We talk a lot about resilience in workshops, wellbeing plans, and leadership programs, but what does it actually look like when things go wrong? Well, as we all know, the highs and lows are the parts of life we recall the most, because they make the strongest emotions and memories. A lot of these memories we call ‘adventures’.
A couple of weeks ago, we had one of our newest corporate events: a private Hike the Night for a group of property industry executives raising funds for youth homelessness. It was a meaningful, challenging, and boundary-pushing experience. We were fully confident because we’ve run this event many times before and know how to support people on this trail overnight, especially when people start to get tired, sore, or just ready for the end! But we were also confident because we have built an ethos that is dynamic and surrounded by supporters.
Adrian hurt his knee last week, scrapping a big race he’d been preparing months for. Then in true “when it rains, it pours” fashion, he threw his back out at a family dinner on the Thursday night before the event. One twist while bending to the oven, and ba. On the floor, unable to move. Really puts our health in perspective and makes us grateful for what we have right now! With both a knee and back out of action, there was no way he could lead the weekend.
Usually, I’d step in. But I was in the final stretch of submitting my master’s thesis and systematic review, with a looming flight to the UK coming up and new staff onboarding. Basically, we knew it was going to be a few weeks of full steam ahead for both of us.
Enter the magic: Kelly jumped in with operations, quickly arranging new transport logistics. Andrew, our amazing staff member, offered to help lead alongside Chris. Brett, Adrian’s brother and loyal backup, jumped in too. We packed vans, sorted catering, confirmed with the client, and had everything ready. But just as the team set off, Murphy’s law stepped up the game. While adjusting a table in the back of the van, it slid out and sliced open Andrew’s lower leg, meaning he was straight to ER to get stitches. Definitely no hiking for him.
Down to the wire now, no time for replacements. No more backup plans. Just Chris and Brett working throughout the night to deliver an excellent event with experience, confidence, and teamwork. The clients were incredible by understanding our predicament, working collaboratively with us, and still remaining grateful for the opportunity they were being given.
So here I am, with my morning coffee, full of gratitude while reflecting on this experience. Although you can learn about it, resilience isn’t something you can achieve in a workshop. It is breathing exercises, mindset, adapting, emotionally learning, but just as much… Resilience is people.
It’s being able to lean into your circle. It’s knowing who will step up. And it’s accepting that not everyone needs to. We all have different strengths, and that’s what makes a team work, and allows us to shine through when it’s needed. So a huge thank you has to go to all our staff, guides, and our amazing client group. Thank you for adapting, being reliable, and trusting us. To those reading: resilience starts with the people you put around you.
Don’t forget that our annual Hike the Night event is coming up in November and we’re looking to beat our previous record of adventurers on the trail in one night. Come and see firsthand why our community is so wonderful and let a unique experience in nature fill your cup. Find out more HERE.
