2022 was when Boundless Life truly came to life. The idea to create a holistic solution for remote-working families to travel and live around the world - including a forward-thinking education programme - had been gestating in the minds of its Founders for a little while as the pandemic provided an opportunity to dare to dream.
This is not only true for Boundless’ Founders though. The pandemic resulted in a collective pause for thought, with families re-examining their choices, priorities, and questioning the status quo of the 9-5. As we all emerged blinking into the dawn of post-lockdown some of us sought out exploration, adventure and a new way of living.
These goals collided in perfect confluence with the birth of Boundless Life in February 2022, and the opening of their first location in beautiful Sintra, Portugal.
Boundless Life now has three European locations operating simultaneously with repeat bookings at over 50%. Some families have even had the pleasure of experiencing all three - including my own.
There are big plans in the works (including a very exciting announcement in the coming weeks!) but sometimes it’s good to be retrospective. I grabbed Rekha Magon - Co-Founder and Head of Student Experience - for an espresso and a chance to reminisce here in Boundless’ location in Tuscany.
If you had to pick just one stand-out 'wow' moment from Boundless' inaugural year what would it be?
Agghhhh, It’s so hard to pick just one! If I had to choose though, I’d have to say the ‘Learning Celebration’ at the Education Centre that took place as the very first cohort came to a close in March. It was one of those moments when everything falls into place. You’re exactly where you are meant to be and all the things that had been aspirations a few months ago are suddenly real - and the reality is better than anything you could’ve imagined.
Watching our Explorers (Boundless students) proudly showcasing their hard work and their collaborative skills in tackling real world issues was awe inspiring. We were looking at future leaders. Their innovative ideas to tackle the Quest they had been set (based on UN Sustainability Goal: Life on Land) were incredible!
Some Explorers partnered with local Portuguese farmers and opened their own sustainable store called “Boundless Egg-spire Shop”. Others curated an art gallery, produced films highlighting climate change and even developed a board game based on Pure Energy.
In that moment, I knew that with everything these Explorers had experienced in such a short period of time, they were already stepping into the world with purpose & passion while spreading more love, light and joy to all those that cross their paths - their families and Boundless team included.
It’s hard to not get emotional about this! Is there anything you would do differently if you could go back and start over?
Life’s a lesson right?! I think with any new venture it’s very easy to fall into the trap of trying to be all things to all people. In terms of Boundless Education specifically it took a while for us to truly define our parameters and trajectory i.e. what we are and what we are not. Sometimes you need to feel your way with these things and we learnt a lot about what the majority of our families desired and needed from an education solution in those early stages. I’m happy we are in a place now where our manifesto is clear.
On a personal level, I would love to spend more time actually living the Boundless Life in each location. Start-ups are a rollercoaster and initially you just have to hold on tight for the ride! My knuckles are slightly less pale now and I can really enjoy and absorb what the team has created so far.
Boundless Life has presented so many opportunities for personal growth - not just within the team but for our families also. (Personally, my waistline has grown from all the great local cuisine!) How would you say you have grown over the last year?
I’ve learnt that I need to ask for help when needed. I’ve always tried to do everything on my own but I realised that it does indeed take a village sometimes! By surrounding myself with amazing people, and asking for help when needed, together you can make magic.
I’ve also become more real with myself and others - admitting when the going gets tough instead of pretending like everything is okay. Talking about my own challenges and setbacks is new to me as I usually shove things under the rug. I realised that I need to show my own kids’ that sometimes even parents have to push through and tackle hard things.
We are now operating across three locations simultaneously and establishing ourselves within the local communities of Sintra, Syros and Pistoia. How would you sum up our impact locally?
Boundless families have created meaningful long-lasting connections and relationships with the local community in each country. For example, my family and I recently returned to Sintra for the new cohort’s Welcome Ceremony. When the owner of our favourite gelato place (Alba Gelato), saw our children she broke down in happy tears and hugged them so warmly. Maria - and her husband Fernando - are universally adored by Boundless Life families! These connections and memories our Boundless children are making with locals in the community are truly priceless.
Through Boundless, we’ve also developed multiple partnerships with local businesses in the community and these partnerships are growing in number all the time across all our locations.
I could talk to you all day, but we have reached the bottom of our espressos and my final question: How will Boundless top 2022?! I'm sure you have big plans. Are there any sneak previews you can give us?
Without giving too much away, there are a LOT of exciting plans in the pipeline for 2023! We are focusing on launching destinations outside of Europe and empowering families to bring Boundless Education back to their own communities. Stay tuned!
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