We were lucky to catch up with Carl Junior recently and have shared our conversation below.
Carl , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
During my time living and working in Taiwan for over a decade in the travel industry, I used to often say that I ended up where I was, traveling abroad to more than fifty countries, purely by chance. However, I failed to realize at the time how one specific experience had a profound impact on my actions, choices, and future path in life. It all began when I was accidentally placed in a Mandarin-speaking course on my first day of college, despite my initial resistance to the situation. Little did I know that this moment would forever change my life. From day one, I fell in love with the experience, and it taught me to embrace the unknown, unfamiliar, and even the things I was afraid of.
This newfound openness led me to study abroad in Beijing, accept a teaching position in Taiwan, and embark on journeys around the world. That single moment charted a course that I could never have imagined or planned for when I was younger. Since my early days in Taiwan and my first trip to Thailand during my initial year of teaching abroad, one thing became increasingly apparent: there were very few people who looked like me engaged in the same endeavors and in the same manner as I was. While there has been a significant change over the past 15 years since my first venture abroad, I believe there is still much progress to be made in spreading awareness and informing others about the possibilities of an international life, whether it involves living or traveling.
While traveling, I immersed myself in various cultures, including Black culture, yet I seldom encountered individuals who shared my background. Working in diverse environments with people from all walks of life and corners of the globe granted me invaluable understanding and knowledge that I would not have otherwise gained. From that point onward, my mission became quite simple: to not only seek new experiences, knowledge, and a lifetime of adventures, but also to share these opportunities and contribute in any way possible.
Over the past decade, my podcast has served as the foundation for fulfilling this mission. Through nearly 200 episodes and interviews with individuals from around the world, I have been able to explore and showcase diverse perspectives. Alongside a team of passionate, well-traveled, and intellectually driven individuals in the field of travel curation, I continue to promote and highlight the transformative power of travel, not just in the present moment, but for a lifetime. I am privileged to offer this perspective and shed light on the endless opportunities that await individuals from all corners of the globe.
Every day, I live out my mission. The wanderlust within me will always prevail, and my hope is that with each interaction I have, my passion, love for life, and dedication to my mission shine through.
Carl , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a proud podcaster and travel curator with over a decade of experience in podcasting, predating the podcast boom. The Black Expat Podcast is dedicated to showcasing the highs and lows of the expat experience, covering topics such as travel, current events, jobs, friendships, family, mental health, and the overall expat journey. My aim is not only to share information that I wish I had known before my own experiences but also to provide a platform for expats and travelers worldwide to share their voices, stories, and experiences. It is a reminder that as people, we have more in common than we realize.
Through interviews with expats and travelers from all corners of the globe, I have discovered the diverse paths one can take when deciding whether or not to become an expat. I hope that The Black Expat Podcast reaches those who seek engaging stories, different perspectives, laughter, and informative content presented in an entertaining manner.
My role as a travel curator is a direct result of the incredible experiences I had while living and working abroad in Taiwan, as well as traveling to over 50 countries, primarily in Asia. In early 2014, I started planning and curating trips for people when I launched my own travel company, previously known as CP Travels. Having already visited 30 countries at that time, my partner and I were frequently asked by family, friends, and even strangers about our ability to travel so frequently, freely, and extensively. As these inquiries persisted, we recognized the need to be proactive, share our knowledge with our network, and provide a service that would simplify the process of international travel while dispelling some common misconceptions.
Although my company had to close due to the pandemic, the opportunity to dive back into travel curation with an incredible and groundbreaking travel company, Origin, has fulfilled my dreams. International travel and curation have always been the foundation of my personal experiences, making the work itself a constant source of joy and fulfillment.
As a podcaster and travel curator, I take great pride in my accomplishments. Particularly, I am proud of my role as an expat who facilitated the relocation and employment of over 300 individuals from America and various other countries, enabling them to thrive in Taiwan. Not only did I move to a foreign country right after college during a recession, but I also established leadership positions at two private high schools in Taiwan, hiring graduates from my alma mater. Additionally, I have traveled to 50 countries, started my own travel company and bar, all of which have shaped my career and my life. I truly embody the expat experience discussed on my podcast and exemplify its potential beyond just teaching and traveling. With the right mindset and the right people, it is possible to build a fulfilling life abroad. My proudest achievement is having the unwavering support of my family, which has given me the confidence to pursue and live my dreams. My mission and life’s work thus far encompass the essence of my own life and my family’s values, and the fact that I continue to podcast and remain passionate about travel after all these years is my greatest accomplishment.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I had the privilege of combining my passion for travel, my love for connecting with people, and my desire to share stories and ideas while enjoying a good time over a drink. This led me to open Arts & Crafts, the first and only Black-owned bar and art gallery in Taiwan. Unfortunately, like many others, I launched this ambitious venture just five months before the pandemic hit. My life savings, dreams, and goals were essentially shattered as my bar remained empty throughout our two-year contract, causing slow and painful devastation.
Although the thought of giving up and returning home to succumb to my sorrows crossed my mind more than a few times, my spirit, passion, and appreciation for travel, storytelling, and sharing information persisted. I turned to storytelling through my podcast, finding solace and purpose in repurposing the interior of my bar as a backdrop for my YouTube channel and podcast production. Instead of allowing it to languish and decay, I transformed it into a gem—a symbol of inspiration that encouraged me to keep moving forward, despite the challenging circumstances. I embraced the philosophy of making lemonade when life handed me lemons. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it saved me from self-destruction, depression, and guilt. It reminded me that life is a complete journey, and a single moment does not define the rest of my life. The magnitude of that moment was not insurmountable, even in the face of profound loss. I learned to focus on what I could gain and the power of life’s journey.
Any advice for managing a team?
My time as a director and later as a leadership professional in Taiwan stands out as some of the most humbling and invigorating experiences of my professional life. At the young age of 22, I took on the role of managing a diverse team of teachers ranging from 22 to 70 years old, hailing from seven different countries and diverse backgrounds. Admittedly, during my first couple of years, I faced numerous learning opportunities and encountered more setbacks than successes. However, I shifted my mindset and embraced the belief that there are no failures, only lessons to be learned.
One of the most important lessons I learned was the significance of clear and open communication. I understood that trust had to be earned and built, rather than assumed. While it may not be possible to please everyone, I recognized the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels heard, accepted, appreciated, and confident in their abilities to perform at their best. I realized that support goes beyond mere words—it involves empathy, follow-up, and follow-through. Teaching children is challenging enough, and feeling unsupported while doing so on a daily basis can be a living nightmare. Through my roles, I grasped the vital importance of leadership and how rare it can be in the workplace. I made a deliberate effort to understand which approaches worked best for both me and my team.
Leadership roles have consistently been among the most humbling yet rewarding positions I have held in my life. I embraced these roles because, despite their inherent challenges, they provided me with a sense of purpose each day—to enhance the quality of our work, make it more enlightening, and create an enjoyable experience for each member of my team. Regardless of how difficult times were, I had learned how to rise to the occasion and deliver outstanding results. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had over the years and for the incredible individuals I have had the privilege of working alongside. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/carljunior
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carljunior.cj/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carl-hill-jr-38aa778b/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHRr6r1faaY