In this episode of the Architecture Business Club podcast, host Jon explores how architects can pursue a location-independent lifestyle and build a career that incorporates their passion for travel. Guest Sara Kolata, an architect turned digital transformation expert, shares her transition from traditional architecture practice to embracing digital nomadism and online business. Sara discusses her mission to improve the financial well-being of architects, her journey across various countries, the challenges and learnings from living a nomadic lifestyle, and how she eventually found a balance that suits her personal and professional life. She underscores the importance of continuous learning, aligning work with one’s essence, and the invaluable insights gained from travelling. Sara encourages architects to explore digital nomadism and various pathways to incorporate travel into their careers without being confined to traditional roles, along with practical advice on handling taxes and choosing destinations conducive to architectural professionals.

Today's Guest...

Sara Kolata is an architect and a digital transformation expert. Her mission is to raise the financial well-being of architects. She is a host of Architecture Talk: Tank, a show that serves as a platform for industry specialists to talk about business, marketing, and profitability in Architecture. Sara helps architecture professionals develop online businesses and create online courses. She also works as a business developer for medium to large-size architecture firms, helping them manage their finances and implement better client attraction strategies.

Episode Highlights...

00:00 Introduction: The Journey from Architecture to Digital Nomadism

00:59 Meet Sara Kolata: Architect Turned Digital Transformation Expert

01:46 Skydiving: A Metaphor for Freedom and Overcoming Fears

03:55 The Shift to Location Independence and Online Business

12:45 The Challenges and Realities of Being a Digital Nomad

18:33 Aligning Work with Lifestyle: The Digital Nomad's Dilemma

23:21 Exploring Location Independence in Architecture

23:56 Navigating Taxes as a Digital Nomad

24:08 The Blueprint for Architects: Business and Travel

24:34 Tax Strategies for Globetrotting Professionals

27:11 Choosing the Right Destinations for Architecture Enthusiasts

30:18 The Impact of Travel on Architectural Practice

31:54 Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Architecture

40:17 Continuous Learning: The Key to a Fulfilling Career

43:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Key Takeaways...

👉 Pursue Your Passion: Sara emphasises the importance of aligning one's career with personal passions, such as her transition from traditional architecture to digital nomadism to focus on her love for travel and independence.

👉 Embracing Digital Transformation: The digital realm offers architects and related professionals new avenues for career development and business growth, as demonstrated by Sara's ventures into online business, online course creation, and her role at DisruptMag.

👉 The Reality of Digital Nomadism: While the lifestyle may seem glamorous on social media, Sara shares the practical challenges and logistics involved, from dealing with time zones to managing work in different locations.

👉 Leveraging Continuous Learning: Continuous personal and professional development is vital for adapting to changing circumstances and seizing new opportunities, as highlighted by Sara's continuous engagement in learning.

👉 Navigating Location Independence: There are various paths to achieving location independence in architecture, not limited to traditional practice. Sara's journey underscores the importance of aligning work with lifestyle goals for sustainable success.

👉 Importance of a Global Perspective: Travel and exposure to different cultures enrich your perspective, fostering creativity and innovation in your architectural work.

👉 Tax Considerations for Nomads: Sara advises on the practicalities of managing taxes as a digital nomad, emphasising the importance of understanding tax obligations in one's home country and places of travel.

👉 Career Flexibility and Identity: Emphasising the value of unique experiences and personal growth over traditional career paths, Sara encourages architects to live their dreams and design their unique career paths.

Links Mentioned In The Episode...

https://disruptmag.com/

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In The Next Episode...

Next time Jon chats about generating leads for your architecture business.