Last year, during a conversation with my coach, he said something that struck a deep chord: “Bronwyn, it’s not getting to the top of the mountain that’s most important—it’s how you climb the path that matters.”
He used the metaphor of a mountain, which resonated with me deeply, given my love for hiking and the outdoors.
For much of my life, I’ve been focused on the “end” result—reaching the summit, so to speak. But in my drive to achieve, I’ve often trudged through difficult emotions, loathing myself along the way, pushing too hard, and, at times, unintentionally taking it out on those around me. I lost site of what really matters- the path along the way and how I was moving on the path.
One moment, in particular, still sticks with me. I was on a conference call with a major client—a global banking giant we’ll call “Jelly Bean Morgan.” As I prepared to present my portion of the discussion, one of my kids burst into my office, brimming with excitement to share some big, important news from school. Her energy filled the room, but instead of meeting her joy with love, I reacted with frustration. I glared, flung my arms in a fit, and made it clear she was not welcome in that moment. My message was loud and clear: the client mattered more than her.
Looking back, I cringe. I wish I had let go of my tight grip on control, embraced the moment, and even invited a little levity into that dry client call. Instead, I was so fixated on “looking good,” “getting somewhere,” and “getting it right” that I lost sight of what truly matters.
Reflecting on this, I see the same struggle in the teams and leaders I work with. Many managers operate from a Command-and-Control style simply because they don’t know any other way. They weren’t taught how to lead with awareness of how they are showing up on the path with intention, so they default to what they think works. Sure, they might get to the top, but the journey is more challenging than it needs to be—for them and their teams.
So, what’s the alternative? Can we embrace the climb itself—the process of getting to where we want to be—as the most essential part? The answer is a resounding yes. And it starts with becoming more conscious, intentional, and self-aware as leaders and human beings.
This shift isn’t just theoretical—it’s actionable. It’s about pausing in the heat of the moment to ask yourself:
Am I reacting out of stress or fear?
What’s the most aligned and thoughtful response I can choose here?
Every moment is an opportunity to climb differently. To build stronger connections. To lead with curiosity and compassion. Focus on the people and experiences that matter most—not just the outcome.
I invite you to take a moment today and reflect: How are you climbing? Are you rushing to the top or making the journey meaningful for yourself and those around you?
Let’s climb with intention. Together, we can rewrite what success looks like—because it’s not just about getting there. It’s about how we get there that truly defines us.
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