The Best Travel Books for Business Leaders
In the ever-evolving terrain of the professional world, a mindset rooted in curiosity and an unwavering desire for growth can make all the difference. Traditional paths are giving way to a more fluid and exploratory approach, where the trajectory is not just upward but also takes unexpected turns, leading to unforeseen opportunities. To thrive in this environment, one must embrace the mindset of an explorer, always seeking new horizons and being open to the endless possibilities that lie ahead. This is more than a list of recommended reads; it's a call to action for those who dare to embark on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth.
On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mt. Everest and Other Extreme Environments by Alison Levine
This polar explorer and team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition knows a thing or 9 million about leadership. In On the Edge, Alison Levine recounts her daring expeditions to some of the world's highest peaks, including Mount Everest. In doing so, she provides readers with an intimate look into the physical and mental endurance required to climb these formidable mountains and the profound lessons she learned along the way. As a woman in a predominantly male environment, Levine also reflects on the gender barriers she encountered and how she broke through them with determination and resilience.
From these experiences, Levine imparts valuable leadership lessons applicable to adventure, personal, and business settings.
Polar Exposure: An All-Women’s Expedition to the North Pole by Felicity Aston
When Felicity Aston, an intrepid British explorer, threw out a call for a crew of women with just a smidgen of experience (or less) and a bold spirit ready to reach the North Pole, she got herself quite the surprise – more than a thousand brave souls answered the call.
Throughout the book, Aston highlights the strength, resilience, and camaraderie that emerges among the 10-woman-team as they navigate the treacherous terrain and face the extreme weather conditions of the polar wilderness. Their collective determination and unwavering support for one another propel them forward, overcoming physical and mental obstacles.
Polar Exposure differs from other travel memoirs in that each of these adventurers shares her own narrative, serving up a piece of the puzzle. In total, I found it to be a phenomenal meditation on teamwork, personality and skills assessment, empathy, and all of the traits that help one work well within a group, and—in Felicity’s case—to lead one.
The Adventure Gap: Changing the Face of the Outdoors by James Edward Mills
Leaders understand the need to address systemic issues. In The Adventure Gap, James Mills shares the disparities and underrepresentation of people of color in outdoor activities not solely due to lack of interest or capability but rooted in historical and systemic barriers. Mills highlights inspiring individuals (who history hasn’t highlighted enough) who have broken barriers and created opportunities for marginalized communities to access and thrive in outdoor spaces.
While The Adventure Gap is essential reading for outdoor enthusiasts, advocates for social justice, and anyone interested in building a more inclusive and diverse outdoor community, it challenges us all to confront the inequalities that persist in every industry.
Life Lessons from Explorers by Felicity Aston
For a more direct assessment of traits and actions taken by explorers that you can learn from, British explorer and author Felicity Aston presents, Lessons from Explorers. This value-packed read collects 15 of the most highly prized traits shared by “those who have scaled mountains and traversed tundras,” proposing how these could be applied to your own life—no matter your obstacle. Compelling accounts of the life and times of celebrated and lesser-known explorers highlight when they have displayed these traits and the outcomes of their efforts.
Aston is one of the foremost voices in exploration today, and Life Lessons from Explorers is the perfect companion to her adventure narratives.
Planetwalker: 17 Years of Silence. 22 Years of Walking by John Francis
Real leaders listen. That’s what John Francis learned over 22 years of walking and 17 years of silence. It began as a silent environmental protest, but as a young African-American man walking across the country in the early 1970s, his idea of "the environment" expanded beyond concern about pollution and loss of habitat to include how we humans treat each other and how we can better communicate and work together to benefit the earth.
Through his silence and walking, he learned to listen. Along the way—while silent—he earned college and graduate degrees in science and environmental studies. “Part of the mystery of walking is that the destination is inside us, and we really don't know when we arrive until we arrive.”
The Camino Way: Lessons in Leadership from a Walk Across Spain by Victor Prince
The Camino Way breaks away from conventional travel accounts by merging Victor Prince’s transformative expedition across Spain with profound leadership revelations. The narrative follows a pilgrimage along the ancient Camino de Santiago, offering readers a distinctive perspective on leadership, self-discovery, and resilience in over 500 miles of travel.
Through Prince’s struggles and eventual triumph, readers witness a narrative that mirrors the resilience demanded in leadership roles. The harsh terrain and unpredictable weather are certainly a compelling backdrop for overcoming adversity.
Central to the story is the camaraderie forged among fellow pilgrims, illustrating the potency of collaboration and shared purpose. There are also solitary moments for introspection and self-discovery, allowing readers to pause and reflect on their individual leadership journeys.
Think Like a Horse by Grant Golliher
Grant Golliher, an esteemed figure in the world of horsemanship, brings a wealth of experience to Think Like a Horse. While not a travel narrative like the rest of the books on this list, Grant paints a nice picture of life in Wyoming, and The Great Diamond Ranch.
The book begins with Golliher's exploration of the horse's innate nature, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mindset that aligns with the equine perspective. Empathy! The parallels between horses and people only grow from there. Readers will learn the concept of herd dynamics, shedding light on how comprehending social structures among horses can enhance our ability to connect with and train them effectively. Golliher's anecdotes from his own experiences with horses bring authenticity and depth to these discussions, making them accessible and relatable for readers.
This classic adventure narrative chronicles Heyerdahl's audacious 1947 expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft, the Kon-Tiki. The Norwegian explorer aimed to prove his theory that pre-Columbian South American societies could have populated the Polynesian islands. What unfolds is a gripping tale of determination, courage, and resilience as Heyerdahl and his crew face the unpredictable challenges of the open sea.
For readers seeking to refine their professional and leadership capabilities, Kon-Tiki offers several key takeaways: Daring to think outside the box in the pursuit of professional goals, meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate uncertainties, the significance of effective communication and collaboration within a team. The journey shows the importance of shared commitment to a common goal, fostering teamwork, adaptability, and interpersonal skills that are also crucial in the professional realm.
If you want leadership lessons from a great explorer, this is a masterclass. Shackleton’s Way focuses on the behavior and actions of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the great early 20th-century explorer, and why he set among the greatest examples of leadership in history.
The way Morell and Capparell structure the leadership lessons while weaving in the incredible exploration narratives makes Shackleton’s Way a special read. From selecting people to setting an example to anticipating problems with multiple options, Shackleton’s misfortune in the Antarctic gives us modern readers incredible insights with which to address our everyday lives.
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