Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu began his career at UAF in 1958 as a graduate assistant working with Dr. Sydney Chapman. His auroral work earned him national and international recognition. From his earliest works, he has been known for his extraordinary insight leading to productive new paradigms. As Director of the Geophysical Institute, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Alaska Volcano Observatory, the modernization of the Poker Flat Research Range and the foundation of the International Arctic Research Center. During this presentation Dr. Akasofu will describe briefly how he came to the Geophysical Institute. While reflecting on what he has done throughout his career in research, he has found that he consistently had just one method, which he will describe a few examples. He will then focus on the days he served as Director of the GI and IARC, with a special thanks to those who helped him along the way.