From Trail to Trial to Triumph

From the desk of our CEO & Founder

What does navigating a remote volcanic crater have in common with leading through uncertainty?

On a recent adventure into Haleakalā, what started as a hiking trip became a masterclass in trust, adaptability, and shared leadership.

For anyone guiding teams through change—this story might resonate.

Stepping Into the Unknown

The day had finally arrived for our overnight hiking trip into Haleakalā, an extinct volcano on Maui—a first for me with an all-women’s group. Though my childhood camp memories weren’t exactly idyllic, I was drawn to the challenge: descending a 10,000ft crater with a team of adventurous women, all set for three days and two nights of hiking.

At the park headquarters, the rangers delivered two news bites: expect a blizzard forecast and, if we wanted warmth, we had to lug our own firewood—adding extra weight to our already burdened 40-liter packs. We were six, loosely connected by mutual admiration and a shared love for adventure. We naturally gravitated toward an ex-tour guide and a spirited 70-year-old, who knew these trails like the back of their hand to keep us on the right tracks. No WiFi or trail signs here—just pure, unfiltered nature.

Walking Alone, Together

The journey began on the lush hills at 10,000ft summit. Soon leaving all other visitors behind as we descended the 4,000ft to the crater floor, the terrain transformed into a stark, black desert of crater ash. The conversations that animated our start gradually faded with the challenging descent. As the pace slowed and each of us started to walk our own pace, one member mysteriously fell behind. Without hesitation, our wise 70-year-old volunteered to turn back and find her, demonstrating that leadership isn’t just about forging ahead—it’s about caring for your people.

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At times, we need to walk at our own pace, learning to navigate our own inner compass.

We decided to stop for a much-needed rest, shared water, food, and realized the need for catching our breath to acclimatize from the 4,000ft rapid descent. Finally, they re-appeared and together we continued on our journey through the barren, multicolored landscape.

The Power of an Aligned Team

At dusk, the cabin emerged like a mirage—a clean, inviting refuge with ample bunk beds. To my surprise, the women naturally organized themselves, intuitively knowing how to make an environment nurturing: beds were made, clothes hung on a spontaneously strung washing line, and a communal table was set with red wine, pasta bolognese, and salad. It wasn’t about one person doing it all; it was a spontaneous, collaborative celebration of our day’s completion. This was a nice, new revelation to me!

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Let go of control of how it has to look and be open to receiving other’s contributions.

Leading Through the Pivot

However, the day took an unexpected turn when we learned that our friend, whom the 70-year-old had fetched, decided not to continue the trek, but opted instead to return on her own the next morning. A moment of collective disbelief and disappointment put a damper on our moods. Our seasoned guide quickly took charge. She divorced our emotions from facts; by suggesting we assess the weather before deciding on our next move. With no real-time updates, we stepped outside into a surreal scene: a sky filled with a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of stars in the milky way, that thawed our anxious hearts which were exposed to freezing temperatures!

Ascending Together

At 4 am., after a rainy, restless night, we rose to confront a day of black clouds and fierce winds. We weighed the risk/reward of staying the 2nd day and trying to “beat the storm” by leaving early. But by 6 am., the light rain and fog, pushed the decision from too much risk (snow and high winds) for too little reward (no breathtaking views). We did need to head back to base. Packing up swiftly—leaving surplus wood for future visitors—we set off on a strenuous trek back. The high winds turning the crater ridges into a real challenge. I was struggling with that change in direction, as was our guide, when we looked back and a beautiful sunny sky started to reveal itself. We pushed on together, our pace quickening on an ascend that felt like eternity, united by determination, support and trust.

In the end, we didn’t complete the original two-night, three-day plan, but we returned safely, with smiles, camaraderie and a sense of achievement. Our journey was less about the destination and more about the way we navigated change together.

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Trade expectations for appreciation… then… let it go! It’ll transform your relationships!

The Right Call at the Right Time

They did close the park at 10 am the next day, which is a very rare event, so conditions became worse than even we imagined in our planning. We were lucky to have the weather improve steadily as we hiked out, but no one appeared to second guess the decision to go. That was the generous spirit of the group. Was this good luck rather than good judgement? Would we have had the sense to stay put the second morning, with little firewood and depleted food rather than try to get out? I think Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcanoes, took care of her women so instead we luxuriated back in our condos with hot showers!

Want to strengthen the leaders in your team?

The Kokua Hub Probe Program is a 3-month, high impact coaching experience - tailored to help your leaders walk their own pace, learning to navigate their own inner compass on the ever changing terrain.

Download the full program overview here.

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