10 Jun Global Connection Quest Concludes – Meeting Strangers in 5 Countries
The Global Connection Quest (2025): How Meeting Strangers Changed My Life Again
The end of 2024 was a time of massive transition in my life. Inspiration struck to set off on another journey to meet strangers. Initially I was only planning a return to Japan where I lived for two years more than two decades ago.
But the trip evolved.
I was invited to do an Artist in Residency program at an eco-resort in the Philippines by fellow performing artist and friend, Karen. This added a new layer to the experience and an additional 5 weeks in Asia.
I also added stops to see loved ones and to meet strangers in beautiful places.
I called it the Global Connection Quest, and it unfolded over three months across five countries: Canada, the United States, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Japan. I was on the road from the beginning of January, 2025 to April 15, 2025.
Although I did need time and space to myself, this wasn’t a vacation. It was an intentional effort to live what I teach to follow my curiosity, practice micro-bravery, and prove (again) that you can change your life by meeting people.
Why I Did This Quest
The idea for the Quest came to me shortly after I accepted that my eight-year romantic relationship was coming to an end. To say that was tough is an understatement. But instead of retreating into sadness (which I have done before), I chose to move toward connection (which I have also done before). I left Canada earlier than planned and began a journey that would keep me in motion and in conversation instead of isolation.
I put myself out there to:
Meet new people. Share those moments. And to stay curious.
How It Worked
Each day, I was open to new experiences and new people. Some days it was a quick exchange on a train platform or at a ramen shop. Other days it turned into an entire evening or weekend with people who started as strangers but ended as friends, whom I expect to see again.
Reviewing the nearly 100 short videos I created from this project, I observed that a majority of these connections began the same way:
With curiosity!
It could be someone’s accent, a piece of clothing, or simply a feeling. Curiosity invited me into conversations, and conversations led to connection and adventures.
But curiosity alone wasn’t enough.
The Role of Micro-Bravery
Another theme that shaped this journey was something I call micro-bravery – small acts of courage that push us just beyond our comfort zone. It’s a concept I introduce in my TEDx talk, and it was everywhere on this Quest.
- Saying hello to someone wearing headphones in a crowded subway in New York City.
- Approaching a woman at a cafe in Osaka who was intimidatingly attractive.
- Starting conversations in languages I only half speak.
- Offering to help someone, not knowing if it would be accepted.
None of these moments required huge effort. But they all demanded that I push gently past my comfort zone.
What I learned (again and again) is that you don’t need a huge personality to meet people. You just need a little courage, a little curiosity, and a willingness to use your voice.
What I Learned in 5 Countries
In Canada and the U.S., I practiced connection close to home while visiting friends and family. I noticed how we can have a tendency not to reach out to strangers in our home territory, and I see this as a missed opportunity. Strangers surprised me with generosity and insight, when I reached out.
In Taiwan, I rediscovered the joy of cultural exchange, and the vibrant night markets full of people and amazing food. On more than occasion, I shared hours of connection and adventure with people because of, and at the night markets.
In the Philippines, I dove into some deep emotional waters, and had a very difficult time. But it was also where I grew the most. Interestingly while overcoming personal as well as physical challenges, I was there when I got the news that I’d be delivering a TEDx presentation. I delivered over 30 interactive workshops while there to friendly, kind locals.
In Japan, I reconnected with people I hadn’t seen in 17 years, met hikers in the forest, and shared silent meals with strangers who warmed up over time. I also remembered how quiet connection can be just as powerful as conversation.
Through it all, I found that people everywhere — across cultures, ages, and backgrounds — want to connect. Sometimes they just need a nudge. Sometimes they need someone to go first.
Watch the Global Connection Quest in Action
If you’d like to see what this looked like, I documented much of the journey in a series of short-form videos. For this project, I experimented with editing the videos to be as short as possible, so most are between 1-2 minutes.
Watch the Global Connection Quest videos by country
I’m Ready to Work With You
If you’re part of a team, school, or organization that could use more connection, collaboration, or energy, I’m booking keynote talks, workshops, and 1:1 coaching sessions now. Whether it’s for your workplace, your leadership team, or your next event, I’d love to bring this message to your community. You can book a call with me HERE.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to fly around the world to feel more alive.
You don’t have to wait for a perfect moment to meet someone new.
All it takes is one small act of micro-bravery with the courage to look up.
About the Author
Tony Esteves is The Human Connection Guide, an author, TEDx and keynote speaker on social health and human connection. He works with organizations, conferences, and communities to strengthen wellbeing, collaboration, engagement, and employee retention through research-informed insights and interactive experiences rooted in curiosity and micro-bravery.
Learn more about Tony’s speaking work at TonyEsteves.com
Explore recent podcast interviews and media appearances HERE
