Goal: To leave the world better than I found it

I’m not content with just challenging the status quo. I actively disrupt it. From university student to oilfield engineer in the Persian Gulf to MBA student in Spain to wind power business developer in Denmark to Happy Nomad, each phase of my life has allowed me to explore what it is to be human, happy, and alive.

It was in that last step, in going from life-is-perfect-in-Denmark-but-I’m-miserable to Happy Nomad that charted a completely unknown but necessary path in my life. I knew there would be no other way for me to reach my full potential otherwise.

I started a process of self-discovery, figuring out my passions and what my ideal life would be. I call that process the Happiness Plunge.  Once you figure out what your ideal life is you can’t help but take the plunge headfirst into it – hence the title of my blog: Happiness Plunge.

My Happiness Plunge incorporates my six passions of traveling, writing, helping others, teaching, learning, and telling stories. I call it the Happy Nomad Tour. On August 10, 2011 I set off into the unknown, wanting to make the world a better place as I travel to understand happiness and the human condition. I travel on the slimmest of shoestring budgets, sleep on floors and kitchen tables, use every kind of transport you can imagine, volunteer as much as I can, and contemplate the meaning of life.

I’ve contributed my expertise, time, and heart to a lot of causes along the way. I installed solar panels for a rural cooperative in Honduras; designed a financing strategy for a new NGO in El Salvador; played with orphaned kids in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and India; fed the elderly at a nursing home in Mexico; sold bread in the streets of Arequipa, Peru to subsidize the tuition for underprivileged children; and taught English in Peru and Laos. The human connections I’ve made during these experiences mentioned and the many others I’ve had have enriched me beyond my wildest dreams. As I continue striving for incredible experiences and heartfelt connections on The Happy Nomad Tour, I am now sharing my insights through speaking engagements, helping companies do well while doing good as a CSR consultant, helping people reach their full potential as a life/career/happiness coach, and helping people have fulfilling traveling experiences as a travel adviser.

Goal: Design new or improve existing CSR programs for organizations looking to do good while doing well

Businesses are increasingly becoming more conscious of their customers and the environment in an era where governments can no longer meet their obligations to society. More weight is falling on businesses to fill in the gaps. This is an incredible opportunity to connect with customers and build brand value. Responsible people achieve more success in life, and responsible companies achieve more success as well.

How I can transform your CSR needs:

• I have extensive on-the-ground experience in the most remote corners of the earth working on CSR and sustainability projects.
• I have the heart of a philanthropist, the problem-solving mind of an engineer, and business acumen from my MBA.
• I’m not afraid to make field visits anywhere as understanding the local environment and conditions is crucial to developing a winning, multiplicative strategy.
• I never use off the shelf strategies. I customize strategies that are in line with the values of the client, can do the most social good, and provide the best ROI.

For more information contact me.

Goal: To inspire audiences to look within, challenge their present, and change their tomorrow.

As I’ve changed my career and life in rapid succession over the past ten years, I’ve learned several things. I don’t ask why, I ask why not. I don’t ask how, I find a way. I run into barriers and jump over them. I don’t take no for an answer unless it involves compromising my integrity or values.

In the course of traveling to 66 countries across the world, volunteering in communities you can’t find in Google Maps, and living at the so-called “bottom of the pyramid,” I’ve stumbled upon some of humanity’s universal truths that are hard to find in “normal” everyday life.

I have spoken at high schools, universities, NGOs, and corporate events. Though the message is different for each audience, the inspirational stories from this journey and insight into humanity remain the same.

Some natural fits for my speaking services include:

• Universities
  • Undergraduate students on the whole, but particularly international studies, business, and engineering students
  • Graduate students on the whole, but particularly MBA students
• Conferences
• Corporate events
• Private parties

I donate 20% of the proceeds from speaking engagements to charity. My charity of choice is my own fundraiser for Wigs For Kids, but you may specify your own favorite instead.

Please get contact me for more details.

Goal: Help others achieve their full potential

Getting where you want to be in life is an uphill struggle. It’s easy to get stuck and never finish climbing, never reaching your full potential. I’ve climbed many traditional hills, struggling each step of the way before finding happiness in my own  unconventional way. Everyone has something unique to contribute. Let me help you discover that and set it free.

The American Dream isn’t for everyone, but the pursuit of happiness is. By asking questions and listening, by getting to the bottom of who you really are, we can chart a new, happier course. Whether it’s your life or career that needs a bit of outside help, I’ve gone through the process you’re in the midst of now and can help you reach your potential faster and more effectively.

If you need help when it comes to:

• Life
• Career
• Happiness
• Quality of life
• Taking the next step
• Translating dreams into reality

Please contact me and let’s get started!

Goal: To help others explore the world in their own unique way

From the moment I got off the plane in Egypt as a university student I knew my life would never be the same. That one trip showed me both how amazing the world really is and how easily it can be explored. From there I went on to have an international career and then gave it all up to embark on The Happy Nomad Tour.

I have traveled comfortably as well as on the tiniest of budgets. I’ve learned languages on the road, gone places on a whim with no preparation, stayed with local people all over the world, slept places you can’t imagine, lived in villages you can’t find in Google Maps, flown a plane, crossed borders by foot/raft/bicycle, conquered my fear of bugs, eaten all kinds of “strange” things, learned how to meditate, visited untouched beaches, seen some wonders of the world, and so much more. What is more important than the things mentioned previously are the connections and friendships I’ve forged with others on the road.

People often think that traveling is either too hard, too expensive, or too dangerous. I’m here to dispel that myth. If you are thinking about taking a short trip, long trip, round-the-world trip, or you are relocating to the other side of the planet, let me help you plan and make the most of your upcoming adventure. Just contact me and let’s get started!