These are the trailblazers who are ahead of the game

From a photographer who waited six months for the perfect shot, to a glacial microbiologist dedicated to the study of climate change, meet these inspirational go-getters

(Leon Foggitt)

When they first set up their brewery, San Miguel’s founders swapped Europe for Asia in a quest for new experiences and determination. That thinking has led to the creation of The San Miguel Rich List, which acknowledges those people who place value on the wealth generated through life experiences rather than monetary gain.

And now that same vision and global aspiration fuels these four trailblazers’ engines. Whether living in a tiny portable house and travelling 50,000 miles across America, or driving cheap cars on a full lap of the world, these exceptional people are ahead of the game – and incredibly inspiring, too.

The Budget Travellers

Global Convoy (Leon Foggitt)

Max White wanted to see the world. Short on funds, he bought two cheap cars and mobilised like-minded souls. “I wanted to get as many interesting people to as many interesting places as possible,” he explains about his Global Convoy project. “We did a lap of the planet!”

The convoy wound through Europe, Russia, Asia and the Americas. Extra vehicles joined along the way and lifelong friendships were formed. “People said they’d come for a week and they’d be with us seven months later,” he adds.

The Climate Change Biologist

Climate change biologist Joseph Cook (Daniel Ernst)

Impressively, Joe Cook has combined his favourite things into a career. “I’ve always loved science and the outdoors,” he explains.

He is now a glacial microbiologist at the University of Sheffield – doing crucial work with a direct link to climate change – and can often be found camping out on ice sheets and flying drones around Greenland as part of his work. He says: “Being rich to me means having freedom to have a positive impact on the world and people around me.”

The Leopard Photographer

Leopard photographer Nayan Khanolkar (Ashima Narain)

Travelling the Himalayas sparked biology teacher Nayan Khanolkar’s fascination with the leopard and focused his determination to take incredible pictures of the much-feared predator back in Mumbai.

“I didn’t get a photo for six months!” he laughs. “I then realised I needed to study their habits more. When I did, I started to get lots of photos.”

Nayan’s images have astonished wildlife experts, and he won the 2016 urban category of Wildlife Photographer of the Year. But, he says: “What really made me happy was getting to know these animals. They deserve our respect.”

The Pioneering Homeowners

Tiny home owners Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons (Keith Ladzinski)

Road trippers Alexis Stephens and Christian Parsons have taken the tiny house movement into inspirational new territory: putting their 17ft home on a trailer, they’ve traversed 50,000 miles around America, setting up community outreach projects. “It’s a ticket to everyday adventure,” says Alexis.

The pair freelance to make money. “We just need gas [petrol] money,” says Christian. “We call it the mortgage!”

Travelling has definitely broadened their minds. “We’ve met people so different to us, on the opposite side of the political spectrum, and you realise that, essentially, people want the same thing,” says Alexis. “To have a rich life you have to get out of your comfort zone.”

Discover the full San Miguel Rich List and find inspiration on how to live a richer life at sanmiguelrichlist.independent.co.uk

Enjoy responsibly. For the facts, see drinkaware.co.uk