Episode 195: Taking the Scenic Route to Work with Sarah Aviram
“Instead of asking what’s next, maybe I should start asking myself what’s worth returning to?”
This week, we are thrilled to welcome Sarah Aviram, a number one bestselling author, Fortune 500 HR leader, and TEDx speaker whose talk has captivated over 800,000 viewers worldwide. Sarah's story begins with a deep-rooted love of exploration instilled by her well-traveled parents, who raised her to embrace curiosity, seek out new cultures, and ask bold questions about the world around her. That spirit of wonder, combined with her sharp professional instincts as head of talent development at a New York-based tech company, laid the groundwork for one of the most inventional career moves we have ever heard told on this show.
Sarah takes us through the remarkable journey of convincing her CEO to allow her to work remotely from 12 countries over 12 months, all in the name of researching the future of remote work. She walks us through the bold business case she built, the sweaty-palmed pitch that changed the entire trajectory of her life, and the stunning moment she heard two simple words: "Do it." What followed was an extraordinary year living and working across South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, culminating in her return home on March 1st, 2020, just as the world was shutting its doors, and ultimately inspiring her to launch her own business, write two books, and deliver a TEDx talk that has resonated with hundreds of thousands of people around the globe.
In this episode, we explore the power of framing your dreams in a way that creates value beyond yourself, the unexpected emotional truth that wherever you go, there you are, the beauty of building ritual and slowing down amid a life of constant novelty, and the quiet but life-changing gift of following your inner compass even when everyone around you doubts the destination. If you have ever had a dream sitting on the shelf waiting for the perfect moment, Sarah's story is the nudge you did not know you needed.
Scott and Sarah also discuss:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:47 The Remote Work Pitch
04:25 12 Countries Itinerary
05:49 Selling the CEO
09:10 Courage to Ask
12:10 Inner Compass Origins
15:59 Japan Kyoto Snapshot
17:29 Thailand Identity Lessons
22:52 Croatia Sunset Rituals
25:51 Balancing Work and Travel
27:09 Europe Work Rhythm
27:38 Asia Time Zone Hacks
28:52 Favorite People Culture Nature
30:32 Weekend Travel Style
30:58 COVID Timing Twist
33:19 Layoff To Remote Work Business
35:12 Hindsight And Gut Instinct
37:44 Three Barriers Solved
40:02 Cohort Travel Community
40:51 Wherever You Go There You Are
44:15 Contrast Without Overhaul
46:15 Life Changes And Gratitudes
48:41 Scenic Route Book Details
49:37 Preorder Bonuses And Links
51:04 Movie Talk And Farewell
52:24 Closing Thanks And Call To Action
You can learn more about Sarah by following her on Instagram and Facebook. Also, check out her website and book.
See below for photos Sarah shared from her travels and life...
Watch the Full Behind The Scenes Episode
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