Leadership Lessons from Climbing Kilimanjaro
What does climbing one of the tallest mountains in the world teach us about leadership? For John Donnelly, a high-performance sales leader and executive director at Service First Mortgage Company (SFMC), summiting Mount Kilimanjaro was more than just an adventure, it became a profound lesson in resilience, goal-setting, and personal growth. His story offers inspiration for leaders and individuals striving to overcome challenges both in business and life.
The Power of Taking Action
It all started with a book: The Twelve Hour Walk by Colin O’Brady. Inspired by its message, John didn’t just think about taking the walk; he acted on it immediately. The very next Saturday, he walked out his front door and embarked on a 12-hour journey, covering 30 miles and filling 17 pages with notes. His key takeaway? “You lose inspiration if you wait.” ~ John Donnelly
In a world where hesitation often leads to missed opportunities, John’s immediate action illustrates the importance of moving forward before overthinking sets in. Whether it’s committing to a big project, initiating a difficult conversation, or setting a personal goal, waiting too long can unravel the motivation to begin. Leaders, take note: when inspiration strikes, act on it.
Setting Big Goals and Sticking to Them
During that 12-hour walk, John decided to climb Mount Kilimanjaro—a dream he had quietly nurtured for years. This goal became his North Star, shaping his decisions and daily habits for the next year. From joining a gym and completing 113 workouts to changing his eating habits and losing 20 pounds, every action aligned with his vision.
John’s journey underscores the importance of setting clear, ambitious goals. When your vision is clear, even if you don’t have all the answers, the path forward becomes easier to navigate. As he puts it, “You don’t have to know everything to get there; you just figure it out and go.”
Overcoming Fear and Staying Resilient
One of the biggest obstacles to achieving any goal is fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, or fear of discomfort. John encountered all of these when preparing for Kilimanjaro. Yet, instead of letting fear hold him back, he used it as fuel to move forward. His advice? “Don’t let excuses stop you. Fear is often just false evidence appearing real.”
During the grueling summit night, climbing from 15,000 to 19,300 feet in eight hours, fear and exhaustion set in. Every step required immense focus and self-talk. But it was a seemingly small moment that kept him going: a conversation with his CEO, who said, “If you don’t make it, you don’t have to tell anyone.” Instead of discouraging him, this became his motivator to summit the mountain. “Screw that,” John thought. “I’m making it.”
🧰 Tools of the Trade: Top Takeaways You Can Use
John’s Kilimanjaro journey is packed with lessons for leaders, including:
- Go Back to the Basics: Pick up the phone, meet in person, and build real relationships. Tools are great, but human connection wins.
- Set Clear Goals: A big, audacious goal can serve as a guiding light, shaping your daily decisions and habits.
- Stay Teachable: No matter your experience, keep learning from others — especially younger voices and fresh ideas.
- Be Strategic with Your Time: Only invest time in connections that create mutual value. Not every meeting is worth it.
- ⭐ Help Others Find Their Path: If you’re struggling to find your own direction, focus on helping someone else achieve their goals. “Along the way, you’ll discover yours,” John advises.
The Ripple Effect of Inspiration
John’s journey didn’t just transform his own life, it inspired those around him. From gym trainers and colleagues to his friend Mark, who joined him on the climb, John’s actions had a ripple effect. Upon returning, he found himself being invited to share his story at city council meetings and even consider new adventures, like a leadership outreach program in Nepal.
“When you take bold action, you become more interesting,” John says. “People want to engage with you.” This newfound confidence and connection with others are testaments to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone and pursuing big dreams.
What’s Your Kilimanjaro?
John’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about guiding others, it’s about continuously challenging yourself, embracing growth, and staying resilient in the face of obstacles. Whether it’s climbing a literal mountain or navigating the figurative peaks and valleys of business, the lessons are the same: set bold goals, take action, and lean into the journey.
So, what’s your Kilimanjaro? What big, audacious goal will you set for yourself? And how will you take the first step toward achieving it?
Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to connect with John Donnelly on LinkedIn for more inspiration. You can also visit sfmc.com/playbig to learn more about his work and opportunities to join his team.
Until next time, stay inspired, take action, and never stop climbing! 🚀
Check out this full episode of The Leadership Toolkit podcast with John Donnelly on Spotify, my YouTube Channel, Or click to watch below.
Check out past episodes of The Leadership Toolkit on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform!
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Our host, Mike Phillips is a seasoned leadership educator and expert. He has a knack for extracting the most valuable insights from his guests. His passion for helping individuals reach their leadership potential shines through in every episode. Thank you for reading and watching. Please share this with someone who needs this message today!
