Ep 39: The Happiest Man Alive, Camino Treks and Cycling Italy: Get Smarter and Stronger through Sabbaticals

 Timestamps:

02:40 An Expat Childhood Shapes a Global Perspective

05:45 A Career in Tech That Spanned the Region

07:44 The Sabbatical Decision: A New Kind of Adventure

09:36 Living, Learning, Doing: The Mantra of a Sabbatical

10:49 Sleeping in a Monastery and Meeting the Happiest Man Alive

11:11 From Everest Base Camp to Solitude

15:57 Cycling Through History in Italy

23:48 Walking 260 Kilometres on the Camino Trail

28:42 Why Experiences Are the True Wealth

31: 28 Swimming Around a Minoan Island

33:56 The Importance of Balancing Work and Life

36:20 The Power of Networking and Community

About David Hope:

David Hope is an APAC SVP, who has lived in the region for 40 years. He has led companies like Workday, ForgeRock and Infor. He recently took a Sabbatical through incredible places, meeting interesting people and brings us insightful ideas on how to become Smarter and Stronger, Body and Mind.

I’ll admit it—I was relentless. I’d been watching David Hope live out his sabbatical in a way that made me green with envy. Trekking in Nepal, sipping coffee with his daughter in the UK, learning about AI in London, and cycling across Italy—it was the sabbatical of dreams. So, when he finally said yes to joining me on the podcast, I couldn’t contain my excitement. And what a story he had to tell!

An Expat Childhood Shapes a Global Perspective

David wasn’t born in Asia, but his heart beats for it. Raised in the Philippines, where his father set up BHP’s first office, his childhood was rich with cultural exposure.

Moving to Australia and Back Again

Life took him back to Australia for his teenage years, but Asia had already left its mark. David worked tirelessly to return, lobbying his first employer until they posted him to Tokyo.

The Tokyo Dormitory Days

Living in a company dormitory as the only foreigner among 6,000 employees in a Japanese trading house was eye-opening. “It was incredible—culturally and professionally,” he told me. Those years cemented his connection to Asia and fueled his hunger for more.

A Career in Tech That Spanned the Region

After a few years in sales and manufacturing, David pivoted to tech—joining IBM, where he honed his leadership skills.

The IBM Harvard Experience

“They sent me to a Harvard summer program,” he said, still amazed by the opportunity. It set the stage for decades of success building and leading teams across Asia, from India to Japan.

Building Teams, Opening Markets

David’s passion for building teams and opening markets became his signature. His 25-year career in tech saw him transform organisations, sell across geographies, and leave a legacy of success.

The Sabbatical Decision: A New Kind of Adventure

When David’s last company, ForgeRock, went private after a major acquisition, he knew it was time. “I thought, this year is going to be a personal adventure,” he said.

Living, Learning, Doing: The Mantra of a Sabbatical

David and his wife, Alex, developed a theme for their sabbatical: living, learning, and doing. It wasn’t just about rest; it was about intentional experiences.

Living Actively

From trekking to cycling, they ensured physical activity was at the heart of their journey.

Learning Through History

They combined their love of history with immersive learning experiences, making each destination a classroom.

Doing New Things

They embraced the unfamiliar, pushing boundaries and stepping out of their comfort zones.

Sleeping in a Monastery and Meeting the Happiest Man Alive

David kicked off his sabbatical in Nepal with a transformative experience. “If you’d told me a few years ago I’d spend three nights in a monastery and learn from the happiest man alive, I’d have laughed,” he said.

Lessons from the Buddhist Guru

The monk, described by Forbes as the happiest man in the world, left a lasting impression. “He made me realise we focus on physical fitness but neglect the fitness of our minds,” David reflected.

Meditation Is Like Brushing Your Teeth

The monk’s advice? Meditation doesn’t require hours; even five minutes a day can re-centre you. “It’s about being present,” David explained.

From Everest Base Camp to Solitude

Flying over Everest Base Camp was thrilling, but it was the trek back to Lukla that gave David time to reflect. “Walking solo for three days reinforced that this sabbatical was the right decision,” he said.

A Serendipitous Encounter

While in Nepal, David met Steve Chen, the founder of YouTube, at a temple. “What are the odds?” he laughed, recounting their conversation about the platform’s origins.

Walking 260 Kilometres on the Camino Trail

David and Alex embarked on the Camino Trail, walking from Porto to Santiago. It was physically demanding but deeply rewarding.

Staying in Unusual Places

From a 400-year-old converted women’s jail to a castle with cannons overlooking the sea, each night brought its own adventure.

What They Learned Walking Together

“If we can survive 260 kilometres together, we’re set for life,” David joked. It deepened their bond and underscored the importance of shared values.

Cycling Through History in Italy

Another highlight was cycling through the Italian Riviera. Here, David met Manny Swenson, the founder of a company he’d known for decades. “It was surreal connecting with him after all these years,” he said.

Swimming Around a Minoan Island

In Crete, David and Alex swam around an island with 4,000-year-old Minoan ruins. “We probably shouldn’t have done it in rough waves,” he admitted, but the experience was unforgettable.

The Importance of Balancing Work and Life

David believes sabbaticals aren’t just for personal growth—they make you better at work. “You come back stronger, wiser, and healthier,” he said.

Lessons in Mindfulness

David’s sabbatical reinforced the value of stepping back to recharge. “Mindfulness isn’t just for monks—it’s a tool for coping with corporate pressures,” he said.

Why We Need to Create Time

“You’ll never have the time—you have to make it,” David emphasised. His sabbatical proved the power of prioritising what truly matters.

Why Experiences Are the True Wealth

For David, the richness of life lies in experiences. “Whether it’s walking ancient trails or standing in awe of history, these moments stay with you forever,” he said.

A Gift That Keeps Giving

Investing in yourself creates memories and lessons that resonate long after the journey ends. “It’s a gift to yourself—and everyone around you,” David shared.

The Power of Networking and Community

David’s adventures were enriched by the people he met along the way. “Human connection is vital, whether in life or work,” he said.

Summary

David Hope’s sabbatical is a testament to the power of stepping back to move forward. He enriched his life and leadership through living, learning, and doing. His message is clear: make the time, leap, and return stronger. Life is too short to wait for the perfect moment—it’s up to you to create it.

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