Blog Post #1: The Trek That Brought Me Back

There’s something about being deep in nature where there are no meetings, no noise, just the crunch of gravel underfoot and the rhythm of your own breath (or gasping for air at times) that brings everything into sharper focus.

For me, joy has always come from two places: being in nature and helping others grow into their best selves. But somewhere along the way, as I climbed higher in my career, I drifted further from that sense of purpose. The higher I rose, the further I got from the direct work of developing people and the more consumed I became with managing the fallout of broken systems and burned-out staff.

What I saw, repeatedly, were leaders and employees struggling, not because they lacked skill or passion but because they lacked support. The world has changed dramatically in recent years. People’s values have shifted. What they need from work, from leadership, and from life is different now. But most organizations haven’t evolved fast enough to meet those needs.

That realization hit me hard while on my first solo trek through the Sierra Nevada mountains. As I climbed higher into the alpine air, I felt my thoughts clear and my purpose return. What if I didn’t have to choose between leadership development and the outdoors? What if blending the two was exactly what today’s leaders need?

That internal dialogue echoed with each step:
Why can’t we teach leadership differently? Why can’t growth feel more human? What if pushing our bodies could unlock the clarity we’ve been searching for in our minds?

Because here's what I realized: when we step outside of our day-to-day routines and comfort zones, when we hike steep trails on the edge, paddle unknown choppy waters, or cook beside strangers, we are stretched in ways that challenge us mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s in those moments that our true nature reveals itself. We get to observe how we react to uncertainty, how we show up under stress, and what strengths or habits rise to the surface. That self-awareness is powerful and it becomes the foundation for developing the leadership skills we need to guide others with authenticity, resilience, and courage.

By the time I came down from that mountain, the idea had crystallized. NorthTrek Consulting was born, not just as a business, but as a return to what lights me up: guiding others toward growth, renewal, and meaningful leadership through nature-based experiences.

The name NorthTrek was born from a deep belief that leadership and growth are both a journey and a direction.

I chose “North” because in business and in life, we all need a North Star, a clear and guiding purpose that aligns our actions and keeps us focused when things feel uncertain. Just like navigating in the wilderness, when you're lost, you look to the North Star to reorient and move forward with intention.

“Trek” speaks to the nature of the journey itself, true leadership development isn’t easy. It’s often strenuous, unpredictable, and deeply transformative. The word “trek” reflects the resilience, grit, and reflection required to grow, whether on the trail or in the boardroom.

Together, NorthTrek Consulting represents a leadership path guided by purpose, shaped by challenge, and grounded in nature.

This is the beginning of something new. Something rooted in connection, movement, and reflection. And I’m inviting you to join me on the trek because I believe the path to better leadership starts by getting grounded in who we really are.

I used to tell my daughter every day at school drop-off and reminded her again recently as she is preparing to set off for New York City, “Remember who you are!” It was my way of telling her to stay grounded in her values and not let difficult moments change who she is at her core. As leaders, we need that same reminder. I know I did and it’s what ultimately brought me back to this path. I am thankful for this moment and look forward to this trek with you!