Episode 140 - Andrew Darlow - From Japan to Joy: How Andrew Darlow Turned Life’s Detours Into Purpose and Photography

This episode: From Japan to Joy: How Andrew Darlow Turned Life’s Detours Into Purpose and Photography.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Background of Guest Andrew Darlow (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks Sajjad Hussein for introducing him to Andrew Darlow and recounts their initial meeting at a networking event on March 7, 2024.
• Drew discusses the concept of linear life and how external circumstances can derail it, introducing three types of men: those who are blind to adversity, those who blame external factors, and those who see adversity as an opportunity.
• Drew introduces Andrew Darlow as the embodiment of the third type of man, who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth and massive action.
• Andrew Darlow begins sharing his story, starting with a significant event at age 17 when he was offered a scholarship to high school in Japan.

Experience in Japan and Cultural Adjustments (2:35)

• Andrew Darlow describes his experience of moving to Japan at age 18, where he lived with a host family and attended Japanese high school.
• He shares anecdotes about cultural differences, such as students balancing cleaning duties and the importance of removing shoes inside the home.
• Andrew recounts his first speech in Japanese to the entire student body, which was translated by his host father.
• He discusses the process of learning Japanese, including using books like "Japanese in 10 Minutes a Day" and attending a crash course at the University of Washington.

Return to the U.S. and College Education (8:52)

• Andrew Darlow talks about his return to the U.S. and his decision to attend The College of New Jersey, which had an exchange program with a university in Japan.
• He explains how his college experience allowed him to continue learning Japanese and explore his passion for Japan.
• Andrew mentions staying in touch with his host family and visiting them again in Japan.
• He discusses his major in business and finance and how his interest in photography influenced his career choices.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Photography Career (10:45)

• Andrew Darlow describes his first job at a family-owned printing company, where he combined his passion for photography with his work.
• He shares how he learned Photoshop and helped build a studio, eventually working on projects for companies like Rolex and the New York Times.
• Andrew explains the challenges and opportunities of being self-employed in the photography industry, focusing on organizing and printing photos.
• He discusses the importance of referral partners and how he h...

Chapters

• (00:00:00) - Backup Fm
• (00:01:09) - Andrew Darlow on Becoming a Stronger Man
• (00:07:49) - The Biggest Cultural Change In Japan
• (00:08:39) - Andrew on His First Trip to Japan
• (00:09:46) - While in Japan, you studied abroad for a year
• (00:11:37) - Working as a freelance photographer in the 1980s
• (00:15:03) - What's the biggest challenge of being a self-employed photographer?
• (00:16:35) - Getting Your Work Out There
• (00:17:36) - Photographing Flowers in the Dark
• (00:19:16) - How to Care for a Child With Special Needs
• (00:23:02) - Andrew Darlow's First Day Light Check
• (00:26:35) - Vinod Talking To Kids About Life
• (00:27:23) - Andrew's Advice For Business
• (00:28:49) - Living the Life You Want to Live