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180. Kristen Fowler Garland, From Cambridge to Japan to Alaska
Show Notes: Kristen Fowler Garland majored in East Asian Studies and Japanese at Harvard. She explains her decision to spend five years in Japan after graduation, including two years with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. She describes her experience with the JET program, teaching conversational English in Toyama, and her efforts to learn Japanese. Kristen shares her job search in Japan, landing a position with a foreign subsidiary in Tokyo, where she learned to use Excel in Japanese. Market Research and Field Hockey Kristen recounts her work in market research, tracking the shift from mainframe computers to networked PCs in Japan. She discusses her involvement in the field hockey club in Toyama, which helped her practice Japanese and immerse in Japanese culture. Kristen reflects on the overwhelming population density of Tokyo and her decision to return to the United States after five years. She mentions connections developed at a hiking club in Tokyo, which led her to move to Alaska. Moving to Alaska Kristen describes her move to Alaska, where she found a job at REI and fell in love with the state's open and supportive community. She explains her transition from market research to starting her own digital agency, focusing on SEO and tourism marketing. Kristen highlights the impact of the internet on Alaska's tourism industry, reducing the cost of customer acquisition for small businesses. She shares her experience of growing her business, including working with clients in the tourism sector and adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tips for Travelers to Alaska Kristen provides tips for traveling to Alaska, advising against cruises and recommending self-guided vacation packages. She discusses the different segments of travelers to Alaska, including fishermen, adventure travelers, and independent travelers. Kristen mentions the popularity of commercial fishing and the seasonal nature of tourism in Alaska. She reflects on her personal life, including her first marriage, raising a daughter in Alaska, and remarrying in 2022. Community Dynamics and Professional Achievements Kristen describes the close-knit and supportive community in Alaska, where people often know each other from various social and professional circles. She highlights the tourism industry's annual convention, which is a lively event where industry professionals let off steam and network. Kristen contrasts the community dynamics in Alaska with those in New England, noting the openness and lack of focus on professional achievements in Alaska.  Outdoor Activities in Alaska She shares her love for outdoor activities in Alaska, including cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, and the accessibility of these activities in Anchorage. Kristen discusses her habit of moving her body every day, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and reducing pressure on herself. She reflects on her transition from running to walking, which has provided her with new perspectives and aerobic benefits. Harvard Reflections Kristen shares memories from her time at Harvard, including a guest lecture by B.F. Skinner on operant conditioning and his baby box experiment. She recounts a guest lecture on the Cultural Revolution, which had a profound impact on her understanding of historical events and personal stories. Kristen explains her decision to major in Japanese studies, influenced by a high school professor and her interest in medieval Japan. She reflects on the personal and academic challenges she faced at Harvard, including a transition from applied math to Japanese studies. Timestamps: 0:02: Kristen Fowler Garland's Journey to Japan  02:36: Market Research and Cultural Immersion in Japan  06:25: Life in Alaska and Business Ventures  10:40: Tourism in Alaska and Personal Life  15:20: Community and Outdoor Activities in Alaska  23:56: Personal Habits and College Memories  27:25: Career and Personal Growth Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empowereddigitaltransformation/ Tonbo Digital Website: https://www.tonbodigital.com   *AI generated transcript and show notes.  
The 92 Report
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