I went to Stuyvesant High School, a majority Asian public school in NYC. My interest in Asia was sparked by friendships I developed with my Asian-American classmates. This interest later led me to Osaka where I studied at Kansai Gaidai University for a semester, and back again in 1995 on the JET Programme, where I taught at Seifunankai Gakuen, a private boys Buddhist school, for two years.

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca, pray that the road is long, full of adventure, full of knowledge. This opening line of Constantine P. Cavafy’s poem, “Ithaca,” acts as a constant reminder that the journey is often far more important than the destination.  It also serves as a reminder that home — in Odysseus’s case, Ithaca — is nothing more than an idea; and a malleable one at that. 

I have been very lucky in my life and my career. I am particularly grateful to the wonderful mentors that I have had — and continue to have. It is my family, friends and mentors that have pushed me forward my entire life.  I am also grateful that I have had the opportunity to start the Greek Chamber of Commerce in Japan, to clerk for a federal judge in New York, teach at both Temple and Keio law schools, and represent my law firm in the Japanese market. 

To bring the world a little closer together through the encouragement of international trade and commerce. Nations that are tightly connected through commercial and financial ties are far more likely to allow for the peaceful settlement of disputes.  

Travel more and learn another foreign language. Be flexible and open minded. Step out of your comfort zone (pop that expat bubble), and meet as many different people as you can. Be humble and grasp that teachers come in all shapes and sizes, and that failure is one of those shapes.