Summiting Everest Base Camp: Leadership Insights from an Unforgettable Journey
“Always be prepared for any situation and every journey, because you never know where life will take you.”
My adventure began on April 14, 2024, with a scenic trek from Lukla to Phakding. At 13:13, we embarked on the first leg, covering 4.91 km in just over two hours, descending 323 meters and ascending 70 meters. After a brief rest, we continued for another 4.05 km, taking approx. 2 hours, climbing 188 meters and descending 129 meters.
This remarkable adventure spanned 75.9 km of unforgettable treks through the breathtaking Himalayas, culminating at the iconic Everest Base Camp. The journey was filled with awe-inspiring views, physical challenges, and a profound sense of achievement as we walked in the footsteps of mountaineering legends.
Management Lessons from My Everest Base Camp Trek:
1. Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable — Sometimes, we need to stretch ourselves and step out of our comfort zones to discover our strengths, test our endurance, and embrace new challenges for our version 2.0. You might be surprised by the hidden strengths you uncover. It’s important to avoid being swayed by external voices; not everyone will encourage you to reach your potential. Continuous judgment and attempts to confine you to a box can occur, so it’s crucial to identify your well-wishers and surround yourself with them.
2. Unlearn to Learn — Preparing for the trip required us to unlearn old habits and adopt new techniques, particularly in breathing. Our coach taught us the correct way to breathe and encouraged us to practice diligently every day before the trip. This is akin to adapting to changes within a company. Sometimes, we must let go of old practices and embrace new methods to remain agile and responsive. During organizational transformations, I have observed people reacting with surprise, anxiety, and fear. By continuously reflecting, learning new skills, and gaining cross-functional knowledge, we can always be prepared for organizational changes and industry trends.
3. Embrace Minimal Resources — During our trek to Everest Base Camp, we learned to thrive with minimal resources. Our diet consisted mainly of rice and lentils, teaching us the essence of essentialism applicable in corporate settings. By prioritizing what truly matters, we streamline operations, reduce unnecessary complexities, and enhance efficiency, thereby achieving more effective outcomes.
4. Go Slow to Go Far — On our expedition, I rushed and later realized the importance of pacing myself to avoid altitude sickness. At work, mastering the balance between speed and restraint is an art form. Embracing a deliberate pace, appreciating the journey, and being intentional in our actions not only ensures sustainable progress but also enhances our ability to achieve enduring success.
5. Invest in Skills and Gear — Choosing the appropriate gear proved indispensable during our trek. Likewise, in the realm of business, identifying and investing in essential skills is paramount. Much like the necessity of a reliable down jacket and sturdy hiking shoes for our journey, acquiring crucial skills and resources is fundamental to achieving success. I consistently advise young professionals to prioritize honing soft skills, mastering the art of storytelling, building strong networks, and seeking mentorship early in their careers. These investments not only enhance personal development but also pave the way for long-term professional growth and achievement.
6. Pack Only the Essentials — Throughout our trek, our packs held only what was essential for our ultimate destination: Everest Base Camp. This principle of essentialism holds profound relevance in management. By prioritizing and concentrating on the most vital tasks and resources, you can navigate towards your North Star without being weighed down by extraneous items. Apply this mindset in your corporate endeavors by attending crucial meetings and confidently saying no when necessary, thereby maximizing efficiency and focusing on what truly drives success.
7. Power of Acceptance — Acceptance is what propels us forward. During our journey, we faced weather issues, flight delays, food challenges, and more. Even before starting the trip, I developed allergies from the Kathmandu weather — not an ideal beginning. However, by accepting these uncertainties, we gained patience and the strength to keep moving forward.
8. Declutter Bag and Life — On April 15, 2024, at 8:13 AM, we embarked on a memorable trek from Phakding to Namche, covering 10.37 km over nearly seven hours. During this challenging journey, ascending 987 meters and descending 205 meters, I learned a valuable lesson about carrying unnecessary items in my day pack on the first day. Observing a fellow trekker moving effortlessly with minimal gear, I sought his advice and streamlined my belongings by 50%. In the corporate world, soliciting peer feedback like this can sometimes be viewed as a weakness. However, shedding extra baggage — be it physical or metaphorical — such as unnecessary tasks or distractions, is crucial for optimizing efficiency and achieving goals more effectively.
9. Value Mentors and Sponsors — Just as Sherpas guided us through the challenging terrain of Everest, mentors and sponsors play pivotal roles in corporate environments. Their wealth of experience and guidance are invaluable assets. Trusting in their expertise not only helps navigate pitfalls but also ensures staying on course towards achieving objectives effectively.
10. Trust Your Guides — On April 16, 2024, we embarked on a fulfilling hike from Namche to the Everest Viewpoint and back, covering 6.25 km in nearly six hours with an elevation gain of 512 meters and descent of 471 meters. The following day, our exploration around Namche spanned 12.74 km in just over nine hours, followed by a 10.40-km trek from Dibuche to Dengboche over nearly seven hours. Regrettably, disregarding the Sherpas’ advice resulted in altitude sickness for some team members. This highlights the critical importance of trusting experienced guides and adhering to their counsel to avoid pitfalls and ensure success. From the moment I committed to the EBC trek until returning home, I diligently followed every instruction from the Sherpas and our coach, which proved instrumental in overcoming challenges along the journey.
11. Overcome Loneliness and Value Support — Throughout the trek, moments of solitude reminded us of our loved ones back home. Similarly, in the corporate world, establishing a strong support network is indispensable. On April 19, 2024, at 9:06 AM, we dedicated time to acclimatize in Dingboche, embarking on a 6.10-km hike lasting just over five hours, with a 594-meter ascent and a 565-meter descent. This allowed us to adjust to the altitude while immersing ourselves in the local scenery. Despite initial challenges reaching our targeted point, a supportive group member motivated me and encouraged setting incremental milestones, which proved pivotal in completing the essential loop trek for the day.
12. Reflect and Prioritize Well-being — Learning to listen to our bodies and taking necessary breaks were pivotal lessons during our trek. In the corporate realm, prioritizing both physical and mental health is essential. Taking moments for reflection, ensuring adequate rest, and making thoughtful decisions are foundational practices that pave the way for sustained success in the long run.
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person’s determination.”~ Tommy. Lasorda.
13. Know When to Quit — On April 20, 2024, starting at 8:13 AM, we embarked on a challenging journey from Dingboche to Lobuche, covering 10.79 km in just under eight hours with a demanding ascent of 772 meters. The following day, April 21, 2024, at 7:20 AM, we trekked from Lobuche to Gorakshep, a 5.37-km trek lasting four hours, and continued to Everest Base Camp, covering 4.92 km in three and a half hours. The breathtaking landscapes and sense of achievement were immensely rewarding. However, realizing that returning to our loved ones outweighed reaching the base camp taught us the importance of knowing when to quit. In corporate endeavors, recognizing when to step back or pivot is a strategic skill that conserves valuable resources and directs energy towards more fruitful pursuits.
‘People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.’ ~ Edmund Hillary
14. Practice Humility — Among the many lessons learned, humility stands out as the most significant for me. As we climbed higher, gazing down at the vast landscape below instilled a profound sense of humility. In contrast, boasting and overconfidence often lead to downfall. True leadership is exemplified by maintaining humility and remaining grounded, irrespective of achievements. Mountains are great equalizers, treating all who traverse them with the same challenges and rewards. Similarly, in different organizational settings, unconscious biases can sway decisions, particularly in conflicts where personal proximity or hierarchical status may influence judgments. Aspirationally, like the impartiality of mountains, fostering an unbiased culture and environment in all aspects of life is a worthy ideal.
15. Search yourself — “I’m on the hunt for who I have not yet become,” as Nikki Rowe eloquently puts it. Taking time for introspection allows us to explore our values, priorities, and life goals, while also clearing the clutter from our minds. It’s a journey of self-discovery that leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
16. Celebration & Gratitude — The Sherpas and coach showed us the value of enjoying the journey more than the destination, and we celebrated at the end of each day. At work, We can replicate this by celebrating each mini success of our team members — sending beautiful e-cards, applauding them in team meetings, and even patting ourselves on the back from time to time. Remember, you are an achiever.
This experience provided invaluable management lessons, emphasizing simplicity, focus, and the importance of support and well-being. These principles can be applied in the corporate world to navigate challenges and achieve long-term success.
I would highly recommend making a yearly trip like this and definitely recommend my coach Sunil N (LinkedIn).
Let me know if you have any questions, happy to discuss.
