How Following Your Interests Can Lead to an International Career with Michael Fowler

In this episode of the Own Your Awkward Podcast, Andy Vargo sits down with Michael Fowler, Executive Director of the World Trade Center Tacoma and Principal at Asia Access Inc., to talk about building a meaningful international career by leaning into curiosity, culture, and what makes you different. From the unexpected power of Zoom to the value of language learning and travel, Michael shares how embracing his so called awkward traits led him to work that feels deeply aligned. This conversation is a powerful reminder that fulfillment often comes from following your interests, not ignoring them.

Michael’s story challenges the idea that success requires fitting a mold. Instead, it highlights how leaning into what lights you up, even when it feels unconventional, can create opportunities far bigger than you imagined.

The Pandemic Changed Global Connection Forever

One of the early topics in the conversation is how the pandemic reshaped international communication. According to Michael, one of the biggest positive outcomes is that the world became fluent in Zoom almost overnight.

For small and medium sized businesses, this shift removed massive barriers. Building trust with international partners no longer requires immediate overseas travel. Face to face conversations, even through a screen, are now normal, accessible, and effective.

Michael explains that this level of comfort with virtual communication has fundamentally changed global business. International relationships are easier to start, easier to maintain, and far more inclusive than they once were.

From Telex Machines to Free Global Calls

Michael’s career spans a dramatic evolution in communication technology. He remembers a time when international communication relied on telex machines and faxing documents across the world, slowly and expensively.

Today, instant global calls are free and available to nearly anyone with a smartphone. That shift has compressed time, distance, and opportunity in a way previous generations could not have imagined.

This evolution reinforces a core theme of the episode, the tools available today make it easier than ever to explore global interests. The only real barrier is whether or not you choose to engage.

When Pop Culture Isn’t Your Thing

One of Michael’s most relatable awkward admissions is that he is completely out of touch with pop culture. He does not follow TV shows, music trends, or even sports in the way many people expect.

Instead of seeing this as a weakness, Michael reframed it as an advantage. While others kept up with pop culture, he went deep into international relations, language, and global affairs.

This focus allowed him to build expertise and perspective that set him apart. His threshold for entertainment is low, but his depth of understanding is incredibly high. The lesson is clear, you do not need to know everything. You just need to know what matters to you.

Following Interests Even When Others Doubt Them

Michael shares how he pursued Chinese and Japanese studies despite being told there was no future in it. Advisors encouraged more practical paths, but his curiosity kept pulling him toward language and culture.

A pivotal moment came when a mentor asked a simple question, why not do both? That advice shaped his approach to life and learning. Instead of narrowing too early, Michael stayed broad, explored deeply, and trusted that his interests would eventually connect.

They did. His career today is a direct extension of what fascinated him years ago. His work is not disconnected from his interests, it is built on them.

The Power of Breadth and Specialization

In a world obsessed with specialization, Michael advocates for balance. Yes, having a solid professional skill matters. Languages, communication, and business skills are incredibly valuable.

At the same time, breadth creates context. Exploring multiple cultures, disciplines, and perspectives builds understanding that cannot be replicated through narrow focus alone.

Michael encourages young people especially to experience many things before locking into one path. Exploration creates clarity, confidence, and unexpected opportunities.

Overcoming Self Doubt Along the Way

Even with a clear sense of direction, self doubt still shows up. Michael is honest about moments of fear and uncertainty.

His strategy is simple but powerful. He tells himself, it’s going to work out. He trusts the systems around him, the people he works with, and his ability to figure things out as he goes.

This mindset aligns perfectly with the Own Your Awkward philosophy. Confidence does not come from certainty, it comes from trust in yourself.

Expanding Horizons Through Cultural Exploration

Travel plays a major role in Michael’s story, but he emphasizes that it does not have to be extreme. His first trip to China at 19 was life changing, but exploration can also be local.

Trying a new restaurant in a different neighborhood, learning a language through an app like Duolingo, or attending a cultural event can all stretch your boundaries.

The goal is not perfection or mastery. The goal is curiosity.

Play Your Long Suit

One of the most memorable concepts Michael shares is the idea of playing your long suit. When faced with awkwardness or perceived weakness, identify your strengths and lead with those instead.

True satisfaction, he says, comes from contribution. When you bring your long suit to the table, your awkward stops being a liability and starts becoming an asset.

This is the heart of owning your awkward, not fixing yourself, but fully using who you already are.

Final Thoughts

Michael Fowler’s story is a reminder that fulfillment is rarely found by following someone else’s blueprint. It is found by paying attention to what energizes you, trusting your curiosity, and being willing to stand out.

Whether you are building an international career or simply trying to live a more aligned life, the message is the same. Own your awkward, play your long suit, and trust that it will work out.