The Altitude of insight: Corporate wisdom from the wild

From Boardroom to Basecamp: 9 Corporate Lessons from the Great Outdoors

Once upon a time, when we first suited up for youth sports, our parents weren’t expecting us to become pro athletes. They signed us up for skating, badminton, football, or gymnastics — not because we were naturals, but because they hoped we’d learn how to win graciously, lose with dignity, and stick with it when things got tough. Sure, sports were good exercise. But the real value lay in the life lessons.

As we grew older, recess faded into memory — and so did the idea that sports could transcend fitness. We began measuring progress by muscle mass or the numbers on a scale, forgetting that sports also build character, emotional resilience, and strategic thinking.

Whether it’s football, scuba diving, or cross-country cycling, outdoor pursuits reinforce traits like respect, responsibility, persistence, risk-taking, and self-discipline. These qualities don’t just make us better athletes — they make us better professionals. Below are nine lessons I’ve learned from the field that have helped me thrive in the corporate world.

1️⃣ Prepare, Prepare — and Be Aware

Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or navigating a volatile market, preparation and awareness are your lifelines. In extreme sports like scuba or skydiving, your survival depends on anticipating change and reacting swiftly. The same applies to business — success isn’t just about mastering one skill, but about adapting to shifting environments and preparing for multiple scenarios.

Flexibility isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

2️⃣ Sometimes You Have to Move Backwards to Move Forward

On Mount Everest, climbers often ascend to 20,000 feet only to descend again for acclimatization. It feels like regression, but it’s actually progress. In my own career, I aspired to lead operations at Dell International. Instead, I landed in analytics — crunching data, building strategic outputs, and learning the business inside out. That detour laid the foundation for the leadership role I eventually earned.

Progress isn’t always linear. Sometimes the scenic route builds the strongest foundation.

3️⃣ Assemble a Team of People with Big Egos

My college football coach, Brian D’Costa, taught me this: you want teammates who know they’re good — and who are proud to be part of something bigger than themselves. In the corporate world, I look for people with “team ego” — those who prioritize collective success over personal glory.

Confidence fuels performance. Humility fuels collaboration.

4️⃣ Solidify Relationships Before You Need Them

In scuba diving, rescues often happen because someone knows the diver in danger. Relationships matter. In business, too, your network can be your safety net. Build connections before you need them — they might just save your career, or your life.

Trust isn’t built in crisis. It’s built in consistency.

5️⃣ Complacency Is the Devil

During a dive, I once felt myself sinking uncontrollably. A disconnected hose, a failed inflator — and suddenly, I was in danger. The lesson? Never assume you’re safe. Practice your skills, even if you think you’re a pro. In business, too, staying sharp is non-negotiable.

Fear keeps you alert. Complacency puts you at risk.

6️⃣ Sometimes Weaknesses Can Be Strengths

In a 450 km cycling event, I trained hard — but was still the slowest. I feared I’d drag the team down. But I noticed my strength on mountainous terrain, while others excelled on plains. We restructured our strategy, and my weakness became an asset.

Leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about positioning people where they thrive.

7️⃣ Sometimes You Have to Break the Rules

Private Channing Moss survived a live grenade injury because his team broke protocol to save him. In business, too, rigid rules can stifle judgment. If your decision is morally sound and benefits the team or customer — trust your instincts.

Rules are guides, not shackles. Courage lies in knowing when to bend them.

8️⃣ Set a Good Example

Before a skydive, fear is palpable. But as a leader, you can’t expect your team to endure what you won’t. You jump first. You show up. You lead by example.

Leadership isn’t about comfort. It’s about courage.

9️⃣ Failure Is Good

During a skydive in Thailand, my harness broke mid-air. Thanks to my instructor, I was safely strapped into a backup. That experience — and countless others — taught me that failure isn’t the enemy. It’s the teacher. Every fall builds better systems, stronger resolve, and deeper wisdom.

The best resumes have bruises. The best leaders have scars.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Adventure sports and corporate life may seem worlds apart, but they share a common thread: both demand resilience, adaptability, and heart. Whether you’re scaling a mountain or navigating a boardroom, the lessons are the same — prepare well, trust your team, embrace discomfort, and never stop learning.

So go ahead — suit up, dive in, and lead with purpose. The field and the boardroom are just two sides of the same game.