In this episode of Leadership Story Talks, Jerome Deroy and Julienne Ryan welcome Joe Diaz, co-founder of Afar Media, the award-winning B Corp built on the belief that travel can make the world a better place.
Joe shares the deeply personal story that shaped his life: at 21 years old, overcoming years of fear to move alone to Spain, reconnect with his heritage, and discover that stepping outside his comfort zone transformed far more than he ever expected.
The conversation explores why curiosity is a leadership skill, how authentic travel creates empathy instead of consumption, why imperfect experiences often become the most meaningful stories, and how learning to trust strangers may be one of the greatest acts of courage in today’s world.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or rarely leave home, this episode offers a powerful reminder that the journey toward understanding others almost always begins by becoming willing to change ourselves.
You’ll Hear:
– How one spontaneous decision at age 21 completely changed Joe’s life—and ultimately led to the creation of Afar Media.
– Why curiosity, openness, and discomfort are essential ingredients for personal growth.
– The difference between consuming a destination and genuinely connecting with the people who live there.
– Why the most memorable travel experiences are rarely the perfectly planned ones.
– How travel can strengthen empathy, reduce fear, and help us see our common humanity.
– Why giving young people opportunities to experience the world can transform communities for generations.
– The connection between storytelling and meaningful travel—and why both help us understand ourselves as much as others.
– Joe’s unforgettable lesson from a blind travel writer: “The first thing I do is look for the first elbow to grab.”
– Why Joe believes that despite what we often see in the news, “99.5% of this world is here to help you.”
Afar Media on linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afar-media ;
For more about Joe Diaz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephdiaz/ ;
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