Service Academy’s Post

What Trekking in Kashmir Taught Me About Leadership and Resilience Trekking through the breathtaking valleys of Kashmir isn't just a test of physical endurance—it's a profound lesson in leadership, resilience, and teamwork. Here are some key takeaways: 🌄 Adaptability: In the mountains, the weather can change in an instant. Just like in business, adaptability is key. You learn to expect the unexpected and pivot when necessary. 👣 Perseverance: The most challenging paths often lead to the most rewarding views. Every steep climb is a reminder that perseverance, even when the journey is tough, leads to success. 🤝 Teamwork: Trekking isn't a solo endeavor. Whether it's sharing supplies or encouraging each other on difficult trails, teamwork is essential. This mirrors the collaboration needed in any professional environment. 🎯 Focus: In the wilderness, distractions can be dangerous. The same applies to our careers. Maintaining focus on the goal while navigating obstacles is crucial. 🌟 Mindfulness: The serene beauty of Kashmir teaches you to be present and appreciate the moment. It’s a powerful reminder to stay grounded, even in the busiest times. Trekking in Kashmir wasn’t just a physical journey—it was a journey of growth. The lessons I’ve learned on those trails continue to inspire me every day in my professional and personal life. #Leadership #Resilience #Teamwork #PersonalGrowth #Trekking #Kashmir #ProfessionalDevelopment #stockmarket #business #kashmirGREATLAKES

Another lesson in Life and #Leadership from my recent climbing trip in the French Alps. After a rough go on Aconcagua back in February, I had set the intention that my next climb would be a “for the love of the game” experience. My intention was to step back from the pressure of the Seven Summits and reconnect to my love for the mountains / mountaineering and to slow down and refine my technique for more efficient movement in the mountains. So I booked a private climb with the amazing @Zebblais @blackbirdguides. The original trip design included 2 days of acclimatization and training and then an ascent of Mont Blanc – the tallest peak in Western Europe. My anxiety levels heading into the trip were unusually high & seemed to escalate over the course of the first 2 days on-mountain. At breakfast on day 3, I came to the table with a list of the things I was anxious / concerned about. Zeb’s response was essentially, “look – if you want to proceed as-planned we’ll do that. BUT – gritting your way up and back down Mont Blanc doesn’t seem to align with your originally stated intentions for this trip. What if we scrap that plan, focus on training and technique, climb some awesome stuff nobody back home will have heard of and just have FUN?” I had to put my ego aside and make peace with the idea that I wasn’t just ducking the challenge of the BIG objective (Mont Blanc). Once I was able to do so, Zeb’s suggestion made all the sense in the world. And we (he) re-designed the rest of the trip on the fly. The result was me learning and growing more on this climb than I probably have on my previous 16 climbs combined and having FUN along the way. By simply re-aligning my choices to my stated intention / goals I accelerated my learning and growth as a mountaineer 10x and fell back in love with the mountains and mountaineering along the way. Every day as individuals and Leaders we all make a series of choices. How do those choices align with your intentions / goals / vision and what would it look like if you conducted a "choice audit" to ensure alignment between your actions and your vision / goals? #leadership #executivecoaching

Last week, I took a 6-day Alpinism course which included a summit attempt of Mt. Baker, here in WA. The weather was great for the first few days, and we spent the time rock climbing and improving our technical mountaineering skills; however, things took a turn for the worse on the last couple of days with winds >30MPH blasting the summit. On the 2nd day, our guide told us that despite initial positive weather forecasts, the forecast had changed and there was zero chance that we would be able to summit. This news was incredibly disheartening because the weather was pristine for the first few days. The news deflated the team and we felt lost, especially because we could’ve easily rearranged our schedule to summit a few days early and complete the technical training on the last few days. Although one of our teammates decided not to make the summit attempt, we did make the attempt and got within a 1,000 ft of the summit, but the journey felt less meaningful without a goal. As I sat in my tent recovering from the summit attempt, I found three important lessons on leadership that I took away from the experience: 1) Align Goals: It’s critical that everyone on the team has the same goal. In this case, our guide wanted to focus on technical training, whereas the group’s goal was to summit. While both could’ve been achieved, the order of goals was not aligned which led to a mismatch of priorities between the leader and the team. 2) Reset Goals: When goals become unachievable, it’s important to reset goals and find a new goal for the team to work towards. Simply saying that there is zero chance for the team to achieve their goal without forming a new goal leaves a big void on the team which is probably why one of the team members didn’t want to attempt the summit at all. 3) Take The Win: When you have good weather (or good quarters, or successful launches), take the win. While it’s important to keep striving for better weather or ideal conditions, enjoy the good weather (and wins) when they come because despite the best forecast, you never know for certain what tomorrow will bring. How have great leaders navigated unachievable goals in your experience?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “The legend team have a way of making you feel like you are enough and anything is possible, just come as you are. Although the focus was on the end goal i.e summiting, I am still buzzing from all the things I learned during and before the trip. For example, we received emails prior to the trip that included the kit list and also had meetings with the legend team about the kit list and the trip. I learned so much from these because I had never been camping before and come from a hot climate so didn’t know about base layers etc. The confidence that I gained from achieving my goal of climbing Kilimanjaro has had a ripple effect. Because of this I am now training for a half marathon! Legend Expeditions, thank you will never be enough but thank you nonetheless. “ We know the importance of leadership on your expedition. Our leaders have three goals: Safety - Our first priority. Your safety. Success - To do everything in our power to make sure you complete the expedition successfully. Enjoyment - From learning the local language to doing a pub quiz at 4000m. We want you to enjoy every step of your trip. #Createyourlegend

🏔️ From Everest Base Camp to Professional Peaks 🏔️ Reflecting on my journey to Himalayas, I'm reminded of the parallels between climbing mountains and navigating the challenges of professional life. Just as every step towards the summit requires determination, resilience, and adaptability, so too does every career endeavor. In the face of adversity, we must summon our inner strength and push beyond our limits, just as climbers tackle treacherous terrain and harsh conditions. Each obstacle presents an opportunity for growth and learning, shaping us into stronger, more capable individuals. At the core of both pursuits lies the importance of teamwork and collaboration. Just as climbers rely on their Sherpa guides and fellow mountaineers, success in the professional world often hinges on the support of colleagues and mentors. As I stand in awe of the majestic Himalayas, I'm reminded that the greatest achievements are born from perseverance, courage, and a steadfast commitment to reaching new heights. Let's embrace the challenges ahead with the same spirit of adventure and determination that fuels our climb to the top of the world. #EverestBaseCamp #ProfessionalGrowth #Inspiration #NewHeights #Teamwork

🌅 Reflecting on the remarkable experience of climbing Mountain Jais in the United Arab Emirates. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the panoramic view was not just breathtaking, but a powerful reminder of the heights we can reach with determination and perseverance. 🏔️ Scaling this peak wasn't just about conquering a mountain; it was about embracing challenges head-on, pushing beyond limits, and gaining a new perspective from the summit. 💼 In the world of business, we often encounter our own mountains to climb—projects, goals, and obstacles that seem insurmountable. Yet, like climbing Mountain Jais, each challenge presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and ultimately, success. 🌟 Let's approach our professional journeys with the same spirit of adventure and determination. Let's embrace the climb, knowing that the view from the top, just like that sunset over Mountain Jais, will be truly remarkable. #MountainJais #UAE #ProfessionalGrowth #Perseverance #Inspiration #Leadership

Leadership Lessons from Trekking: ============================ Trekking often seen as a solitary pursuit, paradoxically offers valuable lessons that can be applied to the realm of management. Trekking can be seen as a metaphor for good management practice. Lessons learnt from Trekking:: ----------------------------------- 1. Leadership & Teamwork: a. Shared Responsibility: Trekking demands collaboration and shared decision making within a group. This fosters a sense of collective ownership and accountability. b. Adaptability & Resilience: Unforeseen challenges like weather changes or difficult terrain requires leaders to adapt strategies quickly and support the team in overcoming obstacles. This adaptability is crucial in the dynamic business ecosystem. c. Motivation & Morale: An effective and strong leader can inspire their team even during difficult times. This fosters spirits high during crucial trek. 2. Decision Making & Problem Solving: a. Risk Management: Before embarking on a trek proper planning and risk assessment are essential. Similarly the leader calculates potential risks before taking any critical long term decisions. b. Problem Solving: Unexpected situations on a trek force quick thinking and problem solving. This mirrors the ability to handle crises and make timely decisions. c. Resource Allocation: Efficient resource allocation like food, water, cap, torch, stick etc are vital during trekking. Leaders also allocate resources effectively to achieve organisational goals. 3. Awareness, Resilience & Support: a. Self Awareness: Trekking often pushes individuals beyond their comfort zones, leading to self discovery and personal growth. Similarly, leaders continually analyse SWOT for growth and development. b. Resilience & Perseverance: Overcoming challenges on a trek building resilience and determination. These qualities are invaluable in leadership where setbacks and obstacles are common. c. Support & Empathy: Understanding the physical and emotional needs of the team is crucial during trekking. Empathy builds a strong relationship and fosters a supportive environment. Our recent trekking in Narashima Parvat: The highest peak in Agumbe. Agumbe is called Cherapunji of South Indian. #Trekking #Leadership #Teamwork #Adaptability #Resilience #Risk #Empathy #Support

Embracing New Horizons: Lessons from Solo Travel in Shimla Sometimes, the most profound insights come when we step away from our routine and immerse ourselves in new experiences. Recently, I had the chance to explore Shimla. Watching the sunset over the mountains was not just a beautiful moment—it was a reminder of the power of perspective. Solo travel, much like professional growth, involves navigating the unknown, embracing solitude, and finding clarity amidst chaos. Each journey, whether on a mountain or in the business world, teaches you resilience, adaptability, and the importance of pausing to reflect on the bigger picture. As we face challenges in our careers, taking time to step back, reset, and explore new perspectives can provide us with the fresh insights we need to move forward. Just like a sunset that signals the end of the day but also promises a new dawn, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. #Travel #SoloTravel #Leadership #Growth #ProfessionalDevelopment #Shimla #Sunset #Perspective #LifeLessons

I'm grateful for the days when I get to backcountry snowboard (at Alta mind you 😉) and ride a bike within hours apart, experiencing different but equally beautiful landscapes. These mountain adventures have taught me valuable lessons that enhance my role as a team member and client partner at IMA Salt Lake City. - *Planning:* Extensive planning around conditions is crucial for safety and optimal outcomes in any adventure. - *Reliability:* The responsibility for the safety of friends and partners can suddenly fall on you, highlighting the importance of reliability. - *Critical Thinking:* Adapting to sudden changes in the abstract mountain environment necessitates quick thinking and the ability to pivot when needed. - *Leadership:* Making executive decisions swiftly in challenging situations is sometimes imperative. In essence, my experiences in the mountains have instilled in me a deep care for the success of both my clients and team members, mirroring my dedication to my backcountry pursuits. Have a stellar weekend! 🏂🚵♂️ #teamwork

Balancing Leadership, Growth, and Passion I'm honored to have been re-elected as President of UTOP (Ultra-Trail des ô plateaux) for the third consecutive year, leading one of the largest sporting events in Madagascar—our beloved trail running series. Our most recent edition, marking our 15th anniversary, saw an incredible 2,753 runners from 23 nationalities. With an epic atmosphere, incredible sceneries, 100% online registration, and live race tracking, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Madagascar’s sporting landscape. Many often wonder how I manage my time, overseeing 12 companies, serving as President and Vice-President in various business associations (Agro-Industry Employers’ Association of Madagascar, Syndicate of Industries of Madagascar), and dedicating 6 to 10 hours weekly to my own sport practice. Here are a few insights: 🎯Time Management & Prioritization: Knowing what’s important and focusing on it. 🤺Mastering Speed: Training myself to accomplish tasks faster. 🧑🤝🧑Building Trust & Growth: Establishing an organization that empowers teams and fosters trust. 🛫Delegating & Letting Go: Knowing when to step back and delegate responsibilities. 🎋Shaping the Environment: Creating a space where good actions and behaviors are easy, while the wrong ones are hard. I believe that with the right strategy and mindset, you can achieve more than you think possible. #management #sportmanagement #Madagascar #trailrunning