“Aren’t you scared?”
This was the question posed by a fellow hiker as I explored a mountain trail in Banff National Park alone, with only bear spray and my voice to announce my presence to any wildlife that might cross my path.
I laughed and admitted to this tall, young male hiker and his friend — who appeared to my 5’4”, 51-year-old self to have no reason to even consider fear — that I was afraid at first, but my focus quickly shifted from fear to the incredible experience.
His question made me reflect on how many of us are taught to be scared—and how that fear might stop us from having some of the most profound experiences.
The Spontaneous Extension
My mountain adventure wasn’t exactly planned. Following a successful board strategy session at a client’s World Risk and Insurance Economics Congress that our team led in Calgary, I was inspired by a board member’s mountaintop selfie. My spouse and team members encouraged me: when would I next be near the Canadian Rockies?
I decided—after just 20 minutes of incredibly lucky planning and testing the feasibility of the idea—to extend my trip by four days. Car rental, affordable accommodation near Banff during peak season, rescheduled flight: the stars aligned for what my spouse called a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” He also reminded me that, having spent most of our lives in the Midwest U.S., we are not “mountain people”- or “be careful.”
My days followed a rhythm: early morning hikes, work from my rental unit kitchen table, evening trails. On my final morning, I executed a precise schedule—4:30 a.m. wake-up, hiking in darkness, returning by 8:30 a.m. for two client meetings before my drive to the airport.
The Organizational Courage Parallel
This experience illuminated something I see repeatedly in my work with association boards and public sector leaders: the organizations that thrive are those with engaged leaders who are willing to venture beyond their comfort zones.
Many organizations, like many individuals, are taught to be scared. Scared of change. Scared of bold strategic moves. Scared of trying something different than what has “always worked.”
But just as my mountain experience required preparation, the right tools, careful planning, and—let’s be honest, some good fortune—organizational courage isn’t reckless; it’s strategic boldness supported by solid systems and engaged leaders.
Building Strategic Confidence
At MHQ, we’ve learned that breakthrough moments often come when boards are willing to explore uncharted territory. That Calgary strategy session I mentioned? The board initially wanted to “keep things steady.” Our unique 60-minute Strategy Session process helped them discover revolutionary goals that could completely transform their impact. One member called it “the most efficient strategic planning session” she’d ever experienced.
The View from Here
Looking back on those mountain mornings, what strikes me isn’t the fear I initially felt, but the exhilaration that replaced it. The same applies to organizational leadership.
The most profound growth—personal and organizational—often waits just beyond our comfort zone, requiring not recklessness but strategic risk-taking supported by preparation and the right partnerships.
What mountain is your organization ready to climb?
About MHQ
Driven by the vision of a thriving, vibrant community, MHQ is a woman-owned, world-class management company that delivers customized services. Founded in 2013, MHQ has provided association management services since its inception, as well as infrastructure to organizations in a range of industries. We serve professional and trade associations, as well as government and public sector entities. For more about MHQ, visit https://www.management-hq.com/.
