Recently, my husband and I walked the Camino de Santiago from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela—a journey of approximately 175 miles over two weeks.
What began as a physical challenge quickly became something far deeper. It stretched me physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. There were moments of pain, exhaustion, joy, and moments of uncertainty and moments of incredible clarity. And somewhere between the long walks, steep hills, unexpected detours, and meaningful conversations, I realized just how much this journey mirrored leadership—and life itself.
The Camino did not simply strengthen my body. It strengthened my perspective.
As I reflected on the experience, I found myself connecting so many moments on the trail to lessons I have learned throughout my leadership journey.
- Strategic Plan Matters—But Adaptability Matters More
Before starting the Camino, we had a plan. Distances were mapped out and daily goals established. But the Camino quickly reminded us that no matter how carefully we plan, unexpected things happen. Weather changes. Paths close. Feet blister. Energy shifts. Sometimes you simply realize the original plan no longer serves the moment. Leadership is no different. Strong organizations and strong leaders need vision and strategy, but they also need flexibility. The ability to innovate, pivot, and adapt is what allows growth to happen. Organizations that refuse to evolve eventually become stagnant.
- The Camino taught me that adaptability is not weakness—it is wisdom. Everything Takes Longer Than We Expect, even when you prepare well, journeys take time.
There were days I thought we would arrive much earlier than we did. Some stretches were harder than expected. Some hills seemed endless. And yet, step by step, progress still happened. In leadership, we often underestimate the time required to create meaningful change. We want immediate results, quick solutions, and rapid transformation. But sustainable growth takes patience, perseverance, and consistency.
The Camino reminded me that progress is still progress, even when it feels slower than planned.
- People Are Part of the Journey
One of the greatest joys of the Camino was the people I encountered along the way. Pilgrims from all over the world with different cultures, languages, stories, and perspectives, but every conversation carried an opportunity to learn. So often in life and leadership, people struggle to engage with those who are different from them. Differences can feel uncomfortable if we allow fear or assumptions to guide us. But growth happens when we remain open.
Great leaders understand the importance of listening, learning, and building connections across differences. The Camino reinforced for me that diversity is not an obstacle to overcome—it is a gift that enriches the journey.
- Communication Matters More Than We Realize
On the Camino, knowing some Spanish was incredibly helpful—thank goodness fror my husband. Communication mattered. Whether asking for directions, finding lodging, or simply connecting with others, the ability to communicate created opportunities and reduced barriers.
In addition, since I cannot see, I was very reliant on my husband for much of the journey to provide me verbal information for where to step (when navigating difficulty rocky areas, broken boardwalks, etc., as well as to provide me with information about the scenery around). I would not have been safe without his good communication and guidance. Leadership requires the same intentionality. Not everyone learns, processes, or communicates in the same way. Great leaders understand how to meet people where they are. They learn to communicate across different learning styles, communication preferences, personalities, and experiences.
Communication is not simply about speaking. It is about connecting.
- Positivity and Resilience Are Essential
Many people know me as someone who is deeply positive and optimistic. Throughout my life and career, I have worked to encourage and inspire others. But the Camino reminded me that sometimes we also have to encourage or push ourselves. There were difficult moments. Long days. Physical fatigue. Mental exhaustion. Moments where quitting would have been easier than continuing. But resilience is built in those moments.
A positive mindset does not mean pretending challenges do not exist. It means believing you can continue despite them. It means choosing hope, gratitude, and determination even when the path feels hard. That mindset changes everything.
- Leaders Must Be Problem-Solvers
The Camino is filled with logistics. Navigating routes. Managing schedules. Finding food and lodging. Adjusting plans. Solving unexpected problems along the way. Leadership is no different.
Challenges will arise. Obstacles are inevitable. The question is not whether problems will happen—the question is how we respond when they do. Effective leaders stay calm, think creatively, and continue moving forward. The Camino reinforced something I have long believed: problem-solving is not just a skill. It is a mindset.
- The Only Way to Reach your goal Is to Keep Going
Perhaps the greatest lesson of all was this: To get to the end, you simply have to keep going.
No matter the obstacles, the discomfort, the uncertainty. You just keep going–one step at a time. The Camino reminded me that leadership, growth, healing, purpose, and transformation are all journeys—not destinations. Some days feel inspiring. Some days feel exhausting. But every step matters, and often we are far stronger than we realize.
As I stood in Santiago de Compostela after completing those 175 miles, I felt gratitude more than anything else. Gratitude for the challenge. Gratitude for the lessons. Gratitude for the people. Gratitude for the reminder that growth happens when we are willing to keep walking forward—even when the road is difficult. Life and leadership both require courage.
Both require resilience, both require faith, and both remind us that incredible things happen when we refuse to stop moving forward.
Total Impact Partners 
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