Leadership isn’t just a title, it’s a climb.
In a recent episode of The Leadership Toolkit, Mike Phillips sat down with John Donnelly, a seasoned business leader who made the bold choice to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. But this wasn’t just a bucket list item it was a deeply personal and transformative leadership challenge. His story is more than a travelogue; it’s a masterclass in mindset, commitment, and what it really takes to lead from the front.
The Summit Is Earned, Not Given
Too often in leadership, people want the “view from the top” without the climb. John’s Kilimanjaro journey began long before he stepped foot on the trail it started with a public declaration. He told the world what he planned to do, and from that moment, accountability became his daily training partner.
This idea, committing out loud, is one of the most powerful tools leaders have. When you tell your team, your clients, or even yourself what you’re going to do, you shift from wishful thinking to intentional action. You invite pressure, but also support. You put your stake in the ground.
Preparing for the Climb: Leadership Requires Training
No one wakes up ready to climb Kilimanjaro. It takes endurance, consistency, and preparation — the same qualities that define strong leadership.
John highlighted how every training session, every early morning walk, and every dietary choice wasn’t just about getting fit it was about discipline. Leaders must train like athletes. We must prepare ourselves mentally, emotionally, and physically for the weight of responsibility we carry. As John put it, “You don’t show up to summit day hoping to find your grit you pack it with you.”
The Oxygen Is Thinner at the Top
Success isn’t always comfortable. The higher you climb in leadership, the more isolated it can feel. There’s less oxygen. Fewer people. More pressure. There’s also clarity the kind that only comes with elevation.
John’s climb reminded us that the path to greater impact often gets harder before it gets easier. The conditions become harsher, the pace slower. But with vision, preparation, and a deep “why,” true leaders keep moving forward. Because they know what’s waiting above the clouds.
The Power of Perspective
Standing atop one of the world’s tallest freestanding mountains didn’t just give John a breathtaking view it gave him perspective.
He returned to his work and life with a renewed sense of purpose, humility, and appreciation. He reminded us that leadership is just as much about looking back and lifting others up as it is about moving forward. True leaders summit so they can guide others to do the same.
John Donnelly’s journey to the top of Kilimanjaro was not just a personal milestone — it was a metaphor for transformational leadership. His story challenges us to think bigger, train harder, and commit deeper.
So here’s the real question:
What’s your mountain?
Are you preparing for it, or just admiring it from afar?
Whether you’re leading a team, launching a business, or trying to become a better version of yourself — don’t just set the goal. Say it out loud. Train like it matters. Climb with courage.
And when you reach your summit, don’t forget to look back and help someone else up.
Want more summit-worthy insights?
🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Leadership Toolkit featuring John Donnelly here:
👉 Spotify – Leadership Lessons from Climbing Kilimanjaro
🧭 Read more leadership reflections at MikePhillipsSpeaks.com