aesthetic. The Chinese people are so creative, and their national pride lies in their sense of history. I have been inspired by traditional Chinese dress in my designs.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel alone sometimes, but I prefer to travel with a friend. I am quite reserved, and it makes it hard for me when I don’t have a familiar person close by. When I travel alone, I try to stay within the safest parts of a city or country.

I also believe that it’s very important for women to travel with a companion, especially in more dangerous parts of the world. I’m not afraid to experience different cultures, but I feel much better if there is someone else to walk with.

Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?

I am a light traveler. I do need to bring my swatches and my sketchbooks. I have an extensive travel wardrobe with clothes that are lightweight, comfortable, and don’t wrinkle very much. I accessorize my travel wear with exciting accessories from my own collection. Of course, I also bring my own designs to wear on nights out.

Traveling with just one suitcase or carry-on is great for when you want to be more spontaneous with your itinerary. There is less to pack up and take with you. I always feel restrained when I carry large luggage.

Jeff Yapp

Jeff Yapp

Jeff Yapp is a marketing and innovations expert with a broad skill set. His company, WutzNxt Inc., concentrates on connecting clients with the best possible ways to reach their audience through an authentic voice.

Jeff Yapp has 30+ years of experience in marketing, beginning with Kraft Foods in the 1980s. He then worked with Gallo Wines, Pepsico, Newscorp and Viacom/MTV, along with 20th Century Fox Entertainment. He is perhaps best known for his work with MTV where he launched Guitar Hero, Rock Band, the Vice Media network and producing films including Crazy Heart that won two academy awards.

His innovative approach to marketing helps his clients discover the potential in their brands. Jeff Yapp lives in Portland, OR, with his wife and family.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

My favorite thing about traveling is experiencing different cultures, business practices and history.  I really enjoy meeting clients from different cultures.  Trying to see the world through their lens develops better empathy and understanding.

How did I decide to travel for most of my career?

At this point, travel is about 90% of my job. Most frequently, work has brought me to Seattle, China, Japan, Australia, and the U.K. I have traveled over 12 million miles in 125 countries. Travelling has been and will always be something I find necessary, especially when working with international companies. Even if working with domestic companies, you must know what is happening in the international markets.

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

As a frequent business traveler, I can tell you that one of the most important things you can do is pack carefully—my family calls me a packing wizard! Ultimately, if you pay attention to these rules you can save yourself a great deal of time and effort. You need to avoid checking luggage at all costs. It will save you hours once you land. 

The whole idea is to become a packing expert– organize your carry-on, label everything, and pack the necessities. I often forget things and leave items behind, since I travel so much, so staying highly organized is essential. Packing is not the only key aspect though, efficiency as well. When I am travelling for work, I am often left in a time-crunch, running from one meeting to the next. So, for me the most important aspect of efficiency is timeliness. Having Global Entry, Passport Nexus, and Clear allows me to be efficient with my time and is one of my most valuable assets.

I am also a big Tumi luggage fan. They make phenomenal quality luggage, that can hold up in all conditions on my travels. But my greatest new favorites are Rimowa luggage. While expensive it represents a great  value.

Where would you like to go?

Honestly, I have been everywhere travelling the world for work—if you can think of it, I have been there. So, if there is one place I would love to visit more, it would be my home. Home for me is where I am my happiest, playing with my grandson and spending time with my family. There is no place like it.

Do you travel alone? Why?

I travel many times with other colleagues, I get in and out as quick as possible, but always prioritize an in-person meeting. I am personally much more productive, and I think they are overall more effective. I personally feel I am more effective in person, like anyone is, so I always make an effort to meet my clients face-to-face.

Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?

I travel light and so should you. As I said before it is really important to pack your carry-on and your checked luggage carefully so you do not run afoul of TSA regulations I try to pack as little as possible in my carry on. I am an electronic tech guy though, so if I have my electronics, I am good.

My wife tends to pack up the house though and I constantly tease her about it when we’re getting ready to go on a trip. I think I have impressed upon her that it’s necessary to restrict what you bring, but she still refuses and brings the house—my words are just noise to her—but she does not travel much, so I just roll with it! She prefers to be home too, and she has made our home a pretty easy place to be.

Johnson Nguyen

Johnson Nguyen

Johnson Nguyen is a digital marketing expert and a proud resident of British Columbia in Canada. He holds a bachelor’s degree in digital culture from King’s College in London. Nguyen runs a fast-growing online marketing outfit associated with a resurgent talent group. Using his knowledge and experience, Nguyen has helped the company increase its market visibility and profitability. Most of this growth is attributed to increased sales, high web traffic and increased presence in social media outlets. The company has a strong workforce of 15 marketing specialist. The staff is spread across several cities, including London, Vancouver and Hong Kong. The marketing company’s client portfolio includes learning institutions, media, travel and logistic companies.

The opportunities brought about by digital marketing are numerous and this has seen many startups, including Johnson Nguyen’s take their rightful place in the market. The digital firm is both HubSpot and Google certified. Nguyen’s vision is to formulate strategies that will see the firm gain respect as one of the most admired online digital marketing firms in North America. These efforts will be leveraged by social media, SEO, email marketing and web analytics. Outside work, Johnson Nguyen enjoys traveling with his family. The newly wed is widely traveled having visited Europe extensively as well as parts of Asia and South America. Besides studying in England, Nguyen has been to France, Spain and Holland. His hobbies are hiking, camping and jogging.

What do you like about traveling?

Traveling means everything to me. I often think about my next trip when I want to take a breather away from the usual work routine. I have met many people and made friendships in most of the places I’ve been to, and this is something I am not going to give up. Traveling has greatly improved my communication and people skills. This is in addition to increasing my desire to learn more foreign languages. As of now, I speak English, French, Spanish and some German.

What does traveling mean to you? Is it a hobby or lifestyle? How did you get started?

I consider it a hobby. I enjoy traveling because it creates memories of a lifetime and has helped broaden my horizons. This is the reason I make every effort to make my trips fun. I especially enjoy traveling with family and friends. There are also a couple of times I’m obligated to travel for work related reasons. The passion to travel came naturally because I am an outgoing person who enjoys learning new things and exploring the spaces around me and beyond.

What are some travel tip’s you’d like to share with an inexperienced traveler?

Owing to past travel experiences, I made a tacit decision to travel light and make my trips as hassle free as possible. The key to traveling light lies in packing right and having sufficient funding. It is also important to pay close attention to travel warnings and advisories, especially when going overseas. Your travel documents, i.e. passports and visas also need to be up to date. For the inexperienced traveler, I encourage them to maintain an open mind. This means asking questions whenever necessary and taking time to research and explore the travel destinations. When embarking on a trip, remember research is an important part of familiarization and shouldn’t be ignored.

Where would you like to go in your next trip?

On my next trip to Europe, I would like to visit the small tourist haven of Malta. I was glad to learn that Malta has been home to many epic battles featuring different European powers. Some of the attractions I would like to see include the megalithic temples, fortresses and beaches, where some of the world’s most exquisite restaurants are located. My travel list also includes countries like Morocco and the Czech Republic. Back in Canada, I always enjoy exploring the evergreen, British Columbia. Being an ardent hiker, the trails here are both challenging and mesmerizing. The trails feature everything from steep mountain climbs and scenic waterfalls to infinite forests.

Where would you like to revisit?

I seem not to get enough of England. I studied at the world-famous King’s College in London before moving back home in Canada to pursue a career in digital marketing. While in England, I made lots of friends. This makes me feel very much at home whenever I visit. My company maintains offices and staff in several places around the world. I would probably venture out more when I visit these offices next time to learn more about the people, their culture and foods.

Dr. David Hepburn

Dr. David Hepburn

Dr. David Hepburn is a popular expert in the highly debated field of medical cannabis. With over 30 years of experience, he has worked in roles ranging from the military to some high-level sporting teams. For instance, he took part in the Persian Gulf War during 1991 as a military physician. In 1996, he went to the Olympics where his skills were used to treat athletes who competed. Afterward, he connected with some sporting teams including the Canadian Jr. National Rugby team. Not to forget that he has been treating a few hockey teams who compete professionally. Before building a lucrative career, Dr. David Hepburn went to the University of Ottawa. This is where he received his Doctor of Science Degree in Medicine in 1986. 


What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy it because it is one of the only ways that I can learn without actually feeling like I am studying something. When you work as a doctor for over 30 years, you eventually reach a stage where you are learning about new things on a daily basis. Nevertheless, you usually know that this is taking place because you spend hours conducting in-depth research or reviewing professional journals. 

Whenever I travel, I can interact with the locals in the most casual way and still learn a ton about their culture and norms. This helps me relax and recuperate my brain while still keeping it active enough to maintain the necessary levels of critical thinking. Once you throw in the fact that you also get to meet amazing people from all over the world as a byproduct, it seems obvious that traveling is one of the most purposeful and exciting hobbies out there. 


Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

I do not consider it either one of those two. The reason why is the fact that I do not travel enough to label it a “lifestyle” nor a “hobby.” In my opinion, a lifestyle is something that guides the way in which a person goes about their day-to-day activities. Well, other than medicine and patient care, not a lot of things can really impact my daily ventures. 

Although hobbies are different, I still believe that there has to be a consistent level of interest and involvement related to something for it to truly be a hobby. I certainly have the necessary interest in traveling. Engagement, however, is where I fall short as I do not have enough time to travel whenever I want to. 


What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

I would advise them to always listen to a live person’s advice over things like online research, travel magazines, and other cold sources. The reason why is that most of these can be affected by explicit or implicit biases. For example, a lot of travel writers are sponsored by brands who pay for them to positively review certain regions. If, however, you go and talk to a person that you know has been to some location where you would like to go, the odds of them giving you any misleading information are quite low. 


Where would you like to go?

I would really love to visit Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. Azerbaijan has always been on my bucket list as a destination that is characterized by incredible history dating back to more than 4,000 BC. Going there could be an outstanding opportunity to see this part of Eastern Europe and Western Asia since I have never been anywhere even remotely close to that area. Liechtenstein, on the other hand, is in the center of Europe right between some of my favorite countries, Austria and Switzerland. Going there would be a fun experience as the entire country is merely 62 square miles! Nevertheless, the beautiful scenery could take days to fully absorb and experience. 


Where would you like to revisit?

I would love to go back to Rome. Visiting Italy was an outstanding experience that I will definitely have to repeat at some point in my life. Additionally, since my visit to Rome, I actually had a chance to take a course on some basic Italian. I did this to practically force myself to go back there one day as I knew that I would want to test my speaking abilities. I would further like to go to other areas in Canada soon as a lot of my professional associates reside there. Not to mention the fact that Toronto would be an awesome destination now that they have become the new NBA champions! I bet that I would still get to taste some of their celebratory moods while catching up with important partners and friends.

Jim Gray MD

Jim Gray MD

When it comes to physician-owned businesses, there are often problems related to a lack of entrepreneurial knowledge. After all, people who run a business possess a very different set of skills than someone who trained to be a doctor. With Jim Gray MD, however, this is not the case.

Jim Gray MD is a radiologist who has been practicing medicine for north of a decade. Before this, he went to Mississippi State University, Northwestern Ohio University College of Medicine, University of Mississippi, and University of Cincinnati Medical Center to complete his education. Now, Jim Gray MD is one of the most established radiologists in Meridian.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

There are quite a few things that I love about it. First, as surprising as it may seem, I love traveling because I get to see how people from my industry operate in different markets. For instance, the way that I work with my patients may be quite different from the way that another radiologist does it. Additionally, going to new places lets me learn more about myself through interactions with individuals who had different upbringing, manners, and so on. 

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

I wish it was a lifestyle. Unfortunately, right now it is just a hobby. I normally do it whenever I take a long vacation. That way, I can plan for my trip to last about a week. 

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

Start planning your trip at least a month before you actually head on the road. This is because you may need to make reservations that could become more expensive or unavailable as your desired date approaches. Also, booking things early on will give you peace of mind because you will not have to worry about any uncertainties. Besides early planning, I advise everyone to avoid packing too much stuff. This is because you do not want to carry a plethora of items that serve no purpose. Unfortunately, new travelers tend to be scared of forgetting something so they bring things that will not be used at all. Doing this will force you to carry excessive weight and make your traveling arrangements much more difficult. 

Where would you like to go?

I would like to visit Canada and some European countries. Although I have been to Canada a few times, I never got to stay as long as I really wanted. In the future, I definitely intend on making this my vacation spot where I spend no less than 7-10 days. As far as Europe goes, I have been planning to visit some of the popular countries for a long time now. Examples include France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, and so on. The only downside to this is the fact that most of these countries are disbursed all over Europe. So, visiting them all in one trip would be borderline impossible unless I took a month-long vacation. Sadly, since I cannot make something like that happen given my patients’ needs, I think that I will break this trip down into a few segments. 

Where would you like to revisit?

I would like to go to California and some states on the West Coast again. I went there a few years ago for a conference and then spent a few more days with some friends. The scenery was incredible, and I had time to visit some of the local restaurants. Also, the weather was nice enough for me to test the ocean which was a lot of fun and a great experience. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

When I travel for work, which is not that common, I tend to travel alone. The reason why is that I operate much more efficiently when I do my own planning. If, however, I am going somewhere for pleasure, I will take someone from my family or a friend. Sometimes, if none of those two options are available, I try to find one of my acquaintances at the location to which I am going. 

Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?

I travel extremely light. In fact, I often catch myself missing items that I need. Although this is a bit of a problem, it allows me to only take carry-on baggage without worrying about checking in my luggage and waiting for it after I land. After all, you cannot lose items that you do not take with you. More importantly, traveling light helps me make the trip quite effortless as I do not have to drag multiple bags behind me.

Connor Mulvey

Connor Mulvey

In order to successfully serve clients in business-to-business relations, one has to know a lot about entrepreneurship. Well, Connor Mulvey is a great example of somebody who has mastered these skills. As a graduate of Loyola University Maryland, he got his bachelor’s degree with a focus in finance and economics. Since then, Chicago native Connor Mulvey secured a job with the Genesis Group, LLC where he has been for over five years. His current role is that of a junior associate who oversees most of the projects in the B2B sector as well as marketing. Outside of work, Connor Mulvey does a lot of physical activities related to running and resistance training.

What is your favorite thing about traveling?

I enjoy it because it gives me an escape. I love the thrill of getting on an airplane or planning a long drive because I know that some new adventures will come soon. Also, I am a very out-going person that takes advantage of every trip and meet as many people as possible. Whether they are some associates or complete strangers does not matter at all. As long as we can get along, I try to enjoy their presence and share some fun experiences. 

Lastly, I love traveling because it is a perfect way to humble yourself. When you see how other cultures operate, you often realize that there are many things that you could be doing differently. Not to mention that you frequently also recognize how lucky you may be with your own circumstances. 

Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?

It is more of a hobby. As much as I would like to make it a lifestyle, I do not have the time that is needed. If I did, however, it would certainly be my main priority as there are many locations that I am looking forward to visiting at some point in my life. As far as getting started, I think that some of the trips that I took when I was in college were definitely instrumental to me falling in love with traveling. Even though these were ventures with low budgets, I had a lot of fun because of the people that came with me and the destinations that were explored. 

What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?

First of all, calm down. Whether you are taking an international trip or simply going to a city nearby, you should collect yourself and let go of any fear that you have. The reason why is that traveling while being anxious of everything will ruin your experience. You will be too busy worrying about things to realize how beautiful your surroundings may be. So, try to focus on the things that you can control and do a good job with making sure that your planning is detail-oriented and timely. 


Where would you like to go?

I want to visit Spain and probably Portugal since they are next to one another. Madrid and Barcelona have been on my bucket list for a long time. I will probably make this my next overseas trip. Until then, however, I will most definitely go to some of the states surrounding me. I always love going to Illinois because Chicago is my true home. Whenever there, I also take a trip to some smaller cities that I loved visiting as a kid. Other than that, I definitely want to take a trip to Mexico at some point. This, however, will take a backseat to my Europe-based endeavors. 

Do you travel alone? Why?

I do not. In fact, I cannot even remember the last time when I went on a trip all by myself. The reason why is that I really enjoy having people around me and traveling is a perfect way to accommodate this preference. Also, having good company can help you turn an unsuccessful trip into one of the most fantastic experiences that you ever had. 

Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?

It mostly depends on the type of journey that I am taking as well as the company that is coming with me. If my friends and I are engaging in some leisure traveling, I will not take more than the bare minimum. So, if I am staying somewhere for a week, I will bring enough clothes to last me those seven days. Other than that, I do not really carry much. In my opinion, the more stuff you carry, the higher the risk of losing something important.

Christian Deslauriers

Christian Deslauriers

Christian Deslauriers is a criminal law attorney that is famous for a number of achievements that most lawyers seldom reach. First, he is the youngest attorney to ever argue in front of the Supreme Court of the United States as he represented a client who was charged with war crimes, genocide, drug trafficking, and more. He is also known as a television personality since he occasionally appears on various shows to comment on Canada’s laws and regulations.

Christian Deslauriers got his Bar certification in 2001, which was a year after he obtained his law degree in civil law from the Laval University in Quebec City. He then spent a year articling at the Office of the Prosecutor of International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia. Eventually, he moved on and enrolled in classes at Ottawa University to get his Juris Doctor. 


What is your favorite thing about traveling?


I love the fact that no matter what is going on in your life, traveling will always be a way that you can put a pause on current events and relax. It allows you to rest your mind and recoup some of the energy that you might have lost over the past months. The reason why is the fact that any trip that you take, no matter how long or complex, will mandate that you spend some time planning. 

Thus, you will have no choice but to dedicate your undivided attention to this. So, whatever might have been on your mind leading up to the trip itself will temporarily fade away in the background and you will notice a positive change in your stress levels. 


Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?


I consider it a hobby. My job does not normally require me to travel a lot. After all, most of my clients come to me and any cases that have to be disputed end up in courts that are near me. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule and I sometimes find myself on the road. This, however, is not that common and only happens when the client or the case is facing extenuating circumstances that justify me traveling. 

As far as my other engagements, I do not really have to travel much either. My software projects are all based online and the partners and developers that I work with send me daily updates. Whenever we do have items that must be discussed face-to-face, we simply organize a video conference in real time. 


What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?


If you do not have any experience with the type of trip that you are taking, the internet is your best friend. Naturally, you should not believe everything that you read there. Regardless, going online to get informed on the location that you are visiting or to look for competitive rates of housing or transportation can be incredibly useful. 

Furthermore, the internet has become a hotbed for people who love sharing their opinions and impressions. So, you are very likely going to find many other people who already took the trip that you are getting ready to go on. That means that you will be able to get feedback from them and ask for advice.


Where would you like to go?


There are a lot of places that I would love to visit. Some of the examples that come to mind include Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Argentina, Mexico, and certain parts of Russia. I also have a long list of locations that I would like to go to in the United States. Over time, I am hoping to get a chance to explore most of the aforementioned locations during a casual holiday. 


Where would you like to revisit?


I think going to Toronto for a few days would be a great little adventure. Although I have already been there many times, it is a wonderful city that always fills me up with energy, curiosity, and passion to pursue more goals. 


Do you travel alone? Why?


Not anymore. I used to travel alone since I did not have anyone to share the experience with. Nowadays, however, my wife is my partner in crime and I seldom leave to go anywhere without her. 


Do you travel light, or do you pack up the house?


I am usually somewhere in between. I cannot say that I am the most rational person when it comes to packing as I do take a plethora of things with me. Nevertheless, compared to my wife, I think that I am slightly below average on the number of items that come with me.

Jason-Borrevik-Eugene-Oregon

Jason Borrevik

Jason Borrevik is an alumnus of the University of California at Berkeley. He currently works for Compensia as a management consultant and a principal. In the past, he spent some time interning for the Oakland Raiders as well as a number of years working for Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Jason Borrevik went to the University of Oregon and pursued a degree in economics. In 1994, he graduated magna cum laude and went on to chase his dreams in Berkeley. When he is not working, Mr. Borrevik spends time with his wife and two sons and enjoys playing and watching sports, hiking, and reading. 


Do you travel often? If so, what are some of the reasons why you enjoy it?


I used to travel a lot. Nowadays, however, I spend most of my free time at home with my family. Nevertheless, I still get to go on a few trips every year. Most of those tend to be business-related as I work with some clients that are out-of-state. As far as the reasons why I enjoy it, it depends on the nature of the travel. If I am on a business trip and have to meet with a client, I like traveling to their location because it provides me with a face-to-face setting. So, I get to capture their initial reaction to my advice. If I travel for leisure, I love the fact that I can relax and not think about work for a few days. More importantly, I get to experience a new area that I may have never seen before. 


Do you have any tips for first-time travelers?


Start planning long before you actually have to begin your trip. I see a lot of people, whether they travel for business or personal reasons, procrastinate and waste precious time. When you want to go somewhere, there will be a lot of things that you must take into account. So, you should never try to just wing your entire trip and hope for the best. Instead, spend some time looking at the area that you are visiting, the weather, local hotels, flights, car rentals, and so on. Doing so will also help you save money as most of the aforementioned will be cheaper when booked early on. 


Do you believe that globalization is incentivizing companies to send their employees across the world more often?


Absolutely! Globalization is a trend where international borders are starting to be obsolete when it comes to business. Instead, companies are engaging in trade deals that may be structured between some of the most unexpected countries. Obviously, to make things like that work, a lot of organizations have to send their employees to their potential partners’ countries for hands-on negotiations. 


How can businesses leverage travel to increase their market share?


I believe that traveling allows companies to increase their footprint in whatever market they decide to go to. When customers see that a new company is present, they will become much more aware of their product or service. So, even though they may not switch and purchase from them immediately, it will now be on their radar for future reference. Additionally, as mentioned, traveling allows companies to take advantage of their employees who can strike great deals with others by using face-to-face negotiation techniques. 


Do you think jobs that require a lot of travel should come with added compensation or other incentives?


Well, I do not think that I can provide a clear “yes” or “no” answer. The reason why is that I understand both sides of the debate and could easily make an argument for each. For example, it would make sense that people who have to travel a lot would be compensated more because they are sacrificing their nights with the family and innumerable hours that must be wasted on waiting for planes, in transit, and so on. 

Then again, however, traveling is often viewed as a great job perk as one gets to leave the office and explore a new market. So, they are technically already receiving a benefit by being the worker that gets to enjoy those trips. From that standpoint, obviously, added compensation would be unfair. Either way, this is a decision that each person should make on their own depending on their specific situation.