From Backpack to Boardroom—Lessons from a Life of Travel

Hey ,

I used to think success was something you climbed towards, rung by rung, on a well-laid-out ladder. That’s what we’re taught, right? But my journey has looked more like a winding footpath through foreign cities, a dirt trail leading to a hidden beach, or a bumpy bus ride into the unknown.

Years ago, with nothing but a backpack and a hunger to see the world, I set off on a one-way adventure that would ultimately shape my life and career. I didn’t know it at the time, but sleeping in hostels, navigating foreign cultures, and figuring out how to stretch a few dollars into weeks of adventure were some of the best business lessons I’d ever learn.

• Adaptability: When you arrive in a new country with no place to stay and no grasp of the language, you figure things out—fast. That skill has helped me pivot through every unexpected turn in business and life.

• Resourcefulness: Budget travel teaches you how to make something out of nothing. In work and life, creativity often beats having a big budget.

• Connection: Some of the best opportunities don’t come from resumes or applications. They come from conversations—over a meal, at a bus stop, in a shared experience. That’s as true in the boardroom as it is on the road.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Raleigh Women’s Professional Network about this wild, unconventional path—from backpacker to business owner. And it reminded me that so many of us feel stuck in the idea that we have to follow a set path. We don’t.

Travel taught me that the best things often come when you leave the plan behind. If you’ve been feeling stuck—whether it’s in your career, a big decision, or even just the day-to-day routine—I encourage you to lean into the unknown a little more. Say yes to an adventure, take the unpaved road, and trust that you’ll figure it out as you go.

That’s where the magic happens. ✨

Where has travel unexpectedly prepared you for life or business? Hit reply and let me know—I love hearing your stories!

With gratitude,
Caroline

P.S. We also had our first coaching call yesterday for the Empowered Women’s Collective and it was awesome! A supportive group of women ready to elevate to the next level. I was so excited to hear how many wins they are having already from the email insights and challenges we send each week - from increased productivity, to feeling more confident and aligned. The doors are always open!

Updates

Kalyra is living her best life in London with her school friends, and I’m loving every little update she sends through WhatsApp. Tomorrow, she’s off on the Eurostar to Paris—what an adventure!

And today, Savannah set off for Key Largo and Miami with her best friend’s family! It’s her first trip without us, but she’s completely unfazed—meanwhile, I’m over here feeling all the emotions.

This is what happens when you raise travelers—wanderlust becomes part of their DNA! I’m equal parts jealous, nervous, and incredibly excited for them.