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If you're a business owner like me, I'm sure you'll agree that leadership, much like hiking, is a journey filled with peaks, valleys and unexpected detours.
In recent years, a growing number of entrepreneurs across the globe (myself included) have embraced walking and hiking as more than just a leisure activity; we see it as a cornerstone of our personal and professional growth.
Beyond the physical benefits, hiking offers an opportunity to connect with oneself, spark creativity and foster meaningful relationships.
I've already started the NetWalking initiative (more on that here), so I also wanted to show how other business leaders who hike are paving their fresh paths to success.
The Connection Between Leadership and Hiking
It’s no coincidence that some of the most innovative leaders turn to walking and hiking for inspiration.
Steve Jobs, the late co-founder of Apple, famously conducted walking meetings, believing that movement spurred creativity.
Similarly, Facebook's founder Mark Zuckerberg has been known to take his team for outdoor strolls when brainstorming ideas.
Walking is not merely a physical activity; it’s a mental reset and you don't have to be a billionaire CEO to learn that.
For leaders who are constantly pressured to make critical decisions, hiking offers a rare chance to pause and think deeply.
The act of moving forward step by step mirrors the patience, perseverance and problem-solving required in leadership.
Well-Being as the Foundation of Leadership
I'm sure you'll agree that at its core and regardless of the size of the business you run, leadership requires energy, focus and resilience.
One of the reasons I was so keen to get NetWalking off the ground is that hiking provides a holistic way to recharge these qualities.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves cognitive function and enhances overall well-being.
For business leaders, these benefits translate directly into better decision-making and improved team dynamics.
Take Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who often speaks about the importance of mindfulness and physical health.
Although not a hiker per se (at least as far as I can tell), Nadella emphasises the value of staying active and taking time to reflect; key principles that resonate with hiking enthusiasts like me.
Leaders who prioritise their mental and physical health through outdoor activities often find themselves better equipped to handle the challenges of their roles.
Stories from the Trail
Yvon Chouinard – Patagonia’s Pathfinder
Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, embodies the spirit of a leader who hikes. An avid climber and outdoorsman, Chouinard built his billion-dollar company around his passion for nature.
His time spent hiking and climbing influenced not only Patagonia’s eco-conscious ethos but also its innovative business practices. By immersing himself in the wilderness, Chouinard gained clarity on how to align his business with his personal values.
(Side note - I'd thoroughly recommend reading his book Let My People Go Surfing!)
Dame Fiona Reynolds – Advocacy on Foot
As a former director-general of the National Trust in the UK, Dame Fiona Reynolds is a passionate advocate for the power of walking.
Reynolds credits her frequent walks through the countryside with providing the inspiration to lead one of the UK’s largest charities. For her, walking was not just a break from the office but a vital tool for vision-setting and strategic thinking.
Rolf Potts – Finding Creativity in Motion
While not a conventional business leader, travel writer Rolf Potts exemplifies how walking and hiking fuel creativity.
Potts has penned books and essays while trekking through remote regions, proving that the physical act of walking can unlock new perspectives. For leaders in creative industries, hiking serves as a fertile ground for ideation.
Fostering Deeper Connections
Leadership isn’t just about self-improvement; it’s also about building relationships.
Hiking, with its shared challenges and natural setting, creates a unique space for authentic connection.
The absence of digital distractions allows for deeper conversations and mutual trust, qualities that are invaluable in business.
Whilst it's not the first of its kind by any stretch, the concept of “netwalking” (networking while walking) is exactly why I wanted to set it up and why it's perfect for people like you.
Leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide are swapping boardrooms for trailheads, using hikes as an opportunity to brainstorm, share ideas and foster collaboration.
This simple shift from sitting to walking transforms professional interactions into memorable, meaningful exchanges.
The Science Behind Success on the Trail
The benefits of walking and hiking are not just anecdotal; they are supported by science.
Research by Stanford University found that walking boosts creative output by an average of 60%.
Additionally, studies from the University of Michigan show that walking in nature improves memory and cognitive function by up to 20%.
These findings underscore why hiking is particularly beneficial for leaders who need to think strategically and innovate consistently, as we all do to keep ahead of the competition.
Practical Tips for Leaders Who Want to Hike
Start Small
You don’t need to climb Everest to reap the benefits of hiking. Begin with local trails or even urban parks. The key is consistency rather than intensity.
Combine Work with Walking
Follow in Steve Jobs’ footsteps by conducting walking meetings. These are particularly effective for one-on-one discussions or brainstorming sessions.
Create a Hiking Ritual
Many leaders use hiking as a weekly or monthly reset. Consciously block out time on your calendar and treat it as a non-negotiable appointment with yourself.
Bring Others Along
Whether it’s team-building hikes or networking events on the trail, involving others can deepen relationships and spark new ideas.
Stay Present
Use hiking as an opportunity to unplug. Resist the urge to check your phone or bring work-related distractions. Instead, focus on the experience and the insights it brings.
Transformative Testimonials
Tobias Lütke, Shopify CEO: Lütke has shared how stepping away from the screen and into nature allows him to think clearly about long-term strategies. He once said:
"Hiking forces me to slow down, which paradoxically speeds up my ability to solve problems".
Arianna Huffington, Founder of Thrive Global: Huffington often credits her walks in nature as a key part of her recovery from burnout. For her, walking is not just exercise but a spiritual practice that enhances her leadership.
Walking the Talk
Hiking teaches leaders invaluable lessons about adaptability, persistence and humility.
The unpredictability of the trail mirrors the challenges of the business world; both require preparation, resilience and a willingness to learn.
Leaders who hike don’t just talk about growth and innovation; they live it with every step.
Conclusion
"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers" - Psalm 1:1
In an age where leadership often feels tethered to screens and conference rooms, hiking offers a powerful counterbalance.
It reconnects leaders with themselves, their teams and the world around them.
Whether it’s a gentle walk in the park or a rugged trek through the mountains, the act of putting one foot in front of the other has the potential to transform not just individuals but entire organisations.
So, if you've been inspired to hit the trail, get ready to lace up your boots, sign up for one of our NetWalking events, and step into the fresh path of leadership.
Success, after all, is just a few steps away. #BelieveInSuccess
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I hope you enjoyed it. I'd love to know what you think. Have you taken up walking as a way to improve your mental and physical health? How do you think exercise can help you run your business? Have you signed up for a NetWalking event yet? I do hope you will. Let me know in the comments below.
If you think this post is a step in the right direction and you'd like to show your appreciation, please consider clicking the button below and buying me a virtual coffee. It might just keep me going on these cold mornings! Thank you.
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