Hello Local Guides
I am thrilled to share a wonderful woman Local Guide as part of the She Leads series— @Denise_Barlock , a passionate traveller and photographer whose journey has not only enriched her own life but also inspired many others around the world. Denise’s contributions reflect her deep commitment to exploring new places, sharing her experiences, and encouraging others to live life boldly and authentically.
In addition to her inspiring journey of living in a van and traveling across the United States, Denise also runs a fun and successful series called #StateChallenge alongside fellow Local Guides @kwiksatik and @jayasimha78. The series is an engaging and interactive way for them to challenge each other to explore and share their unique experiences from different states across the U.S. This initiative provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with the Local Guides community and inspire others to discover new places, support small businesses, and dive deeper into the beauty of local culture.
Tell us about yourself. (Name, location, profession, interests)
I am Denise Barlock, Traveling the United States one month at a time. Retired from 34.5 years at IBM Technical Sales. In my career, I traveled the world and presented software product to IBM sales and customers. We love to find mom/pop restaurants and drive the countryside exploring
When and how did you become a Local Guide?
2016 when we sold everything and started to travel. I needed Google Maps to help us find where we were going and what to do. I decided that I needed to give back.
What inspires you to contribute to Local Guides Connect?
I want to give back to the community that helps me.
What is your favorite type of contribution? Why?
Photos! I look at them so much when I’m trying to decide where we want to go so I post a lot of photos.
How do you define leadership, and what does it mean to you?
I want to inspire others to do more… whatever more is. More in life. More in travel. More in family. I want to show others that we can all do what we want and don’t listen to or care what others think. We all need to be originals.
In what ways do you lead or make an impact outside of Local Guides Connect?
I try to be an example to my peers that it’s possible to live your dreams. I took a leap of faith and a chance on life and fortunately it worked. I have learned to let others’ opinions of my choices matter less and just enjoy life.
What keeps you motivated to lead and contribute?
I get the opportunity to meet new people almost every day. I find that many want to know how or why I made my choices for our mobile lifestyle. So many want to be able to do what we do and I enjoy talking to them about our lifestyle.
Who inspires you the most, and why?
My parents were amazing! They came from such humble beginnings. They taught me to dream and realize that I can do almost anything I wanted with preparation, determination and focused effort. They never told me something wasn’t possible… They guided me in directions to understand how to accomplish almost anything.
How do you think we can inspire more women to be a part of our community?
Provide opportunities for others to easily contribute, participate or be a part of.
Have you faced any challenges? How did you overcome them?
So many! I worked for IBM for 34.5 years in a man’s world. I was normally the only woman or one of two in the department. I just pretended that it didn’t matter and tackled every job and opportunity as if my gender didn’t matter. There was always “good ole boys club” around me, but I ignored it. When it affected me or was left out, I tried many times to just include myself as if it didn’t exist.
What barriers do you face to contribute in the community as a woman and how do you overcome them?
Hahahahaha… I close my eyes and just do.
What message would you like to share with women around the world?
We are strong. We are smart. We are equal. We can be who we want to be.
Denise Barlock’s contributions as a Local Guide go far beyond photos and reviews—her leadership, passion for travel, and unwavering belief in following your dreams make her a true inspiration. Through her dedication to exploring and sharing, Denise continues to empower others to live life boldly and authentically.
I haven’t matched my socks since I retired 9 years ago and I wear loud colors. Hahahahaha… No more do I care. I never realized how much I wanted to be unique before.