Beyond Boundaries: A Nomadic Life Journey

In a conversation filled with insights on life, work, and balance, Ben Whitter shares a journey on a nomadic lifestyle powered by passion, purpose, and Jackery. Greatly celebrated for influential work on employee experience and as a strong advocate for sustainable living, Ben's transition from traditional career path to life rich in adventure and meaning, describes how personal and professional life can be redefined. From adventures covering multiple continents, conservation efforts, to embracing a digital nomad life, Ben highlights how Jackery's innovative power solutions are vital for his endeavours. This interview looks at life choices, impact of work on global audiences, and the important role of Jackery’s reliable, portable power. Join us as he reveals vital moments, inspirations, and aspirations shaping his life journey.

1. Please introduce yourself and your background. Where are you from? Tell us about your job, hobbies, and current life situation.

My name is Ben Whitter. My contributions to the field of employee experience are widely known, with key publications including "Employee Experience" (2019), "Human Experience at Work" (2021), and "Employee Experience Strategy" (2023). As a keynote speaker, coach, and founder of HEX Organization Ltd, I’ve dedicated myself to enhancing business performance, via innovative employee experience strategies. My expertise has also been used by some of the world's most prestigious brands and organisations.

Living a flexible "work from anywhere" lifestyle since 2017, I split my time between England, Wales, and France. I’ve delivered speeches, engaged audiences in over 40 countries, and secured my place as one of the world's foremost management thinkers and top HR influencers, and have been recognized by leading publications and ranking institutions.

With a rich background spanning over 20 years in the HR sector and experiences living in over eight countries, including China, Japan, and Australia, I've cultivated a global perspective and also a nomadic approach to work and life. This has not only provided an adventurous life for my family but has also positively impacted professional life.

As a passionate conservationist and advocate for planetary health, I also participate in conservation and forestry management, across several countries. My travels and research, often taking me across the UK and Europe, are driven by a belief in the importance of a connection to the planet and its overall protection.

2. You’re an author on writing books on nomad life. Share what inspired you to become one on nomad life and how long have you been a writer - what insights have you gained?

My own journey has been my inspiration over recent years, and always believed in diving deep into subjects I write. Until 2017, I navigated a traditional career path, however, launching my own business marked a beginning of a profound transformation.

Observing individuals who choose to live on boats, in vans, or as global digital nomads has been a great source of inspiration, excitement, and challenge. It's exciting there are great people out there carving a totally different way of experiencing and connecting with the world. And why not? We're here for such a short period of time, we have to make the most out of our experience.

I find simplicity, connection with nature, and joy of living extremely important in life. The most important insight I’ve discovered is that we need to find what freedom means for ourselves, and a life well lived is one created by ourselves - aligned with our deepest values.

3. Tell us about your books. Are they non-fiction or fiction? Recommend one you feel is fantastic, and describe what exciting content we can find.

My publications have traditionally catered to professionals in business and HR, though I anticipate a shift in audience with the upcoming book release on nomadic lifestyle. My debut work, "Employee Experience," received significant attention, with a half-page feature in The Times, while Forbes labelled my series as 'must-reads'. However, I believe my books are not universally suited; they are crafted for those committed to fostering exceptional workplaces via human-centred leadership.

My writings give insights and lessons into cultivating positive employee experiences, with detailed case studies from top employers worldwide. I write on practices from both global giants and local enterprises, aiming to inspire a global dialogue on workplace excellence. My most recent publication, "Employee Experience Strategy," has additionally earned recognition from Google.

4. Talk about your off-grid conservation management projects in Wales and France. What is your favourite memory from out on your adventures?

Recent years have seen me deeply involved in off-grid conservation projects, bringing me immense joy. Whether it’s the revival of an ancient woodland or care of a rural orchard in France, these endeavours are not just projects to me; they are labours of love, also representing my core values. Memories standing out the most are those where I’ve seen these spaces thrive naturally and wildly, under my management.

Adopting a holistic approach to forest management, I concern myself with every aspect of the ecosystem, not merely trees. This perspective frames my role as a guardian, aiming to protect land, facilitating nature’s own process of regeneration. Similarly, inspecting the trees I’ve planted, hundreds of them, and observing their robust growth in the challenging terrain of mountains continues to inspire me.

Before 2017, I spent three years amidst the concrete expanses near Shanghai, an experience starkly contrasting with my work in nature. It’s possible living in such an urbanised setting further heightened my appreciation for nature.

5. How did you come across Jackery, and how has Jackery helped you?

A couple of years back, I was in search of a reliable power source and discovered Jackery, coincidentally just as it was launching in the UK. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. Reflecting on my journey since then, it's clear that much of what I've accomplished, be it writing books, expanding business, engaging in conservation efforts, or conducting research across Europe, would have been definitely more challenging without Jackery.

Jackery has powered not just the nomadic aspect of my life but has been integral to a myriad of activities. Whether it was ensuring my devices stayed charged while writing in remote locations, keeping lights on during camping trips, or supporting my work in forest conservation and business growth, Jackery has been an indispensable companion. Its reliability has extended my ability to work and explore, from the roads to the mountains, and deep within forests to my orchard, ensuring I remain productive and connected, no matter where I am.

6. What do you love about Jackery? What is one feature you wish Jackery could have?

What captivates me most about Jackery is its formidable power and flexibility it offers in its charging methods, be it via mains, solar, or car. This adaptability is ideal for someone like me, where I’m on the move all the time and require a reliable energy source for different environments. As my adventures evolve and energy requirements increase, I need even more robust power solutions. I'm also considering the possibility to upgrade to the 1000 W version, accommodating my needs better.

7. What is your lifestyle like? And is there any goal you are going to achieve?

My lifestyle embodies a blend of nomadic freedom, digital fluency, and meaningful family time. I've structured my professional activities to be predominantly online, except for those occasions when in-person coaching, consulting, or where speaking engagements require my presence. This approach also ensures I don't compromise valuable moments with my family.

As for my goals, they've naturally evolved with my experiences. I strive to make a positive impact on the world while living a life allowing me to maximise my potential and savour life’s journey. On a professional note, achieving best seller status in the Wall Street Journal or Sunday Times is a top aspiration of mine.

8. Do you have any advice for someone looking to start a similar lifestyle?

Diving into what genuinely fulfils you, and integrating that into your professional life is extremely important. Reflecting on my own journey, I realise I perhaps devoted excessive time to my career, sometimes at the cost of true happiness. However, I gradually discovered a way to balance and integrate my personal and work life - I’m much happier as a result and actually, more impactful as a professional and person.

For those looking to start a similar lifestyle, my advice would be to start from where you are and with what you've got. If you have an innate desire for freedom and a nomadic lifestyle, it will need an outlet. It might need to be awakened first, like in my case - my adventure life and passion for outdoors began with a less-than-perfect tent and continued through breathtaking hikes and camping experiences across the UK. Embracing this journey is liberating and refreshing - no wonder more and more people are opting out of traditional lifestyles. The world awaits. Enjoy the experience.

Learn more about the author, Ben Whitter, by exploring following channels:

Keynote Speaking: www.benwhitter.com
Employee Experience Coaching & Certification: www.hexorganization.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/benwhitter