In this conversation, Nick Tsakiris shares his journey of discovering a different approach to life when the pandemic disrupted his hospitality career. Already questioning the sustainability of late nights and demanding schedules, he found himself facing an unexpected opportunity to reimagine success. Through reflection, Nick reveals how shifting from asking "What do I want to be?" to "How do I want to live?" transformed his perspective on daily joy and fulfilment.

Drawing inspiration from Greek village life and even his dogs' enthusiasm for simple pleasures, Nick shares how he learned to create a life that feels like a holiday rather than waiting for retirement to truly live. His transition from hospitality to cybersecurity isn't just about career change, it's about choosing to prioritise present-moment happiness over future achievements. Nick's experience reminds us that when we dare to question how we want to live, rather than what we want to be , we open ourselves to a more authentic and joy-filled life.

About Our Guest

Nick discusses the challenge that lockdown posed whilst working in hospitality and the fear associated with a lack of direction in life. On reflection, the extreme uncertainty propelled an embrace for change and a philosophical approach to life centred around lifestyle and maximising joy.

Read the full show notes on our Substack: https://whatsfear.substack.com/p/s1e8

00:00 Nick Tsakiris Intro

03:23 The Struggles of Hospitality: Late Nights and Personal Sacrifice

07:31 Finding Direction: The Search for Meaning Beyond Hospitality

11:45 Existential Questions: How Do I Want to Live?

15:02 Maximizing Happiness: Living in the Moment

19:25 Reflecting on Life Choices

24:37 Redefining Success

27:45 Navigating Career Changes

31:37 Embracing Change and Happiness

36:18 It's A Wrap