“Travel gave me all the confidence… I guess I didn’t have a lot of self-esteem. I grew a lot as a person just by undertaking challenges and being in difficult situations and just by realizing, ‘I can probably figure things out.'” – Chris Guillebeau
A single trip to Africa set in motion a course of events that would make an impact on the world. Certainly my world, and the world of many of my friends.
Today’s guest has been to all 193 countries, while championing above all a life of unconventionality, and non-conformity.
Chris Guillebeau is the author of one of the most recommended books on this show, The Art of Nonconformity, as well as the $100 Startup and his forthcoming book, The Happiness of Pursuit. He’s also the mind behind the Art of Nonconformity blog, Unconventional Guides, and The Travel Hacking Cartel — all of which help people pursue a life less ordinary, and far more adventurous than prescribed by society.
I’m thrilled to have a chance to speak with him about his quests, what he’s after, and how travel can either be the quest itself, or a perfect vehicle to help you find your pursuit of happiness.
What We Cover:
- How a transformational trip to West Africa set in motion Chris’ unconventional life.
- Chris’ perspective on how being helpful can guide you towards crafting a similar business model as him.
- Chris’ original inspiration during graduate school was the thought: “What if I went to every country in the world and wrote about it?” Eventually, through working on his blog, he was able to create a business around it.
- How travel shaped Chris’ identity and persona in the eyes of others.
- The moments leading up to Chris’ completion of 193 countries, and why finishing the quest at a big party in Norway still felt anticlimactic.
- How travel has influenced Chris Guillebeau as a person and gave him the confidence to become an entrepreneur.
Explore further:
- The Happiness of Pursuit, Chris’ new book
- Chris’ blog, The Art of Nonconformity
- The Travel Hacking Cartel
Music credit: Imogen Heap – Wait It Out (Artec Remix), Intrepid Journey, by Aaron Static
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