Perseverance, Dreams, and New Beginnings: A Journey from Chile to Australia

In this recent interview, we spoke with Juan José Carrasco, a Chilean who chose to start from zero in Australia and has built a path filled with learnings, ventures, and achievements. His story is a true example of perseverance and the ability to reinvent himself in a new country. From his beginnings in the financial sector in Chile, through various jobs upon arriving in Australia, to founding his own education agency that now impacts thousands of people, his journey serves as an inspiration for those who dream of taking the leap and seeking new opportunities beyond Chile.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND IN CHILE BEFORE MIGRATING.

In Chile, I studied Business Administration and completed a Master’s degree in Marketing. My career started somewhat unexpectedly; I had originally wanted to work at Lan Chile, but due to a mix-up with the name, I ended up at Aval Chile, a financial company. Although my academic background was in marketing, I accepted the challenge of working in finance. It turned out to be an enriching experience that helped me develop new skills. At the same time, I was running my own marketing company, working with major clients such as Motorola. I have always been a restless person with an entrepreneurial spirit, driven by the desire to take on new challenges.

Entrepreneurial from the very beginning: although he started out in a sector different from his studies, he made the most of every opportunity and developed skills that would later become essential in his life in Australia. WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO AUSTRALIA? DID YOU ARRIVE WITH A PLAN, OR WAS IT ALL IMPROVISED?

The decision to come to Australia was the result of life’s twists and turns. My partner (now my wife) and I had initially planned to go to New Zealand, but due to visa issues we ended up applying for Australia instead. We didn’t know much about the country and arrived with no expectations, only with the desire to live a different experience, work in whatever came our way, and save money to travel for a year. From the very first day, we felt welcomed by the kindness of the people. Although it wasn’t our original destination, Australia became the place where we built our home and our life, and I have never regretted it.

An adventure trip marked by chance, but also by a willingness to embrace the unexpected. Often, the biggest changes begin with a single improvised step.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT PROFESSIONAL SITUATION IN AUSTRALIA?

Today, I am the Cp-founder of We Move Experience, an education agency that supports people who wish to come and study in Australia. What makes me proud is the responsible and honest approach we have taken, always focused on helping students make decisions based on their personal and professional goals. We have already supported more than 3,000 people and continue to grow, with a dedicated team that shares my values of honesty, respect, and teamwork. In addition, I have the honour of serving as Marketing Director of the Chilean Australian Association, where I contribute to keeping our Chilean roots alive in Australia.

A clear example of transforming the personal experience of migration into a project with both social and professional impact, always anchored in values of honesty and collaboration. HOW WAS YOUR PROCESS OF ADAPTATION AND ENTRY INTO THE JOB MARKET IN AUSTRALIA?

The process was long and full of challenges. At the beginning, I did all kinds of jobs: from renovations to driving for Uber, just to support myself while developing my business. Reaching the point where We Move Experience became self-sustainable took time and effort. There were many moments when I had to combine entrepreneurship with other jobs, but the key was perseverance and surrounding myself with people who believed in the project.

Adapting is never easy: behind every successful venture there are stories of sacrifice, temporary jobs, and plenty of patience. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT A KEY MOMENT OR IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN YOUR CAREER IN AUSTRALIA?

A key moment was when We Move Experience reached financial break-even and I was able to hire my first team. It was a major challenge because some people said it made no sense to hire if we weren’t yet generating sufficient income, but the trust of those who joined the project—working on commission only—was a sign that we were heading in the right direction. That moment marked the real take-off of the business.

Trust and teamwork became the foundation for solid growth, showing that sharing the dream with others can be the driving force for success. WAS THERE A DIFFICULT MOMENT OR A FAILURE THAT LEFT A MARK ON YOU?

Without a doubt, one of the hardest moments was having to close a tourism business into which we had invested a great deal of money and time. Although it was a difficult exit, it left me with valuable lessons. As an entrepreneur, every failure brings new learning, and in this case, I realised the importance of choosing your partners carefully and making tough decisions sooner rather than later.

Failures are an essential part of an entrepreneur’s journey. Each stumble provides lessons that strengthen and prepare you for future challenges. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

My mind is always searching for new projects. At the moment, I am working on a technology start-up aligned with the services we provide at We Move. I am currently seeking capital to take this idea to the next level and develop customised systems for different industries. My goal is to keep growing and adding value to every project I take part in.

His outlook on the future reflects that the entrepreneurial path never stops: there is always room to innovate and seek new horizons. LOOKING BACK, IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY?

Every mistake I have made has been a fundamental part of my personal and professional growth. While there are situations that, in hindsight, could have been handled differently, I don’t regret any of them. Even the setbacks are part of the path that shapes us and pushes us to evolve.

A resilient mindset: understanding that every mistake is also an opportunity to grow. IS THERE AN EXPERIENCE OR ANECDOTE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE THAT COULD INSPIRE OTHERS?

One of the most meaningful anecdotes was on my very first day in Australia. I was exhausted after a long flight, but when someone asked for help renovating their house, I immediately put my hand up. That small gesture opened the doors to a network of contacts and to the warmth of the Australian community, which was key to my adaptation process. You never know where a “yes” can take you, and that’s something that has accompanied me throughout my life.

A small gesture can open big doors. The willingness to say “yes” marked the beginning of a support network that proved vital for his adaptation. FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHERS IN CHILE WHO DREAM OF COMING TO AUSTRALIA?

My main advice would be: don’t be afraid to start from scratch. Australia is a country full of opportunities, but you must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and accept any kind of job at the beginning. It is also crucial to arrive with an open mind, ready to meet people from all over the world and build support networks. Persevere, learn from every experience, and never stop trusting in your ability to adapt and move forward.

His final advice sums up his journey: courage, humility, and perseverance are the keys to building a future in Australia.