Kent Brown Expat Spotlight
In our inaugural post to kick off the series of Expat Spotlight interviews, we speak with Kent Brown a writer and marketing consultant who has been stationed in Tokyo, Lisbon & Riga.
Quick Stats:
- Name: Kent Brown
- Occupation: Writer & Marketing Consultant
- Current Location: Dallas, Texas, USA
- Expat Locations: Tokyo, Lisbon, Riga
- Website: osakajo-expatfromhell.blogspot.com
- Twitter: twitter.com/ExpatFromHell
How did you become an expat, and why?
I got tired of living and working in one place, sold my share in the family business, took my kids out of school, rented out our house, and went to Japan – cold turkey. I wanted to live my life and see the world from another perspective. This happened from 1991 through 1995.
Where else have you been an expat?
I got into the food business in 1995 after returning to the US from Japan and was sent overseas again (watch out what you put on your CV as when they see you’ve done it once, they will presume you will go again!) to Tokyo, Lisbon, Riga. This was from October 2007 to December 2008.
Here’s some small pictures of the places I have been an expat:
Best piece of expat advice you’ve received?
Learn the language, and make friends THERE. I learned that from my foreign friends who lived in Osaka near me. Many of them were long-term expats, and had figured out a lot of things before I got there.
Best piece of expat advice you’d give?
Don’t let the corporation define you. You are far better and far more diverse than what’s on the business card in your pocket. The people “over there” are looking for far more from we Americans. We need to start delivering. Our reputation overseas needs it desperately!
Favorite expat related web sites?
www.expat-blog.com – This has links to the blogs of those who are really making a contribution where they are, and are willing to communicate it to all of us.
Are you planning or dreaming of a move? Are you going home instead? Where to and why?
I am home now, going through reverse culture shock. I don’t think it’s going to last, and I don’t think I am going to be here long.
I dream of going back overseas again, but not as an expat. On my own. I would like to teach English again, spend time with new friends, speaking a new language, enjoying a new beach and a new national beer.
Tell us more about what you do in your location?
Writing, encouraging, and coaching new expats to do the same thing; to experience the adventures of life outside the world of Hamburgers and Wal-Mart, and learn about others and grow yourself.
Would you recommend your current location to other expats? Does it rock or does it suck?
Texas is a great place for overseas transplants. It is easy to live here, inexpensive, and the people are friendly. Texans are interested in other cultures (for the most part), and it seems easier to adapt to life here. I would give it a ” it rocks”.
What is the expat community like where you are?
More like corporate transplants. Dallas is home to Fujitsu, Nokia, and one of the largest Korean communities outside of Seoul. Also the technology industry attracts Indians. Great place to interact, and a great place to eat!
Anything you’d like to add?
I really want to help. I want others to be able to experience what I have experienced, but in their own way and on their own terms. I know they can do it, and I believe that it is good for all of us to be outside of ourselves and our comfort zones for at least PART of our lives!
Thank you!
Thank you, Kent for participating in our Expat Spotlight! We wish you success and happyness in your current location, and wherever your dreams and business endeavors take you.