The Social Currency (T$C)

“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 he...

“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 curiosit...

“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...

“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 —...

“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 fou...

“Authenticity builds social capital, not transactions!” In this episode, we open with Lindsay’s real story: curiosity, optimism, and a love of people. From seeing networking as a slow burn (not a transaction) to the belief that “your network is your net worth” , Lindsay shares how travel creates lifetime connections and why authenticity is the only sustainable strategy. We also explore how AI fits...

“You have to keep topping up your social capital” In our inaugural episode of The Social Currency (T$C), we welcome Paul Tilstone, founder of temoji and one of the most respected voices in business travel . Paul joins us to talk about social and intellectual capital: what they mean, why they matter, and how to nurture them in business and life. From walk-and-talk meetings to lessons learned while...