Altitude-induced thoughts on leadership
Lessons from climbing the Mt. Whitney Trail
A 2AM start, inspiring views, and… altitude sickness.
24 miles
17 hours
99 switchbacks
5,645 ft. of elevation gain
~60,000 steps
Recently, my husband Mike and I climbed Mt. Whitney – the highest peak in the contiguous United States and considered one of the most challenging hikes in the country. This adventure was about pushing my limits, embracing the challenges, and savoring the breathtaking beauty of California’s wilderness. From our middle-of-the-night start to the exhilarating views, it was an experience that tested my endurance and rewarded my spirit.
Along the way, my mind kept connecting the journey with leadership. And like any irrepressible leadership consultant would do, I kept my cell phone in my backpack pocket and I took some notes…
#1: The mind is powerful.
Waking up at 12:30am to spend the next 17 hours hiking sounds crazy. It IS crazy! But once you start, your body adapts and your mind takes over. Leadership is no different – sometimes it’s just about putting one foot in front of the other and trusting your mindset to push you through those moments when it seems impossible.
Lesson: Mind over matter. You’re capable of so much more than you think. Whether it’s taking on a new leadership role or facing down self-doubt, it’s all about letting your unstoppable mindset propel you. One foot in front of the other.
#2: Be okay with silence.
There were long stretches of the hike where the only sounds were my breath and footsteps. There was beauty and peace in tuning in to these sounds. In leadership, it’s important to embrace silence – whether it’s a pause before making a decision or creating space to really listen to your team.
Lesson: Practice presence. Just as I needed to be present with every step on the mountain, leadership requires us to fully engage in the moment. It’s about listening, observing, and leading with intention.
#3: Sometimes you don’t see the stars.
Mike told me there were shooting stars, but I missed them. That’s leadership for you. You don’t always get to see the immediate impact you’re having, but it’s happening. It’s up there, just beyond your view, sparking change you can’t see yet.
Lesson: Trust in your impact. Leadership isn’t about instant results. Sometimes, the seeds you plant take time to grow, and that’s okay. Trust.
#4: Keep trudging through early mistakes.
Four miles in, I already had wet feet from stepping into a creek in the pitch darkness. Ughhh. I was worried this discomfort would define the rest of the hike! But I kept going. It reminded me that, in leadership, early mistakes are inevitable. What matters is how you respond.
Lesson: Power through the discomfort. Just like I had to hike with soggy feet, you’ll face uncomfortable moments in leadership. Mistakes and missteps WILL happen – but you can learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.
#5: You don’t always have to know the destination.
While it’s good hiking advice to always bring a map, uncertainty is certainly a part of leadership. You may not always know exactly where the road leads, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lead with confidence. The path will reveal itself as you go.
Lesson: Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Trust the process, lead with clarity, and adapt as you go.
#6: Replenish before you think you need to.
I had to remind myself to eat even when I wasn’t hungry – burning 400-500 calories every hour required me to keep my body fueled and my energy up. In leadership, it’s the same. You need to replenish your skills and mindset regularly, even if you think you’re doing fine.
Lesson: Keep learning. Take the time to invest in yourself – whether it’s through refresher courses, reading, or mentorship. Don’t wait until you’re running on empty.
#7: Make tough calls with confidence.
0.6 miles from the summit at 13,800 ft., I was feeling the effects of altitude sickness. It would have taken 2-3 hours to push through (that elevation is NO JOKE), and I had to make a tough call to turn around. In leadership, there will always be tough calls, and sometimes you have to pull the plug, even if it means leaving an amazing summit moment behind.
Lesson: Know when to pivot. Whether it’s letting go of a project or shifting your strategy, tough decisions are part of leadership. Have a clear sense of the factors that will guide your decision-making so you can pivot with confidence when the time comes. There will always be “what ifs.”
wrapping it up:
Here’s to new heights (all 13,800’ of them!) and the lessons learned along the way. Remember, every new journey starts with lacing up your boots and taking that first step onto the trail – let the views teach you along the way. 🥾
Lead the way,
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