Business Growth and Success Lessons From An Alaskan Hike

Last week, I found myself in Alaska to kick off the Alaska Realtors Annual Convention with the opening keynote. It was a far cry from the beautiful chaos of Los Angeles, and I took advantage of the opportunity to arrive a few days early. My goal was simple—disconnect from tech and use nature as a reset button. I stayed in Alyeska, nestled right in the heart of the Chugach National Forest, with the North Face Trail, one of the top-rated hikes on AllTrails, right outside my window. I knew I had to take it on. Little did I know, that the hike would remind me of many lessons on the path of personal and business growth.

1. Take It One Step at a Time

Standing at the base, I looked up at the steep trail winding to the summit. My first thought? “I can probably make it up, but there’s no way I’m getting back down safely.” If you hike you know that the incline is actually many times safer and easier than the decline.  I felt a little overwhelmed, but also excited by the path ahead. It’s a feeling we all know too well—whether we’re looking at a huge project at work or a significant personal goal, the sheer size of it can feel daunting. But this hike reminded me that it’s not about getting to the top in one giant leap. It’s about focusing on what’s right in front of you in the present moment. Every small action builds momentum, and before you know it, you might be much closer to the goal than you imagined. In life and business, growth happens the same way. It’s the accumulation of tiny, consistent steps that create meaningful progress.

2. The Path Can Be Messy

As the incline became steeper I noticed the trail zig-zagged in all directions—these were the switchbacks I’d read about but hadn’t really understood until I was on them. I realized then that the path to the top is rarely straightforward. It’s filled with twists, turns, and unexpected changes in direction. This is a lot like the road to business growth. It’s easy to think we’ll move in a linear fashion from point A to point B, but real growth is often messy. It’s filled with setbacks and changes in plans. A 5 year business plan in today’s world of work can become irrelevant overnight. Learning to navigate these switchbacks—both on the trail and in life—is key. It’s not about resisting the messy parts but fully accepting and embracing them, knowing they’re part of the journey to the summit.

3. Embrace Rest as Rebellion

Halfway up, I found myself lying down on the trail, staring up at the sky. This is something you just can’t do on a crowded LA city hike. In our culture of hustle and grind, taking a break feels almost rebellious. But I’ve learned that these moments of rest are crucial. They’re not signs of weakness or laziness—they’re essential for sustainable growth. Rest allows us to recharge, gain perspective, and come back stronger. It’s about working smarter, not harder. Whether you’re on a challenging hike or navigating your career, remember that rest is not the enemy of growth. It’s a powerful tool that enables it.

4. The Summit Isn’t Always What We Think It Will Be

Finally reaching the top, I was expecting a moment of silence and solitude to reflect on the journey. Instead, on the other side I found a ski chalet blasting commercial music and a tourist outlook. It wasn’t the serene experience I had envisioned. In the moment I couldn’t do anything but laugh. It was a reminder that the summit—the achievement, the milestone, the success—isn’t always what we dream it will be. The destination can sometimes feel underwhelming, but that’s okay because the real value is in the presence we deploy on the climb. The growth, the lessons, and the resilience we build on the way up are what truly matter. Obviously, we are trying to drive profits and results, but it’s the depth of presence on that journey, that’s the determining factor in what manifests externally.

5. Be of Service and Stay Open

I started speaking to help people, but so far this year it’s taken me to some epic places I don’t know if I would have otherwise traveled to. Alaska and Banff are a couple of them. Growth happens when we remain open to the unknown, to the unexpected, and to the people and places that cross our path. This hike reminded me that when we be of service and stay true to our purpose that relationships, experiences and accomplishments can unfold greater than we planned.

Wrap Up: Growth is the Journey

This hike in Alaska was a powerful reminder that business growth and success aren’t just about reaching the summit—they’re about the presence we bring to the journey. It’s about being fully engaged, adapting to challenges, and taking time to reflect and recharge. The more present we are, the more we can see opportunities, make better decisions, and connect with those around us. This reminded me that climbing my own mountains requires being present in every step.