Alyshia Ford has the travel bug and as a digital nomad, she has taken her job completely online, giving her the flexibility to keep on exploring the world.
What’s your story?
3 years ago I hung my degree on the wall, declined a pHD placement and booked a one way ticket to Australia to see what would happen. I had to see if there was something more out there than just a 9-5 job and a mortgage.
For 3 years I have been filming my journey across the world on my YouTube channel and in the past year have been able to take my job full time online.
After I had a taste of travel, I wanted to share it with everyone. Take away the filters and cheesy “travel presenter” stance and just be real with my audience. Show through my daily vlogs the ups and downs of full time travel and to inform, inspire and invite people into a world they never thought was possible.
What excites you most about your industry?
The fact that it is still so new and there is a lot to be explored! YouTube is not just a hobby, but is actually turning teenagers into millionaires. Mainstream companies are starting to notice how huge the platform is becoming and it is so exciting to be apart of it during this time. Who knows where YouTube will go over the next few years. All I know is that I’m excited to be part of the ride!
What’s your connection to Asia?
I have been travelling to parts of Asia over the past few years and it has me hooked. I love the wide variety of food and landscapes which makes it an exciting location to film my daily travel vlogs.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
I would have to say Chiang Mai, which isn’t the most original answer but there is a reason it is the digital nomad capital of the world. The wifi is fast, the food is delicious and cheap and you can make a small base here for a while to work on projects which have been building up.
Not only that but everyday you meet like minded people who are doing similar things to you which is always inspiring.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Slow down and look after yourself.
Who inspires you?
I would say the people I meet on my travels. Whether they are locals or fellow explorers, I take a lot from connecting with those around me. Everyone is on such a different path and how they made it to where they are now, is always interesting to me.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That when an obstacle is presented to you, there is a small window of time in which you need to make your decision. You can either taking a running jump or back away. It is incredible what you can actually achieve when a real obstacle is blocking everything you really want.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Absolutely nothing. I do not believe in having regrets or looking back and wishing to make changes. Every move I have played so far has put me here, so I can only thank my mistakes and mishaps for how they have shaped where I am today.
How do you unwind?
I leave my camera at home and clear my mind from work. It might just be lunch with a friend or a trip to another country for a few days. Either way I have to put the camera down to fully relax mentally and physically.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
It has to be the Philippines. By far the most jaw dropping destination I have ever encountered. When you see pictures in magazines of white sand paradise islands the first thing to come to mind is; photoshop. But the Philippines is the real life photoshop image. Utter paradise at every turn! Plus, it is still pretty undiscovered which makes you feel like you are thousands of miles away from civilisation!
Everyone in business should read this book:
The power of now by Eckhart Tolle. I believe in working on your personal self in order to achieve anything in the business world. Once you can master your own mind, you can do anything!
Shameless plug for your business:
I produce daily travel vlogs and informational videos on my YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/psychotraveller) which is packed full of advice, recommendations, inspiration and fun times!
How can people connect with you?
Via my website: http://www.psychotraveller.com
Twitter handle?
@Psychotraveller
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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