Everyone tells us to "find ourselves." But what if that's the wrong goal?

In this episode, we explore why the best lives aren't discovered—they're intentionally built. From empathy and design thinking to defining success on your own terms, we dive into what it means to create a life that reflects your values instead of someone else's expectations.

We also talk about why living abroad can change the way you see the world, how being open-minded creates opportunities you never planned for, and why some of the deepest relationships we form are also the hardest to let go of.

If you've ever felt lost, questioned your career, or wondered whether you're living the life you actually want, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I sit down with my former professor from the International University of Catalonia to explore how psychology and philosophy can help us make better career and life decisions.

Drawing from his experience in academia, consulting, entrepreneurship, and international work, we discuss how to maximize personal and professional growth, evaluate risk, recognize opportunities, and navigate major career transitions. We also explore his decision to step away from his own business, the realities of working abroad, and what he's learned from operating across different industries and cultures.

A central theme throughout our conversation is the idea of minimizing resistance—understanding human behavior, incentives, and organizational dynamics to create more effective businesses, careers, and lives.

Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, professional, or simply someone thinking about your next chapter, this episode offers practical insights on growth, decision-making, and long-term success.

In Part 1, we explore what it really means to take calculated risks—in business, investing, and life.

The conversation dives into the concept of affordable loss, why successful entrepreneurs focus on managing downside risk, and how taking intentional chances can create opportunities that would otherwise never exist.

We also discuss my journey of publishing a book about living abroad in Spain, France, and Italy, the personal growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and how international experiences can change your definition of home.

Drawing from experiences in Valencia, Barcelona, Madrid, and a first trip to Asia, we examine how travel broadens perspective, builds resilience, and influences career and business decisions.

The episode also pulls back the curtain on entrepreneurship through the story of building a designer perfume dropshipping business. We talk about the gap between social media perception and reality, the unseen work behind success, the challenges entrepreneurs face every day, and the habits required to achieve long-term goals.

This is a conversation about risk, growth, discipline, and why the journey behind success is often more important than the outcome itself.