Before I climbed Kilimanjaro, I thought this would be a story about a mountain and a bucket list item, done. One more big challenge to take on and a goal to achieve.

What it landed up being was a story about who I became when faced with challenges that I hadn’t envisioned – tired, cold, afraid and still carrying on.

I wasn’t a natural candidate for this journey.
I love comfort. I love proper beds and hot showers and beautiful hotels.
Camping is not really my idea of fun.

And yet, when the idea took hold, something in me said yes before logic could catch up.
And the lessons were worth it.

So I sat down and recorded a podcast about my experience, where I tell the story and dive into 7 things I learnt along the way. Today, I’m sharing this episode with you and I’d love to hear how these lessons impact you.

1. Big change only happens one small step at a time.
​Polé polé is not about going slow. It’s about being realistic and pacing yourself.

2. What you carry determines how far you can go.
​Extra baggage isn’t symbolic. In life, as on the mountain, it holds you back.

3. When things get hard, your mindset matters more than your strength.
​The conversation in your head can carry you forward or stop you.

4. Asking for help is not weakness. It moves you forward.
​Trying to do hard things alone is just another form of control (and keeping yourself stuck).

5. Not everything meaningful has to be logical. Follow your heart.
​Sometimes you know something matters before you can explain why. Go with it!

6. Life is not a straight climb. It’s up and down and up again.
​Progress looks nothing like the plan we imagined.

7. Identity is forged in difficult moments, not in achievements.
​It’s not what I did. It’s who I became.

🎧 Listen to the episode here: What Kilimanjaro taught me about doing hard things​

You can also find Leadership Live on YouTube or search your favourite podcast platform. And if it resonates, share it on with someone who’s quietly carrying more than they let on.

You can also buy the book – Courage to Lead – with the full story on Amazon, here

So…
If something in you is being stretched right now.
If your body is tired and your thoughts are circling.
If the strategies that used to work no longer do.

Perhaps, this is your mountain.
Not to conquer. But to grow into who you want to become.
Comment below and let’s talk!

Here’s to the moments that change us, even when we don’t fully understand them at the time.