This episode is a bit special. Julian is joined by one of his closest friends and former AWS colleagues, Huy Nguyen, to talk about something we often overlook in our careers and lives — the power of genuine human connection.

In 2024, Huy made an unusual choice. He chose to get off the hamster wheel and take a career break to focus the entire year on being present with friends and community. From a Big Fat Greek wedding in Greece to conversations on balconies in Vietnam, his travels weren’t about sightseeing. They were about belonging.

Together, Huy and Julian unpack what it takes to build a strong community over time. Huy shares two timeless principles that guide his approach: show up and be curious. You don’t need any plan or intention beyond these two things. Making time and being interested is enough. Messy is still effective if you show up with curiosity.

They also dig into:

• The quiet epidemic of disconnection, and what to do about it
  
  
• Why texting someone you haven’t spoken to in years is never as weird as you think
  
  
• How connection can be one of the most overlooked forms of self-care
  
  
• Why moments of “I was just thinking about you” matter more than you realize

This episode is warm, honest, and full of the kind of reflections that tend to stick with you. If you've been meaning to reconnect with someone — consider this your invitation.

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Huy Nguyen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huywin/

Saving Five (by Amanda Nguyen): https://pybitesbooks.com/books/dCMFEQAAQBAJ

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