As I sit back and reflect on the countless business trips I’ve taken over the years, I am often struck by a simple realization: my work has given me the invaluable opportunity to travel, meet fascinating people, and immerse myself in cultures and cities that I would have otherwise never experienced. These journeys, while often hectic and demanding, have enriched my life in ways I never fully appreciated until I began to pause and truly absorb the moments along the way.
One of the most striking realizations of this came during my trips to Texas last year. As a part of my role at MarketStar, I was fortunate enough to travel to Dallas and Austin for separate business meetings and events. These trips, which were not just about the business at hand, but also about the experiences that accompanied them, left me deeply grateful for the exposure to new places and people.
When I was younger, I was driven by a strong desire to go beyond my own backyard, to explore and discover what lay beyond the horizon. Travel was a dream—one that felt distant but remained a consistent ambition. It was only as I grew older and my career evolved that I realized how those dreams were being fulfilled in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Through the nature of my work, I have had the privilege of visiting cities across the globe, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and innovation.
Texas, a state I had only seen from afar, became a focal point of this journey last year. On two separate occasions, I found myself immersed in the expansive landscapes, buzzing cities, and vibrant business environments that define the Lone Star State.
Dallas: A Glimpse Into AT&T’s Stature and History
My first trip to Texas took me to Dallas, a city I had never visited before. As part of my business trip, I had the opportunity to visit the headquarters of one of our clients, AT&T. Their offices are not just a collection of buildings—they dominate the landscape, occupying a significant portion of downtown Dallas. AT&T’s sprawling headquarters is spread over multiple large buildings, all situated in the heart of the city, offering a testament to the company’s scale and influence. As I walked through their headquarters, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of their operations, not just within the city but on a global scale.
The MarketStar Team presenting to AT&T
Dallas itself left an impression on me. The city’s skyline, the energy of its downtown core, and the quiet hum of industry all spoke to a place on the rise, yet with deep roots in history. While I was there on business, I took the opportunity to explore the city beyond the boardrooms. One of the most profound experiences during my visit was going to the site of the JFK assassination, a moment that has remained ingrained in American history.
I’m not one to dwell on conspiracy theories, but standing at the exact spot where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly took that fatal shot made me pause and reflect. As I looked up at the Texas School Book Depository, where Oswald is believed to have fired from, it became clear why conspiracy theories began to emerge so rapidly after the assassination. From the vantage point, I could easily understand how the event sparked such widespread debate and speculation. It was an experience that blended historical significance with a deep, almost eerie sense of realization, one that would stay with me long after I left Dallas.
The “Grassy Knoll” – scene of the JFK assassination
Austin: From SXSW to Tech Innovation
Later in the summer, I found myself in Austin, Texas, for another business trip. This time, the trip was a bit different—not only was I meeting with clients, but I also had the opportunity to attend a tech sales event, a meet-up where innovators and thought leaders gathered to exchange ideas. As with the Dallas trip, I was keenly aware of the advantages my work provided in connecting me with some of the brightest minds and most forward-thinking individuals in the tech space.
What made this trip even more unique was the experience of flying privately from Salt Lake City to Austin. Having the ability to disembark at a private terminal meant I could avoid the usual airport hassles, which allowed us to kick off our first meeting early in the day and maximize the time available. It is a fancy way to get around, but it allowed for more flexibility in the schedule and provided for a much quicker trip in and out.
Austin, like Dallas, had its own set of surprises. It was a city I had visited years ago, back in 1998, during my time at SXSW, when it was a much smaller music festival and not yet the tech hub it is today. Back then, Austin had a distinct vibe, centered around its thriving live music scene and the laid-back atmosphere that permeated the city. Returning to Austin, I was struck by how much the city had transformed. The once quaint streets had been replaced by towering high-rises, the city’s skyline now punctuated by sleek, modern buildings that could have been found in any major metropolis around the world.
Despite these changes, however, the essence of Austin remained intact. The music scene, still vibrant and full of energy, retained the soul of the city. The music bars I had visited all those years ago were still there, serving as a reminder that while Austin had modernized, it had not lost its identity. The city had managed to evolve while holding on to the very things that made it unique in the first place. It was a perfect example of how growth and preservation can go hand in hand when done thoughtfully.
Gratitude for Work-Life Experiences
As I reflect on these two business trips, I am struck by how fortunate I am to have had these experiences. At the heart of it all is a deep sense of gratitude—gratitude not just for the professional milestones and opportunities that have come my way, but for the personal enrichment that travel has brought me. My ambition, once focused solely on professional success, has now expanded to embrace the experiences I’ve had while traveling. I have had the chance to explore cities, meet incredible people, and immerse myself in cultures that I never would have encountered if I had remained focused on the day-to-day grind of work without the chance to step back and look around.
Travel has broadened my understanding of the world, helping me appreciate different perspectives and ways of life. It has connected me to individuals and ideas that I would not have otherwise encountered. But beyond the business and the professional networks, it has reminded me of something very simple: life is about the experiences we collect along the way.
Flying over the vast large and flat state of Texas
When I was younger, I often dreamed of seeing the world, of visiting far-off places, and of experiencing the world in ways that went beyond my immediate surroundings. It is both humbling and fulfilling to realize that my work, which I often view through the lens of career advancement, has also served as a gateway to fulfilling those early dreams of travel and discovery. The places I visit, the people I meet, and the lessons I learn along the way are what make these trips not just business opportunities, but life-enriching experiences.
Closing Thoughts: Gratitude and the Journey Ahead
As I look ahead to future trips and opportunities, I remain grateful for the chance to continue this journey of discovery. Whether it’s visiting clients in new cities, attending industry events, or simply exploring places I’ve never been, the joy of experiencing something new never fades. The work that I do, which often feels demanding and all-consuming, has also allowed me to see the world in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I was younger. It has provided me with an ever-growing appreciation for the richness of life, and for the people and cultures that make each destination unique.
Getting to try real-deal Texas Barbecue – amazing!
My journey is far from over. There will be more cities to visit, more people to meet, and more moments of reflection that remind me of how fortunate I am. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, but it’s moments like these—moments of travel and reflection—that truly highlight the beauty of the journey itself.