The former Microsoft senior executive gave up his high profile job after a life-changing vacation in Nepal to set up Room to Read. In 10 years, the charity organisation has helped 4.1 million children by building 10,000 libraries, 1,128 schools and distributing 7.4 million books. He spoke with Maida Pineda in between his trips
Does Room to Read demand as much travel as your previous job did?
It actually demands more travel. I spend 75 percent to 80 percent of my time travelling now. Because Room to Read is a global movement, most of the work happens out of the office. I can’t do much by sitting behind a desk.
With all the travels you've done, is there still a place you wish to visit?
If I had one month free, I would love to go on a multi-day trek of Patagonia. I’ve done treks to Kilimanjaro, Nepal and Bhutan. Patagonia is next on my list.
What's your favourite library in the world?
Amsterdam has a beautiful public library downtown. There’s so much space to read, a lot of light and a great café. It has everything a good library should have.
Do you prefer to read from an e-reader (Kindle/iPad) or old-fashioned books?
I definitely go for old-fashioned books. There’s so much technology in my life now. I still prefer reading books instead of staring at a screen. I don’t know anyone in their dying bed who wished they had spent more time staring at a screen.
What do you find is the best way to truly experience a new destination?
To know a community, it is more about the attitude you bring. I walk with a smile on my face. I am friendly with every single person I meet. If I were in a hotel, I would engage the desk clerk in a conversation about his life. That’s really how Room to Read started. During one of my trekks, I met a Nepali man responsible for finding resources for the schools in the province. He then introduced me to the headmaster of a school. That conversation with the headmaster opened my eyes to the lack of available resources for students there. His parting words: “Perhaps, sir, you will someday come back with books” changed my life.
Where is your next destination?
I promised to give myself a break after the first half of the year. In two days, I’m off to Kona in Hawaii. I’m spending eight days diving with turtles, reading books, hiking, and relaxing.
Any travel essentials you can't leave home without?
Noise-cancelling headphones.
