The Unexpected Benefits Of A Global Nomad Lifestyle

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Now that the world has reopened, I am grateful to be back to my regular travel schedule. In the past six months, I’ve had the chance to explore countries I had never visited – Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Not to mention more of the United States – I’ve now checked 35 states off my list! 

It’s no secret that I love to spend time in different parts of the world and I always relish in getting as much value as I can out of each trip – learning about the history of the places I visit, sampling regional foods and absorbing culture by connecting with the local people.  

But beyond the opportunities for learning and enrichment, global travel is deeply beneficial for business – especially now. While the past few years have taught us that we can work remotely, the fact remains that when we depend on relationship-building to achieve our business goals, it’s more essential than ever to prioritize in-person human connection.

That’s one reason why my travel schedule is shaping up to be even more busy this year than it was pre-pandemic. For the next six months I’ll be on the road at least half the time to nurture relationships with Amway employees and business owners. 

For leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs who are part of global businesses, here’s my take on why travel is such an essential part of building your global business – and how it can lead to unexpected side benefits.

Today, embracing organizational diversity is not only good business practice, it’s also been shown to increase creativity, inspire innovation and problem solving, and boost the bottom line.

You learn to value diversity

Growing up in small towns in India, without a TV and decades before the internet, I had a limited window on the world. Air travel was prohibitively expensive. But during summer vacations, our family would make long train trips across India, giving me a rich experience of the diversity of a country with 22 languages, scores of ethnic groups and each of the world’s major religions. 

At the time, the language we spoke at home (Hindi) couldn’t help us communicate with most of the people we met during our travels, but we learned strategies to overcome our language barriers. Music, movies, food, books, history and architecture gave me valuable connection points, and these local trips allowed me to cultivate a true appreciation for the diversity among us. 

Today, embracing organizational diversity is not only good business practice, it’s also been shown to increase creativity, inspire innovation and problem solving, and boost the bottom line. And a strong travel culture not only fosters an appreciation for diversity, it can also pay off for companies in other ways, too.

You spark a growth mindset

I still find it remarkable that after growing up for 25 years without leaving India, I’ve since had the opportunity to experience over 50 countries – and to bring my family along for the ride. Along with living in multiple cities across India, we’ve also had the chance to live in Durban, South Africa; Bangkok; Shanghai; Dallas; and now Grand Rapids, Michigan. Every time we’ve moved, there’s been a steep learning curve for everyone in the family … but one we’ve embraced as part of our commitment to fostering a growth mindset.

When I travel to a new city, my exploration starts with a morning run while most people are still asleep. I have priceless memories of my jogs through Nara Park in Japan; Miraflores district of Lima, Peru; Central Park in Manhattan; organic farms in El Petacal, Mexico; old town squares in Krakow, Poland; Marine Drive in Mumbai; the ruins of Ayuthaya in Thailand; Angkor Wat in Cambodia; Nainital Lake in India near where I grew up, and Reeds Lake in Grand Rapids where we now call home. These solitary explorations in new places always inspire me, fueling my curiosity and filling my cup like nothing else.

I also try to take a little piece of my travels home with me – preferably a new concept or practice that helps to enhance my wellness habits. This summer, for example, I embraced the Danish concept of hygge – a sense of coziness that fosters contentment. It’s a defining characteristic of Danish culture that I'm now using to boost my own health and well-being.

You find the common ground we all share

Over the course of my many moves and the trips I’ve taken for work and pleasure, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the world in a new way. As I meet people and absorb different cultures, it always strikes me that at the core, we are all more similar than we are different. An individual or family living in Shanghai, Bangkok, Seoul, Mumbai, Istanbul or Dallas has similar aspirations and challenges. Everyone wants the best for their children, family and friends. And without question, everyone proudly believes that their sports team, culture, cuisine or country is the most special in the world! 

People often ask me what I have learned about the world through traveling and working across countries. And although what I’ve learned could fill a book, I think what stands out the most is that our humanity is universal, and the most important ingredient for success involves tapping into what makes us the best humans we can be. For me, I truly believe that I would not be the leader, the husband, the father, the friend or the person I am without these global experiences. 

I’m thankful that there’s always something new to see and learn, even for a seasoned globetrotter. And with about 150 countries remaining on my bucket list, I’ve got a lot of learning yet to do!

Thanks for reading! I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments below. For more insights on taking business to the next level, be sure to subscribe to Passion and Purpose, my newsletter.