Lindsay Guion - Rookstool Travel Interviews

Lindsay Guion is a renowned personality in the music, technology and sports management circles. He is best known as the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Global Chairman of the New York based management consulting firm GUION PARTNERS. The clients served by GUION PARTNERS come from diverse sectors such as entertainment, media, sports and technology. Using his unique perspective of music and technology and impeccable problem-solving skills, Lindsay has done a lot to promote music and the names behind the scenes.

As a personal manager, Lindsay constantly works with award winning music artists, producers and songwriters. Artists include D’Angelo and Ginuwine.

Outside GUION PARTNERS, Lindsay Guion has been an Official Label Partner at SONY. He also briefly served as the Executive Producer at Island Records, a Universal Music Group flagship division from 2007 to 2009.

Lindsay attended both Georgetown University and Harvard University to pursue a career in law. In 2020, Lindsay expects to graduate from Columbia University with a Master’s in Sports Management. When he is not at work, Lindsay Guion enjoys traveling, writing and practicing martial arts. He also actively volunteers for the Obama Foundation where he works as a consultant.

What do you like about traveling?

For a busy music executive and personal manager like me, traveling is an integral part of my work. I especially enjoy traveling because it connects me to my audience and provides a rare opportunity to unplug from the normal routine, miles away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I manage clients from across the United States, from New York to Los Angeles.

Do you consider traveling a hobby or a lifestyle?

It is mostly a hobby, which I find very healthy for the body and mind. My travels include short trips within the US and intercontinental crossovers. I have actually travelled extensively across the US and around the world. One thing that always works in my favor whenever I embark on overseas travel is a deeper understanding and appreciation of various customs and cultures.

What travel tips would you offer an aspiring or inexperienced traveler?

If you are traveling far afield, it is vital to prepare yourself both physically and mentally for the trip. This level of preparation will help you embrace change when prompted by a reality check. It is also important to do some research ahead of your travel. Doing so will help you familiarize yourself with the travel destination as well as its history and culture.

What places would you like to visit?

Travel normally gives me something to look forward to and talk about with family and friends. The discussions are always enlightening and stimulating. I would really love to visit Japan, South Africa and Chile. From my brief interactions with friends, I was informed that Chile is a haven for landscape photographers due to popular attractions like the Atacama Desert and El Tatio geyser and hot spring. As a passionate student of music and performance arts, I would also love to explore the South African folk music and ancient Japanese music and instruments.

For the places you have been to; where would you like to revisit?

First, there are many places in Europe, South America and the rest of the world that I yearn to revisit. For the brief time I was in Greece, I toured attractions like the Acropolis temple and the nearby Acropolis Museum. Because of the tight schedule, there are a couple of other attractions I missed out on and would love to explore such as the Parthenon and the Corfu Island.

Do you travel alone? If yes, why?

I mostly travel alone, especially when I am on a work assignment. Traveling alone has many benefits. For instance, the opportunity to focus more on the job and make quick travel adjustments. Family and friends often take center stage during weekend getaways and vacations.

Are you someone who travels light, or packs the whole house?

I am an adherent of packing light because it lets me worry less about the trip ahead. I’ve learnt to pack light from personal experience. Secondly, I don’t have to regularly pay exaggerated baggage rates. Besides packing my suitcase with essential items like clothing, shoes, a travel electric toothbrush and an e-book, the other must haves include power adapter, phone charger and basic toiletries. I recently purchased a travel scale that I normally use to check the weight of my suitcase. For an individual who packs light, the whole process can be arduous when it comes to climate change as this often means dressing appropriately for the weather ahead.