“The “Big Adventure” – Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro” was the title of the event I was invited to attend last night. I was part of a crowd of other business executives. The featured speaker was the head of the local Big Brothers / Big Sisters of America who had just come back from leading a group of nineteen to the summit of Kilimanjaro. One of the nineteen climbers, a bank executive, joined in on the presentation to share his tales of the lasting impression that was left on him. Their quest was to raise a half million dollars for the non-profit. A noble cause. They went to help others. What this leader and his fellow climbers found on their ascent of the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world was something else. They found a life-long bond that they will forever share. Usually, fifty percent of groups like this do not make the summit. Many fall prey to elevation sickness. The lack of air takes a toll on the body and its functions. But at the base of the mountain this group made a commitment to each other. They committed that they would ALL make it, and they would have each other’s back to do so.
As the group traveled skyward a number in the group did indeed start to succumb to the effects of altitude sickness. Shortness of breath, Headaches, Fatigue, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Rapid heart rate, Insomnia, Confusion and Dizziness was experienced. Their leader was one of the hardest hit, despite being in great shape. Altitude sickness strikes indiscriminately – it doesn’t matter whether you’re an Olympian or reigning pie-eating champion, you could get hit. But something remarkable happened. The group became a band of brothers and sister, supporting their leader’s sheer willpower to move forward despite the challenges.
This spiritual journey took eight days. ALL nineteen of the climbers in the group remarkably made the summit. Both of our presenters swooned nostalgically over how life-changing and magical the summit was. They pointed out the teamwork and leadership lessons learned. They recounted with reverence their deep affection and gratitude for their guides and porters who shepherded them up the mountain with a calm quiet confidence.
Their Big Adventure was a first for them. An adventure of a lifetime that left a deep lasting impression. I was inspired by the presentation and made a commitment to have the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro be a future first for me. We’ll see. Would you ever consider a similar first?