Being born and raised in Reno, I never imagined that school would one day take me across the world. For most of my life, travel felt out of reach, and I didn’t even begin exploring beyond the U.S. and Mexico until 2022. But once I started, it opened up a completely new way of seeing myself and the world around me. From New York to Toronto, Argentina, and most recently London, each trip gave me lessons that shaped not just my experiences, but also my view on leadership.

In London, I learned the power of perspective. Walking through historic streets and stepping into business conference rooms with students and professionals from around the globe reminded me that leadership isn’t one size fits all. Every culture has its own approach to challenges, and sometimes the best form of leadership is simply stepping back and listening. That experience pushed me to see that growth often comes when we are willing to learn from voices different from our own.

Argentina will always hold a special place in my heart because it was my very first time traveling to a new country beyond Mexico or the U.S. In August 2023, I boarded a plane 6,000 miles away from home to study abroad, and to be honest, I was terrified. Everything felt new: the culture, the language, the distance. But once I was there, I experienced the strength of community in a way I will never forget. People led with warmth and connection, and it reminded me that leadership isn’t just about strategy or results. It’s about people. That trip was only the beginning of my story, but it gave me the courage to keep saying yes to opportunities abroad.

New York taught me a different lesson: resilience. The fast pace, the competition, and the constant energy were overwhelming at first, but I realized that showing up, even when it’s hard, is a powerful form of leadership. Perseverance in the face of challenges is what makes growth possible. Travel, in all its forms, has taught me that leadership is not about titles or control. It’s about adaptability, curiosity, and the willingness to keep learning.

✨ Have you ever learned something about yourself while traveling? I’d love to hear your story. Share it in the comments or connect with me on LinkedIn so we can swap lessons from the road!