It’s 5 a.m., and I’m sitting alone, cross-legged in the dirt, 12 miles from the nearest road in a remote corner of the Anza Borrego Desert. I’m tired, sore, my fingers are freezing, and I’m questioning my life choices. As I look out over the ridge where I camped the night before, I had one thought on my mind: water.
I had a limited supply, and the next water source was still six miles away. The day before, I made a judgment call. The only water I’d come across was in a concrete cistern—a fancy way of saying a concrete hole in the ground. To get it, I’d have had to lie flat on my stomach, reach down into a dark hole, scoop up murky water, and remove any lizards that hitched a ride in the process. Even with a filter, I couldn’t see myself drinking it. Everyone has limits, so I passed it up.
Just a few miles later, I began to regret that decision. I could have taken the water as a backup and only used it in an emergency. But I didn’t. I made a call—and there were consequences. In the desert, you take whatever water you can find… and that was the first water I had seen in 16 miles.
That night, I didn’t make it as far as I wanted, so I adjusted my plan. I’d camp on the ridge, wake up at 5 a.m., and start hiking before the sun to beat the heat. My choice the day before cost me my morning coffee, a hot breakfast, and a couple of hours of sleep.
Reflecting on it now, I realize the experience wasn’t just a lesson in outdoor adventuring—it was a mirror of leadership challenges.
The parallels between outdoor adventures and professional leadership are clear. Whether navigating a desert or a complex business issue, the key is making decisions with the resources you have, staying aware of risks, and knowing when to pivot.
It’s a constant stream of challenges and opportunities. In the desert, a small mistake—like passing up water—can lead to discomfort or worse. In the supply chain, small missteps—like inaccurate forecasts or mismanaged inventory—can lead to stockouts, lost revenue, or worse.
You learn from the journey and the mistakes—adapting to the environment, taking risks when needed, and knowing that the perfect plan doesn’t exist. In both worlds, those who succeed are the ones who keep moving forward—adapting, learning, and leading.
That morning, I watched the sunrise as I trekked uphill and made it to the next water source safely.
So, whether you’re on the trail or in a meeting room, remember leadership is an adventure. The path may be uncertain, but the opportunity to grow, learn, and inspire others is always there.
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