There are few things in life that can simultaneously humble you and elevate you like climbing a mountain—especially one as iconic as Mt. Kilimanjaro. For me, summiting the highest peak in Africa wasn’t just about checking off a bucket list goal. It was a twenty-year-old dream… and ultimately, a masterclass in leadership.
Let me take you on the journey—one step at a time, Polepole (more on that in a minute).
Dusting Off a Dream
I first dreamed of climbing Kilimanjaro more than two decades ago. You know how those big dreams work—you take them out every now and then, admire them, maybe talk about them with a friend or two over a cup of coffee… then tuck them back away until “the right time.” Spoiler alert: the right time rarely announces itself.
But in 2024, the stars aligned. An opportunity to return to Africa appeared on my radar, and suddenly the dream was back on the table—this time for real. I booked the climb, trained, and planned like a man on a mission. And on March 12, 2025, at 7:30 AM, I stood on Uhuru Peak, 19,341 feet above sea level, at the top of Kilimanjaro.
It was the highest I’ve ever been—literally and metaphorically. But more than that, the mountain handed me a set of leadership lessons that every business owner should hear. Whether you’re scaling a peak or scaling your business, these lessons hold true.
A Mountain That Commands Respect
Kilimanjaro is not just a mountain—it’s a legend. A freestanding, snow-capped giant towering above the African plains. It’s also a test of willpower, preparation, and humility.
It’s not technical like Everest, but don’t let that fool you. Altitude sickness, fatigue, unpredictable weather—it’ll throw everything at you. And that’s what makes the climb so valuable. It mirrors the journey of entrepreneurship and leadership: uncertain, demanding, and incredibly rewarding.
Here’s what the mountain taught me…
1. “Polepole” – Go at Your Own Pace
In Swahili, “Polepole” means “slowly, slowly.” It’s the mantra of Kilimanjaro, and it’s the only way to climb.
On the mountain, if you rush, you burn out—or worse, your body rebels against the altitude. But if you move slowly, deliberately, and consistently, you’ll reach the summit.
Leadership Parallel: In business, we often get caught in hustle culture—thinking that faster is better. But real growth? It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon of consistent, thoughtful steps. It’s the principle of Kaizen—small, continuous improvements over time.
Want to be a stronger leader? Pace yourself. Burnout helps no one.
2. You Don’t Reach the Top Alone
Our summit crew consisted of 5 climbers, supported by 38 incredible team members: guides, porters, cooks, and assistant guides. Every person had a role. Every person mattered. And every single one of us made it to the top—including a 70-year-old Scotsman from Edinburgh who inspired us all.
Leadership Parallel: Jim Collins said it best—get the right people on the bus. A leader’s success is inseparable from the strength of their team. Whether you’re building a security team or a tech startup, every role—from CEO to overnight dispatcher—matters. Build a culture of contribution, and you’ll be amazed at how high your team can climb.
3. Plan with Precision—but Stay Agile
No one “accidentally” climbs Kilimanjaro. You need the right gear, the right nutrition, and a plan that accounts for variables like altitude, weather, and fatigue.
But here’s the key: the best guides adjust the plan as they go. One route may look good on paper but become dangerous in real-time. Flexibility is what turns planning into progress.
Leadership Parallel: In business, it’s great to have a detailed strategic plan—but don’t marry it. Markets shift. People leave. Challenges arise. A good leader has the humility to adapt without losing sight of the vision.
4. Start Early—Even if It’s Dark
Our summit push began at midnight, hiking in the dark with headlamps, inching up the slope under a blanket of stars. The goal? Reach the summit by sunrise.
Starting early gave us room to breathe—time to rest if needed, regroup if something went sideways. That midnight start wasn’t just strategic—it was essential.
Leadership Parallel: Don’t wait for perfect timing. Don’t let fear or procrastination stall you. Whether it’s launching a new service, hiring your next team member, or expanding to a new market—start early. And yes, sometimes the early hours are uncomfortable. Do it anyway.
Also, here’s an underrated truth: good sleep is a leadership skill. On the mountain and in business, nothing good happens when you’re running on fumes.
5. Accept Help When Offered
There were moments on the trail where a guide would offer me a hand, or a porter would offer to lighten my load. My default response? “I’ve got it.”
Sound familiar?
But I learned something powerful: refusing help doesn’t make you strong—it makes you slower.
Leadership Parallel: Too many business owners think asking for help is a weakness. In reality, delegating, collaborating, and allowing others to support you is one of the smartest things you can do. You’re not just receiving—you’re giving others a chance to lead.
6. Listen to Your Guide
There were moments when my instincts told me one thing, but my guide advised another. And trust me—on Kilimanjaro, ignoring your guide’s wisdom isn’t a cute mistake. It can be a dangerous one.
Leadership Parallel: If you’ve invested in a coach, mentor, or consultant, take their advice. Don’t hire experts just to ignore them. Great leaders listen to those who’ve already walked the path. You’ll avoid mistakes and find shortcuts to success you’d never discover alone.
Action Steps: What You Can Do Right Now
Here are six practical takeaways you can apply to your business today:
- Define Your Own Pace
Stop sprinting. Start making consistent, meaningful progress toward your goals. - Build the Right Team
Evaluate your crew. Do you have the right people in the right seats? If not—time to course correct. - Plan and Get Buy-In
Your business strategy should be shared, understood, and supported by your entire team. - Take Action Early
Stop waiting. Launch that idea. Make that call. Start climbing your own mountain. - Accept Help
Where are you saying “I’ve got it” when you should be saying “Thanks, I appreciate it”? Delegate! - Listen to Experts
If someone has been where you want to go, take notes. Trust the guide.
What’s Your Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro isn’t just a mountain—it’s a metaphor. It represents whatever “big thing” you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s scaling your company. Maybe it’s transitioning into a new industry. Maybe it’s taking a sabbatical or launching that dream side business.
Whatever your Kilimanjaro is, the journey starts the moment you say yes. Not when the timing is perfect. Not when you feel ready. But when you decide you’re willing to take the first step—and the next—and the next—Polepole.
At Delta Protective Services, We Go Above & Beyond
Our motto during the climb was: “Above & Beyond.”
That’s not just a catchphrase—it’s how we lead at Delta Protective Services. Whether it’s patrolling your property or protecting your people, we show up like it’s summit day—prepared, professional, and fully committed.
If you’re a business owner, facility manager, or property leader looking for a security partner that brings discipline, experience, and heart, we’re ready to climb with you.
Let’s go Above & Beyond—together.
👉 Call us at (209) 547-2980
👉 Visit DeltaProtectiveServices.com
👉 Get a team that climbs beside you—not behind you.
Final Footnote
At 58 years old, I stood at the highest point in Africa—Uhuru Peak—alongside a 70-year-old Scotsman, an all-star team of climbers, and an army of 38 support crew. Every one of us made it to the top. Not because we rushed. Not because we muscled through. But because we moved Polepole—together.
And that’s the best leadership lesson of all.