Just a Peak

This week, I achieved a goal 20 years in the making — climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest freestanding mountain, with my mom. The story begins on my 10th birthday when we watched an IMAX movie about Kilimanjaro mountaineering. At first, it seemed that the journey to the mountain's base was an insurmountable test of perseverance, filled with questions: When to go? Which guides to choose? What gear to pack? How to train? But, one day the clouds parted, and the opportunity to go appeared. As the trip got closer a new realization set in — the ascent to 19,340 feet was going to be the true challenge of our resolve. As we conquered this physical peak, I reflected on the striking parallels between our climb and the mountains we face in business and life. I learned that my mental barriers are higher than my physical ones, that small steps lead to great achievements, and when in doubt choose not to doubt.

Our mental barriers cast a shadow over our physical limits. Saturday at midnight was the beginning of summit day, a grueling 8-hour climb through the darkness, gaining over 4,000 vertical feet. Breathing only half the oxygen of sea level, each step was a battle against doubt and fatigue. Fighting my inner voice of limitation, pushing myself to what I thought was my physical brink. Astonishingly, upon reaching the summit and even after the arduous descent, I realized I had more to give. My mind had set artificial boundaries that my body enthusiastically surpassed. I wondered how often I constrain my organization’s growth, setting "achievable" goals rather than allowing for true expansion. Too often we are tempted to embed these mental limits in our organizational narrative. Looking out from my view from the peak, I considered: What if there are no limits?

Small steps in the right direction yield big achievements. As I began the ascent, facing Kilimanjaro's imposing silhouette, the task seemed insurmountable. Fortunately our guides were frequent travelers and their wisdom became our mantra: take it one step at a time. Our seven-day, 50-mile round trip translated to over 120,000 steps. "Pole, pole" (Swahili for "Slowly, slowly") echoed within my head and on the mountain paths. There is no sprint to the summit; no fastest or first to the top. It’s the methodical, intentional steps that get you there. With each intentional step in the cold, airless darkness, I reflected on how this principle resonates in my careers and leadership roles. Pole, pole: patience, stay the course, trust the process. Savor the journey, witness the vistas along the way, and ultimately reach your goal.

When doubt creeps in, choose not to doubt. The stories I tell myself wield immense power. Whether I believe in our capability or incapability, I prove myself right. During the final ascent, as I trudged through freezing darkness, my mind and body screamed to stop; my heart and spirit urged me forward. I faced a crucial choice — which inner voice would I heed? I consciously chose positivity and gratitude, adopting mantras like "one more step" and "I get to" instead of "I have to." Whenever we attempt something brave, in life or leadership, there will be naysayers and self-doubt.  Shrugging them off, embracing a growth mindset, and persevering on our chosen path leads to rich rewards.

This will not be my last mountain. Rather, it feels like a first. In life and in leadership, it is easy for challenges to appear insurmountable at first glance. But the mountain's lessons remind me of our vast, often untapped potential. By recognizing that our mental barriers constrain us more than our actual capabilities, by taking small, consistent steps towards our goals, and by choosing positivity in the face of adversity, we can achieve the seemingly impossible. Our example of perseverance can be truly transformative for those we love and lead. Whether scaling a physical peak or tackling a daunting project at work, the principles remain constant: trust in your capacity to overcome, embrace the journey, and keep moving forward, as slow as necessary. In doing so, we not only reach our summits but also inspire and empower others to conquer theirs. The view from the top is always worth the climb.

With love, gratitude, and wonder,

Jacquelyn

P.S. Thank you to everyone who texted, called, donated, encouraged, supported, and prayed. We could not have done it without you!