Today Susannah talks to Texan-born INC President, former web team supervisor and a lifetime volunteer in tax advice, robotics coaching and a food bank about the international hospitality she has encountered around the globe.

You met your husband when you were 21, are you a secret rebel or a woman of accurate long-term vision?

I smile at that question because, honestly, I was a bit of both—playful, rebellious, but also quietly certain when it mattered. Meeting him felt immediate, like I recognized my person the moment our paths crossed. If there was any “long-term vision,” it wasn’t a calculated plan—it was trusting that spark, leaning into curiosity, and knowing deep down that some connections are meant to last.

Childhood sweethearts

What do you wish you’d known at that time?
That life is full of chapters and it’s okay not to have it all figured out at once. I would tell my younger self to be patient with the journey, to recognize errors as part of the learning process, and to keep gratitude at the center of everything.

Double trouble

Do you have any stories about adapting to life here in Madrid?

Two weeks after moving to Madrid, I managed to fall into a tree hole in the sidewalk—shattering both wrists in the process. It was a dramatic introduction to navigating a new city! But in true Madrid fashion, strangers rushed to help. It was a painful lesson in humility—but also a hilarious reminder that even the hardest bumps in life are easier when you’re surrounded by a caring group.

Has anything surprised you about Spain and its people?
The generosity of time. People here make space for conversation, for community, for sitting together over coffee without rushing. That rhythm was a beautiful surprise—coming from places where speed is often celebrated, it taught me to slow down and savor life.

You have volunteered at several organisations, how has this enriched your life?
Volunteering has been one of the most grounding experiences of my life. It’s taught me that giving is not one-directional—it deepens empathy, expands your understanding of humanity, and fills you with gratitude.

Enjoying Spain with family

You’re a very professional and caring President of INC, what prompted your decision to take up the mantle?
 INC showed me warmth and belonging from the start. When the opportunity arose, I felt it was my turn to give back. It wasn’t about ambition but about service—carrying forward the spirit of connection and support that had meant so much to me.

Tiffany takes the standl

I’ve heard of the 5 am club but why do you get up even earlier? (talk about what you do and why at that time)
My early mornings have been a sanctuary. I rise before dawn to watch the city wake up—there’s a quiet beauty and calm in those hours that I can’t find later in the day. I walk the city wherever I am, sometimes reflecting, sometimes photographing the moment, almost always with music as my companion. 

You moved to Kuala Lumpur in 2019, how did you find that experience?

Our experience in Kuala Lumpur was made all the more meaningful because of the friends we made. Every interaction we had reflected genuine hospitality and made the city feel like home for our family.

Fun in Danang

How did Malaysia compare to Vietnam where you went afterwards?

When our family first moved to Kuala Lumpur in 2020, I thought I’d seen true hospitality—then we visited Happy Heart Café in Đà Nẵng, a place that employs deaf and disabled people and bakes all its pastries in-house. After a two-month COVID lockdown, we were welcomed like old friends and treated to the best apple pie I’ve ever had. What started as a simple lunch became laughter, shared stories, and the kind of connection that makes you feel instantly at home. It reminded me that living abroad isn’t just about new places—it’s about communities that open their doors and happy hearts.

Eleanor, Malin and Tiffany - INC presidents past and present

What does the spirit of INC mean to you?

The spirit of INC is about genuine connection—welcoming others, sharing cultures, and supporting each other through challenges and celebrations. It’s a warm, inclusive space where we learn from one another, laugh together, and show up as our authentic selves, knowing that by learning and growing together, we create connections that enrich everyone’s lives.

The masks have it at Versailles

What is it about old movies that attracts you? Which is your favorite and why?
Thanks to my husband I have come to cherish old movies for their sharp dialogue and peek into a bygone era. I particularly love The Thin Man (1938) which portrays the crime solving, martini drinking, sophisticated duo of Nick and Nora Charles and their dog, Asta.

What would be the name of the autobiography you haven’t written yet?
If You Don’t Like the View, Change the Seat

Travelling light when moving to KL!