TSC Episode 7 – Why Every Journey Starts with Empathy with Makiko Barrett

TSC Episode 7 – Why Every Journey Starts with Empathy with Makiko Barrett

“What’s normal for me might not be normal for you — and that’s not wrong. It’s just different.” Makiko Barrett, a global citizen whose life bridges two cultures (Japan and the U.S.) joins us in this episode. From learning the unwritten rules of Japanese business etiquette to managing global travel programs in Silicon Valley, Makiko shares how cultural literacy, empathy, and openness have shaped her personal and professional journey. She opens up about what it means to rebuild social capital from zero in new environments, the lessons she’s learned navigating different work cultures, and how AI and automation can empower -not replace- humans in the travel industry. And of course, we couldn’t skip her other passion: rescuing cats and connecting people (and animals) through kindness. Episode timeline (00:00) – Introductions (01:18) – From Tokyo to Texas: becoming truly bilingual and bicultural (02:25) – How rescuing cats became a lifelong mission (and social network) (04:00) – Defining social capital and why it’s your “trust currency” at work (05:42) – Japan’s business etiquette bootcamp (08:20) – How cultural differences impact your social capital (09:40)  – Learning empathy through language barriers (12:28) – Why firsthand travel experience beats social media (14:12) – The real ROI of business travel: cultural literacy and social capital (16:17) – Younger generations and the rise of “bleisure” (business + leisure) (17:52) – Travel as a way to overcome stereotypes (18:28) – How AI can automate the boring to make room for creativity (21:16)  – AI as a (travel) companion (24:10) – Drawing the line between AI and human connection (26:40)  – Makiko’s career advice & her gift to listeners About Makiko Barrett: Makiko Barrett is the Senior Global Strategic Sourcing Manager at SanDisk Technologies, Inc., a leading innovator in Flash and advanced memory technology based in Silicon Valley. With extensive experience in global travel management, she has led travel programs for major companies, including TikTok/ByteDance, Automation Anywhere, and Yahoo.   Beyond her corporate role, Makiko serves as the Chairperson of the GBTA Silicon Valley Chapter, contributing her expertise to the business travel community.   She holds a B.A. in English from Aoyama Gakuin University in Tokyo, Japan. Originally from Japan, she grew up in both Houston, TX, and Yokohama, Japan. In her free time, she volunteers with the Humane Society Silicon Valley, combining her passion for animals with community service. Connect with Makiko and grow your social capital! On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/makikobarrett/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/makikobarrett/] Resources mentioned in this episode: Podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast [https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast] Book: https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X [https://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Robert-Cialdini/dp/006124189X] - - - - - - - About your hosts: Connect with Aurélie, your Work From Anywhere techie: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/] On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/ [https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/] Connect with Tahnee, your resident AI nerd: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/] - - - - - - - Liked it? Help us spread the word! If this story resonated with you, share it with your people, subscribe and leave a review. And most importantly, reach out to someone who made a difference in your life! Because THIS is how you grow your social capital!

TSC Episode 6 - Why AI Will Redefine Digital… and Reinforce the Physical World with Shawn DuBravac

“AI transforms data and travel transforms people” What happens when curiosity meets technology, travel, and the future? In this episode, futurist and bestselling author Dr. Shawn DuBravac joins us to talk about framing the future, not just predicting it. From running a marathon in North Korea to exploring how AI is reshaping our digital and physical worlds, Shawn brings a powerful lens on curiosity, human connection, and how travel helps us see the world differently. We also dig into why social capital matters more than ever in an AI-driven world, how curiosity fuels genuine relationships, and why travel pushes us to live in the moment. A conversation that blends tech, humanity, and curiosity. Episode timeline (00:00) — Who is Shawn, really? (01:25) — The Pyongyang Marathon (03:19) — Curiosity as compound interest (04:30) — Finding the story in the data (06:31) — AI vs. lived experience (10:20) — AI rewiring our digital world (13:53) — Why networks matter more than ever — especially for young professionals (17:25) — Curiosity as the bridge to connection (18:53) — Travel as a privilege: realizing how small the world is and how similar we are (20:12) — Mantras that shape a futurist (21:21) — Travel experiences, modern tech… and what it unlocks (27:04) — Shawn’s gift to listeners About Shawn DuBravac Acclaimed futurist and trendcaster, Dr. Shawn DuBravac is author of the New York Times Best Seller Digital Destiny: How the New Age of Data Will Transform the Way We Work, Live, and Communicate, which explores how the world’s mass adoption of digital technologies portends the beginning of a new era for humanity in the realms of business, healthcare, finance, transportation, and culture. Dr. DuBravac delivers pragmatic and provocative insights on the trends, technologies, and paradigms transforming business and society along with actionable strategies that organizations in every industry can apply. Connect with Shawn and grow your social capital! On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndubravac/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawndubravac/] His website: shawndubravc.com [http://shawndubravc.com] - - - - - About your hosts: Connect with Aurélie, your Work From Anywhere techie: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/] On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/ [https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/] Connect with Tahnee, your resident AI nerd: On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/] - - - - - Liked it? Help us spread the word! If this story resonated with you, share it with your people, subscribe and leave a review. And most importantly, reach out to someone who made a difference in your life! Because THIS is how you grow your social capital!

TSC Episode 5 - Why Curiosity, Travel, and Saying Yes Can Change Everything with Karen Hutchings

“Every journey teaches you something about people, culture, and connection.” From boardrooms to barns, from AI strategy to animal rescue, this conversation with Karen Hutchings is full of energy, curiosity, and powerful lessons on leadership, connection, and reinvention. We explore how travel expands perspective, how team culture mirrors the harmony (and hierarchy) of her beloved animals, and why curiosity is her superpower for embracing technology and change. Karen shares personal stories from her global career, what she’s learned from living in multiple countries, and why saying YES has shaped the course of her life. Episode timeline (00:00) — Welcome & Karen’s story: from countryside to global stages (02:12) — Horses, goats, and what animals can teach us about teamwork (04:03) — Travel as an enabler for empathy and cultural understanding (05:47) — How India became part of her story (07:10) — Shifting from corporate leadership to animal sanctuary life (09:35) — Why the travel & meetings industry needs to embrace tech and innovation (12:56) — Why the pace of innovation should accelerate (14:00) — Overcoming fear of technology through curiosity (16:52) — Engaging your internal stakeholders for better impact (19:35) — The power of asking questions and not needing all the answers (21:36) — Building networks that fuel growth and resilience (25:35) — Travel as a lifelong career — along with community (27:03) — Words of wisdom: say yes, stay curious, build your network (29:02) — Karen’s gift: travel as the greatest teacher About Karen Hutchings: Founder of Cobb & Hutch Consulting – EST January 2024. Karen is known as a Global Leader learning the nuances of business by living and working in all areas of the globe.  Recognized as having an innovative mindset and known for challenging the status quo and driving change across the travel, meetings & events industry. She has never been afraid to take chances and try new ideas and initiatives, an intrapreneur by choice with a desire to always be part of a diverse and high performing team. As part of Cobb & Hutch Consulting Karen is on the Board of HeadBox, a meetings & events technology company, and acts as a strategic advisor to them and Silverdoor, a long stay serviced apartment service provider.  Additionally she is supporting Badge, a SaaS platform that enables companies to create SmartCards: digital loyalty cards, membership cards, & gift cards that live in mobile wallets with built-in geotargeting push notification campaigns and Clarasight, which is a carbon planning and analysis platform that helps businesses manage their carbon budgets and emissions plans. On a personal note … While running was always a passion, having run 26 marathons around the world, Karen now spends her spare time with her horses, sheep, cats, rescue dogs Buddy& Bubbles and two goats Billy & Benny as supporting her husband in his downhill mountain bike adventures and supporting a dog sanctuary in Goa India to retain her connectivity with the country she has come to love. Connect with Karen and grow your social capital! On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hutchings-0746a36/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hutchings-0746a36/] - - - - - - - About your hosts: Connect with Aurélie, your Work From Anywhere techie On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/] Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/ [https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/] Connect with Tahnee, your resident AI nerd On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/] - - - - - - - Liked it? Help us spread the word! If this story resonated with you, share it with yourpeople, subscribe and leave a review. And most importantly, reach out to someone who made adifference in your life! Because THIS is how you grow your social capital!

TSC Episode 4 - Why Travel Unlocks Growth - Personally and Professionally with Sahara Rose De Vore

“Travel is so much more than a transaction. It’s human, personal, and transformational.” Sahara Rose De Vore joins us to talk about how travel can be a catalyst for connection, transformation, and opportunity. From backpacking solo accros 84 countries to building The Travel Coach Network, Sahara shares why connection, visibility, and curiosity are essential ingredients for creating opportunities — whether you’re a traveler, a leader, or a founder. We also tackle how tech and AI can be powerful enablers (when used with heart). This is a conversation about purpose, people, and the power of travel to open doors.  Episode timeline (00:00) — Welcome & Sahara’s story: art, curiosity, and independence (02:47) — Defining social capital in the context of travel (04:10) — The origin of Travel Coach Network and people at core (08:02) — How travel drives transformation — in leisure and corporate (09:50) — Personal growth, ROI, and cultural literacy (11:40) — The power of mentorship and community (13:59) — AI, travel tech & keeping the human connection at the center (16:46) — Tech as a bridge for digital nomads and connection (19:12) — Building visibility and trust (20:45) — Introverts, extroverts, and the different ways to connect (23:45) — Sahara’s gift for listeners About Sahara Rose De Vore Sahara Rose De Vore is the Founder and CEO of The Travel Coach Network, a global community of travel coaches. Sahara went from broke college student to traveling to 84 countries solo to trailblazing a new path in the travel industry. She believes that the travel planning process is more than just a transaction. This led her to creating the world's first and only ICF accredited certification program for travel coaches.  Sahara is a published author, global speaker, TEDx speaker, and has been in over 200 media outlets for her travel and business expertise including Travel Weekly, Conde Nast Traveler, TripAdvisor, CNBC, CNN Travel, and twice in Forbes. Sahara is on the Advisory Board for The Hotel Guide, was named one of 2023’s Most Influential Women in Travel by TravelPulse, and also appeared on Season 8 of Project Pitch It. Connect with Sahara and grow your social capital! TCN Website [https://thetravelcoachnetwork.com/] Sahara’s Website [https://sahararosetravels.com/] Sahara’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/sahararosethetravelcoach/] TCN Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/thetravelcoachnetwork/] Sahara's Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahara-rose-de-vore-4b8bb394/⁠] Sahara’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/SaharaRoseTheTravelCoach/] TCN Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/theTravelCoachNetwork/⁠] TCN YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@thetravelcoachnetwork⁠] - - - - - - - About your hosts Connect with Aurélie, your Work From Anywhere techie: On ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/] | On ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/] Connect with Tahnee, your resident AI nerd: On ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/] - - - - - - - Liked it? If this story resonated with you, share it with your people, subscribe and leave a review. And most importantly, reach out to someone who made a difference in your life! Because THIS is how you grow your social capital!

TSC Episode 3 - Why People and Curiosity Matter More Than Strategy with Mark Corbett

“Your first customer, your biggest ally, your next opportunity - it all comes from your network!” We open with Mark’s core driver: making meaningful impact for people and the planet. From his simple rule, “add more value,” to a very practical take on purposeful travel, Mark shows how social capital grows when curiosity, generosity, and preparation meet. We dig into: building relationships as a founder, balancing in-person with online moments, introvert-friendly conference tactics (hello, 3-2-1 rule!), decision frameworks for tough calls, and why passion is often the product of practice - not luck. Episode timeline: (00:00) – Welcome & tea diplomacy (00:52) – Impact as a compass (01:36) – The spark behind Thrust Carbon (03:30) – “Add more value” as a life rule. From people-centric to me-centric. (06:08) – Travel, connection, and working smarter (08:20) –Purposeful travel & balance (11:04) – Help for introverts at events (15:06) – First-timers & imposter feelings (18:06) – Make it personal, make it memorable (19:30) – Storytelling that sticks (22:08) – Practice, presence, gravitas (25:07) – Words of wisdom (26:55) – Money vs. meaning (29:20) – Your first customer (30:50) – Curiosity as a signal (31:50) – A gift for our listeners About Mark Mark Corbett is a purpose-driven founder, public speaker, and environmental consultant. He co-founded Thrust Carbon in 2019 to help the travel industry make smarter, data-driven climate decisions. Mark’s guiding line: “Working to create a better, more responsible world since ’08” frames his work at the intersection of impact, technology, and behavior change. He’s known for practical frameworks, high-energy storytelling, and a simple rule of thumb: "add more value." Connect with Mark and grow your social capital! On LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwcorbett/] Resources mentioned in this episode: Zero to One – book by Peter Thiel. - - - - About your hosts: Connect with Aurélie, your Work From Anywhere techie: On LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureliekrau/⁠ ] Or on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/aureliekrau/⁠ ]   Connect with Tahnee, your resident AI nerd: On LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahneeperry/⁠ ] - - - - Liked it? Help us spread the word! If this story resonated with you, share it with your people, subscribe and leave a review. And most importantly, reach out to someone who made a difference in your life. Because THIS is how you grow your social capital!