From Boardrooms to Base Camp: Leadership Lessons on the Path to Everest
– Sameera Khan, EMBA graduate of 2009
Let me tell you about the time I stood at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain, gazing up at its icy peaks, knowing I had made it. As I stood at Everest Base Camp, proudly displaying our company flag, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far I’ve come—not just in kilometers, but in personal growth. The lessons I’ve learned during my Executive MBA and in business have shaped me into the person I am today, and they will continue to guide me as I scale new heights in the future.
From Boardroom to Base Camp: The Start of the Journey
Born and raised in the UAE, my journey to Everest Base Camp was something I could have never imagined back when I joined our family business, Airmaster Equipments Emirates L.L.C., after earning my degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University. But life has a way of leading us to unexpected paths. When I joined SP Jain Global for my Executive MBA, I was simply looking to enhance my skills and grow within the business. I never imagined that those lessons in leadership, operations, and strategy would be my guide as I trekked over 65 kilometers to reach Everest Base Camp.
It all started during the pandemic. Like many, I found myself seeking new ways to stay active and sane. Trekking became a lifeline for me, a way to connect with nature and challenge myself. The real turning point came when a friend suggested we summit Mount Kilimanjaro. That experience planted the seed for a bigger goal—the Everest Base Camp.
But this wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a test of every skill I had acquired in my professional and personal life. As I trekked through the harsh terrain, battling high altitudes and fatigue, I often found myself reflecting on the lessons I learned at EMBA classroom.
Leadership on the Mountain: Lessons from EMBA
These key lessons—shaped by my time at SP Jain—helped me balance my roles as a leader, mother, and adventurer. Whether it’s summiting Everest Base Camp or managing a family business, resilience and teamwork make all the difference:
- Walk together as a team:
In business and on the trek, the goal is to finish together, not to compete. The team’s success mattered more than individual speed. - Lead from behind:
Much like the chief guide who walked behind the slowest trekker, I learned at SP Jain that leadership is about supporting your team, not being at the front. - Strategic decision-making matters:
Whether in business or on the mountain, decisions are made collectively. We respected every voice, even that of a young 15-year-old trekker, pushing forward with his input. - Respect your environment:
High altitudes tested our limits, much like the challenges in business test your resilience. I learned to respect the situation and adapt. - Stay humble:
Watching villagers carry heavy loads on their backs with limited resources was a humbling experience—one that reminded me to appreciate teamwork and community, both in business and life. - Listening skills and simple communication:
SP Jain taught me the power of listening and the importance of clear, simple communication. These skills were critical both on the trek and in managing the business, ensuring that everyone stays aligned.
Decision-Making on the Mountain: A Lesson in Strategy
One moment that really stuck with me was on the final day of our trek. We were faced with a tough decision: Should we push on through the night to reach Everest Base Camp, or should we rest and make the final stretch the next morning? As in business, there was no clear-cut majority vote. A 15-year-old trekker in our group was eager to continue, despite the exhaustion we all felt.
In that moment, I thought about the strategic decision-making frameworks I’d learnt as a management student. Sometimes, it’s not about the majority but about understanding individual perspectives and finding a way forward those respects everyone’s input. So, we listened to the young trekker, geared up, and made the push to base camp that night. And looking back, it was the right decision—because we worked as a team and respected every voice.
Operational Resilience: The Key to Survival
The skills I’ve gained managing my family business came in handy every step of the way during the trek. Running a business involves meticulous planning, managing resources, and ensuring smooth operations even in the face of challenges. It’s all about resilience—both operational and personal.
During my EMBA, I became particularly interested in operations management. We learned about SWOT analysis, supply chain management, and the importance of being a minimalist when it comes to resources. These same principles guided me during the trek. I had to ensure that my backpack was optimally packed light enough to carry, but with everything I needed for survival. Every day felt like conducting a business review: checking the terrain, the weather, and our physical condition to make the most informed decisions possible. Just as in business, I had to maintain my health and energy, knowing that any weakness could jeopardize the entire journey.
The Humbling Experience of the Mountains
If there’s one thing trekking in the Himalayas taught me, it’s humility. As we passed through villages high in the mountains, I was struck by how the local residents lived without the luxuries we take for granted. They don’t have cars, bikes, or even strollers for their children. Yet, they carry everything on their backs—babies, groceries, household items—through steep, cobbled paths. Their simplicity and happiness were a reminder that success isn’t measured by material things but by the joy and satisfaction we find in life’s journey.
It’s a lesson I carry into my work and my role as a mother. I involve my three children—ages 4, 11, and 15—in my business decisions, asking for their input, especially when it comes to customer satisfaction. I want them to understand the importance of communication and teamwork, just as I’ve learned to do at work and in life.
Reaching Everest: A Business Mindset on the Mountain
Reaching Everest Base Camp felt like the culmination of everything I’ve learned. It wasn’t just about physical endurance; it was about applying business principles to a completely different challenge. Just as I manage production bottlenecks and implement solutions in my business, I applied the same problem-solving mindset to the trek. From planning each day’s route to ensuring we had the right equipment; the entire journey was an exercise in strategic thinking and operational resilience.
As an EMBA student I learned that every challenge, whether in business or in life, is about preparation, perseverance, and adapting to the circumstances. Trekking to Everest was no different. Every step was a lesson in leadership, resilience, and the importance of walking together as a team.
Keep breathing, keep moving, and always aim higher. That’s the mantra that got me here—and it’s the one that will take me even further.
