TRAVEL. 3 Countries, 4 cities: London, England. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Rome, Italy.
WORK. 2 Businesses: Evvnt, ArtSlut
PLAY. Lifestyle: Hotel Living, Swimming, Running, Gym, Exploring

I'm only a few days away from the end of the year, enjoying the last moments in a penthouse apartment on top of an old factory just off Spitalfields Market in London. Reflecting on the past year, I realize I didn't see my family as much as I wanted, a priority I plan to improve in 2024 with several occasions and a wedding already in the calendar.

 I came to London 12 months ago, leaving my U.S. company in the hands of a corporate professional, with the goal of rebuilding the UK sales office lost during the pandemic.

I arrived to a blank canvas, inspired and excited to be 'home' in old territory—London. My only possession upon arrival was hand luggage, and I had work to do!

Twelve months later, with the same hand luggage and an extra bag, what came, went. The lightened load felt good as I headed to the airport.

Confident in my knowledge of the market and with a few original staff members still in place, I believed I could assemble a team and rebuild a $1.2 million sales operation. However, upon arriving, it was clear that no one wanted to return to a traditional office setup. So, I opted for a live-workspace perfect for company calls, meetings, trainings, and fostering team creativity—essential for integrating new staff into the company culture.

Unfortunately, we had to let go of half the sales team due to their reluctance to work in the office full-time and challenges in adapting to the responsibilities of direct sales. Our database of event creators was severely impacted by the pandemic, and many potential clients were struggling to operate their business or uninterested due to financial challenges. We arrived looking for gold at the end of the rainbow and in London we found double rainbows... but no gold.

Being back in London was both nostalgic and revealing. Friends and colleagues were scarce as the city operated on a Tuesday-to-Thursday schedule, with many businesses still recovering and operating limited hours. Despite investing a year, hiring good people, and dedicating much time and effort, we couldn't achieve the sales results needed to justify the costs, spring came and went and as we got over the 3 to 6 months marker when sales teams start scaling, our team did not.

As we close out 2023, the one-year lease on the apartment came to a natural end on January 7th 2024. Just as quickly as I furnished the place, it was now time to sell everything on eBay and Gumtree. I learned that storing items is often more costly than replacing them, so selling everything, from the sofa to the pool table, was crucial for a clean departure from London.

The good news is we're heading to Dubai, one of my favorite cities. Dubai offers a strong fitness culture, high quality of life, and an environment that always rejuvenates me. I remember the relief when we booked our Emirates flight, knowing the positive impact this destination would have on the next phase of our journey.

In Dubai, I lined up several meetings and organized incredible stays at some top hotels. This time, I aim to focus on current business and explore new opportunities for 2024. Realizing how quickly time passes, I plan to engage only in projects that excite me, ensuring my commitment and success.

This led me to securing the domain travelworkplay.com, reflecting my focus for the upcoming year. I also plan to invest in domains, businesses, and people, funding the project with a modest crypto account—a strategy to get us started. I've also strugged with owning things, I don't mind business investments but hoarding is not for me and I'm always open to sale as it prompts the next level purchase so my firs post I have planned is around 'My Life for Sale or Rent...

Additionally, I've embraced painting, inspired by a Jim Carrey documentary. This creative outlet led to launching an e-commerce offering called ArtSlut. I was always intrigued by the success of the American chain EggSlut and decided to lean into this quirky branding. Technically life is just one blank canvas to the next, so let's paint a new picture every day.

Dubai's vibrant business climate and its appeal as a tax-free haven make it an attractive base, though my eventual return to the U.S. is necessary. After some time in Dubai, I found an affordable $100 flight from Abu Dhabi to Rome, landing me back in Europe the next day and Rome is like a living art museum... one church after the next.

Rome is a perfect place to get lost, enjoy pasta, and drink phenomenal wine. It served as a reminder that sometimes, a change of scenery can provide clarity and new energy. I set a goal for 2024: to think strategically about what we can achieve each month.

Landing in Rome, I sensed a shift in pace. The hustle and bustle indicated that the pandemic was behind us, and 2024 held new opportunities. Checking into the Edition Hotel, I felt invigorated, ready to embrace the year ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. I did however take time to take in the city, visit the Trevi fountain and throw a coin in the fountain to make a wish...