Why Travel is the Best Education for Leaders
May 13, 2024
This year, I'm excited to introduce travel as a pivotal component of my offerings. I am hosting retreats for women in leadership in the stunning Queenstown and beautiful Byron Bay. Additionally, I'm thrilled to lead a tour exploring China, where we'll visit leading Chinese companies, historical sites, and modern wonders.
Looking ahead, I’m considering future destinations such as Portugal, New York, and Austin, Texas. Let me know of any amazing destinations you think we should explore and experience.
The Importance of Space for Leaders
Leaders today are seeking space. Increasing demands and complexity are leading to overwhelm and exhaustion. Many leaders aren't making space to think or rest, let alone investing in their development. Taking time out to focus on you is not just a luxury; it's a necessity.
Travel offers a unique blend of education and rejuvenation. It’s the perfect way to step back, reflect, and create capacity for what’s next.
The Role of Travel in Personal and Professional Growth
Travel has been the best education I could have ever asked for. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the rich tapestry of cultures around the world. This fascination has driven me to explore more than 75 countries. By the age of 30, I had already travelled through 43 nations, each offering unique insights and experiences.
It’s the capacity I gained through travelling that accelerated my corporate career.
Wandering and Wondering
I love wandering and wondering through the streets of villages and cities, observing, exploring, and just soaking in the experience. There’s something magical about losing yourself in a place, allowing your senses to absorb every detail and nuance. Whether it’s the vibrant markets of Marrakech or the quiet alleys of a small Italian village, each moment is a lesson in itself.
How Travel Enhances Leadership Skills
Accelerated Personal Development
Travel accelerates personal growth in ways few other experiences can. It provides concentrated opportunities to learn life lessons. Whether it’s navigating a bustling market in Istanbul, managing my emotions walking through Auschwitz, or finding serenity in the Italian Alps, each journey has taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and perspective.
Learning Under Pressure
Travel puts you in situations where you must think on your feet. I’ve learned a great deal about myself under pressure, honing my creative problem-solving skills and expanding my view of what’s possible. Getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of Cairo taught me the value of staying present and ingenuity. Resolving a dispute with a Polish rail conductor about my luggage's lack of a ticket stretched my negotiation skills.
Broadening Perspectives
Travel has significantly softened my view on what constitutes "the right way" to live and work. Exposure to multiple viewpoints on the same issue has enriched my understanding and fostered a more inclusive mindset. Whether discussing business strategies with executives in London or engaging in philosophical debates with locals in Athens, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives.
Transformative Experiences
When I take people away, I curate experiences. Often the destinations, such as Queenstown and Byron Bay, do a lot of the heavy lifting. My retreats help leaders feel clear, calm, and connected. My tours help leaders expand their perspective.
Visiting China or Japan can sometimes feel like you’re visiting the past or the future, offering a fascinating juxtaposition of history and modernity.
The Power of Travel in Leadership Development
For leaders, I believe strongly in the benefits of travel:
- Enhanced Cultural Competence: Understanding different cultural contexts is crucial in today’s globalised world.
- Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Dealing with unexpected challenges while travelling sharpens your ability to think creatively and strategically.
- Greater Empathy and Inclusivity: Meeting people from diverse backgrounds fosters empathy and a more inclusive leadership style.
Come Away With Me
Travel isn’t just about experiencing new places; it’s about making space for yourself to think, recharge, and grow. It’s an investment in your development as a leader and as a human being.
Take the time to focus on you—the lessons you learn will be invaluable and unforgettable.
