I might be a consultant, but I want you to meet me as a person, – a person driven by unapologetic passion and professionalism, unrestricted by the prison that is corporate normativism. Storytelling isn’t just a method here; it’s an essential part of understanding what you gain by working with me. A Life Shaped by a Bowl of Soup When I was 14, a bowl of soup changed my life. A pivotal bowl of phở, if you will. My dad always encouraged me to try new foods, so there we were, indulging in Vietnamese cuisine, when my life took on an entirely different trajectory. It wasn’t a conscious decision to go to Vietnam to experience the food authentically, it was more like my path aligned with the universe and my going there would simply be a cosmic inevitability. It set me on a path of exploration that would extend far beyond that dining table. Travel has now become a cornerstone of my life, profoundly shaping my worldview, aspirations and deeply influencing my professional trajectory. Years later, that path led me to the authentic source. After a gruelling 29-hour bus ride from Laos, I crossed into Vietnam, in a shack just across the border I sat with locals, emotionally slurping noodles, as I was transported back to that meal with my dad ten years previously. Since turning 18, I’ve been a solo traveller, embracing the freedom to explore new places and meet new people. After COVID-19 paused global travel, I decided to dedicate the rest of my 20’s to roaming around the globe. This decision crystallised into clarity one day in a hostel in San Jose del Pacifico, Oaxaca, Mexico. As I sat looking out over the mountains, sharing stories with other travellers, I realised that travel was more than just a passion—it was a calling. It was in that moment, surrounded by diverse perspectives and breath-taking views, that the concept for my business was born. Travel has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the invaluable skill of connecting with people from all walks of life. These experiences have not only enriched my personal life but have also infused my professional approach with unique insights and a broadened perspective. Through travel, I’ve learned that true understanding often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and I bring this approach to every project and interaction in my career. Educational Journey: Learning to Think Beyond During my secondary school years in England, I found myself placed in the AMA (academically more able) group. This came as quite the surprise because my grades were good but not outstanding, hovering mostly between A-Cs and getting in trouble for talking too much. It wasn’t until the first meeting that I understood why I was there. It wasn’t about grades; it was about potential. I was among those well-behaved A* students because I could think around corners. This group wasn’t just another class; it was a space that encouraged creative thinking and embraced the power of questions, aspects of learning that I relished far more than the conventional educational structures. After an unsurprisingly average set of higher education exam results, I pursued a degree in Business Management at Northumbria University. I wish I could say I had the desire to become a business mogul, but truthfully, choosing this path was an exercise in pragmatism—it was about investing in an education that was practical and thus, valuable. In 2022, I graduated with first-class honours, an achievement I hold with pride yet view with perspective. Achieving this was no small feat, but I recognise that succeeding at university often boils down to using abundant tools and feedback to navigate towards success. The true measure of my success at university extended beyond the final grade. I was able to take a lead in every project I was a part of, consistently earning top marks for the team, proving that leadership and collaboration were where I truly excelled. It was during my dissertation that I discovered a passion for analysis. This wasn’t just about numbers; it was about talking to real people, uncovering insights that could lead to meaningful changes and transforming data into actionable strategies. This experience taught me that real success comes from applying what we learn in profound and impactful ways, beyond exams and academia. Professional Experience: Diversity and Impact A Transformative Year at Volkswagen My placement year at Volkswagen marked a significant moment in my career path, in that it showed me what I did and didn’t want. I found the corporate environment intensely stifling and felt like a cog in a machine. My primary role was that of a data analyst, where I sharpened my Excel skills and learned to extract substantial value from data. Among my achievements were leading a mystery shop project and spearheading the development and presentation of CO2 measurement initiatives to the board of management. These experiences not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my understanding of the impact of thoughtful, data-driven initiatives in a corporate setting. Secondarily to this, my involvement with the engagement team broadened my perspective as this role was geared towards enhancing employee wellbeing—a crucial and thoroughly enjoyable role, especially during the challenging times of a global pandemic. Whilst here, I was blessed to have one of the best bosses and mentors I will ever have. He played a crucial role in shaping my approach to work. He taught me the importance of understanding people beyond the surface. His dedication to empathic leadership profoundly influenced how I lead projects and interact with teams. He emphasised that true leadership involves listening actively, responding empathetically, and fostering an environment where team members feel genuinely valued. These lessons have become foundational to my professional philosophy and continue to guide my approach. Role as a Product Specialist at Apple During my final year at university, I stepped into the role of a Product Specialist at a tech giant. Apple’s hiring philosophy—focusing on the individual’s character rather than their skill
How the FIFA World Cup 2026 Will Impact Mexico’s Tourism
The FIFA World Cup is one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world, attracting millions of fans and creating significant economic ripples in host countries. In 2026, Mexico, along with the United States and Canada, will co-host this prestigious event. For Mexico, the World Cup represents not only a chance to showcase its passion for football but also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to boost its tourism sector. With an estimated 5 million visitors expected to flock to Mexico for the tournament, the event promises to create a massive influx of international travellers. This surge will translate into billions of dollars in tourism revenue, opening the door for a wide range of business opportunities. The tourism industry, alongside the hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural sectors, stands to benefit enormously. As a strategic consultant, I can help stakeholders maximise these opportunities by aligning their business strategies with visitor expectations and enhancing operational efficiency to handle the increased demand. Mexico’s Preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Renovations and Infrastructure Investments Mexico will host matches in three major cities: Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara. These locations will see substantial investments in infrastructure to accommodate the flood of football fans. The iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, which will host the opening match, is undergoing significant renovations to meet FIFA standards. Similarly, Estadio BBVA in Monterrey and Estadio Akron in Guadalajara are gearing up for the event with upgrades focused on enhancing the spectator experience. In addition to stadium improvements, Mexico is investing heavily in transportation networks, hospitality facilities, and urban development. It is expected that over US$2 billion will be allocated to improve these sectors, providing more efficient travel, better accommodations, and an enhanced urban experience for tourists. The Mexican government, alongside private sector partners, is leading these efforts to ensure the country can manage the sheer volume of visitors during the tournament. My consultancy can provide crucial support in these areas, offering project management expertise and operational strategies that ensure these infrastructural investments are completed efficiently and effectively. Tourism Boom: A Windfall for Mexico’s Economy Projected Economic Impact of the FIFA World Cup The FIFA World Cup is expected to generate around US$3 billion in economic activity for Mexico, driven by spending on accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. This influx of international tourists will significantly boost the country’s GDP, with immediate gains seen in tourism-related sectors. Hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses are all poised to benefit from the sharp rise in consumer spending. Tourists attending the World Cup will also explore the country beyond the stadiums, visiting Mexico’s cultural landmarks, beach resorts, and natural attractions. This presents an incredible opportunity to showcase the country’s diverse tourism offerings, from Mayan ruins to the bustling urban life in Mexico City. Regions like the Yucatán Peninsula, known for its ancient history and eco-tourism, are expected to see a sharp uptick in international visitors. Here, my consultancy services can help businesses develop targeted marketing strategies and customer service enhancements to attract and retain a diverse international clientele. Job Creation and Business Growth In the run-up to and during the World Cup, Mexico will see an increase in job creation across several sectors, particularly in construction, hospitality, and event management. From upgrading hotels to building new transport systems, these projects will require a significant workforce, providing employment opportunities for thousands of Mexicans. My consultancy services can assist SMEs and larger enterprises in capitalising on this economic boon through strategic planning, workforce training, and business development initiatives. Hospitality Expansion and Rising Hotel Demand The World Cup is expected to drive record occupancy rates in hotels across Mexico, especially in the three host cities. According to forecasts, the country’s hotel market will see unprecedented demand, with millions of tourists requiring accommodation. Hotels, resorts, and short-term rental properties like Airbnb will all experience a surge in bookings. Here, I can offer expertise in hospitality management, helping businesses optimise their operations and customer service to handle the increased load and maximise revenue opportunities. Business Opportunities for Local and International Companies Event Management and Logistics Managing an event the size of the FIFA World Cup requires a monumental effort in event planning, logistics, and security management. This provides ample opportunities for local businesses and international firms to offer event management services. From coordinating large-scale fan zones to organising VIP experiences, businesses with expertise in event planning will be in high demand. My consultancy can facilitate these operations, providing logistical support and strategic guidance to ensure events run smoothly and efficiently. Cultural Tourism: Highlighting Mexico’s Rich Heritage With such a large influx of tourists, there is a prime opportunity to promote cultural tourism and highlight Mexico’s deep historical roots. Beyond the matches, visitors will be encouraged to explore Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, from its pre-Columbian civilizations to its vibrant contemporary arts scene. Tour operators focusing on cultural tours, local artisans, and indigenous communities will have the chance to share their stories, art, and traditions with a global audience. Long-Term Benefits of the FIFA World Cup on Mexico’s Tourism Brand Exposure and International Visibility The FIFA World Cup provides an unparalleled level of global exposure. Mexico will be in the global spotlight for several weeks, with millions of eyes on the country’s landscapes, cities, and culture. This high-profile event is expected to have long-term benefits for Mexico’s tourism industry by increasing international visibility and boosting the country’s profile as a top-tier travel destination. This exposure will extend far beyond the World Cup, creating lasting interest in Mexico as a tourist destination. Past host countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, saw a sustained increase in tourism after the World Cup, as the event attracted visitors who later returned or recommended the destination to others. Mexico is well-positioned to experience a similar boost in repeat visitors post-2026. Sustainable Tourism Growth The investments made in infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality for the World Cup will have long-term benefits that extend beyond the tournament. These improvements will continue to support Mexico’s
