Arturo De Larrea shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Arturo , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I would say I’m walking a path, but it’s not a straight line. It’s a global one, shaped by curiosity and courage. Wandering may be how it looks on a map, but it has always been leading me forward. Enjoying the path step by step.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My background is in International Business, but my real classroom has been the world itself. I’ve lived and worked across different countries, from the Middle East to the Americas, gaining a deep appreciation for culture, people, and the way business connects us all. My career has taken me through the skies, the world of hospitality, and global travel services. Each experience teaching me adaptability, resilience, and the importance of human connection. Today, my focus is on continuing to grow as a global professional, while inspiring others to see travel and cross-cultural exchange as powerful tools for both business and personal growth.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often fear, misunderstanding, or the walls we build around differences whether cultural, personal, or professional. Distance, both physical and emotional, can make us forget how much we actually share.
What restores those bonds is connection: listening, empathy, and the willingness to step into someone else’s world. For me, travel has always been a bridge; it reminds us that no matter where we come from, people value respect, kindness, and being understood. Bonds are restored when we choose curiosity over judgment, and connection over separation.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Three years ago I changed my mind about what success looks like. For a long time I believed success meant a clear, linear climb. One company, one title, steady progression. After years of working in different countries and roles, I realized that my varied experiences weren’t detours but deliberate building blocks. Moving between hospitality, the skies, and global travel services taught me that curiosity, cultural agility, and the ability to connect across contexts, can be as powerful as a single-track climb.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is respect. It’s the foundation for trust, collaboration, and genuine connection.
Whether I’m engaging with colleagues, clients, or strangers, I make it a point to honor their background and viewpoint. Respect creates the space where differences become strengths, and where real bridges between people are built.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I wasn’t born to follow a straight line. My path hasn’t been traditional, and it hasn’t always followed what others expected of me. But every step like living abroad, adapting to new industries, learning from people of all cultures, has felt aligned with my curiosity and passion for connecting people. What I was told to do might have been to choose stability, to follow a straight career ladder. Instead, I chose exploration and growth. That decision shaped me into someone who thrives in diverse environments and sees opportunity where others see uncertainty. For me, that feels like living my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054981236235
- Other: https://www.threads.com/@arturodelarrea?hl=es
Image Credits
Photo by Arturo De Larrea (Beijing China, Doha Qatar, Tunis, Tunisia, Singapore, Colorado Springs, USA)
