What does it take to climb a 5,604m volcano in the world’s highest and driest desert?

Endurance. Stubbornness. Mental strength.

And the feeling after having made it to the top? Exhilaration with a bit of shortness of breath.

That’s how I’d describe my climb to Cerro Toco in the Atacama Desert in Chile. It was a tough hike at -5°C temperatures, oxygen levels at 11%, and 60 km/h winds. It was exhausting to take even a few steps at that altitude, and I had not prepared for it except for having acclimatized myself with hikes at lower altitudes the previous two days. I almost gave up, thrice. I felt pain in muscles I didn’t know existed.

I learned of Cerro Toco while planning a vacation to Atacama. Until then, I had only heard of Atacama's connection to astronomy and its otherworldly terrain because of …..(marketing alert)……an ad campaign we shot there. (Ad with Keanu Reeves)

The blogs I read said Cerro Toco offered great views of the desert but it was not for the faint-hearted. I wasn’t sure I could handle the altitude but decided to test myself out with acclimatization hikes at 3500m and 4500m the previous two days.

After I completed the first two hikes comfortably, my guide encouraged me to scale Cerro Toco. For reasonably fit individuals, the hike takes about four hours: two and a half hours uphill, a brief summit break, and forty minutes to descend. Still, I questioned myself, “What if I’m not fit enough?” That self-doubt is common in adventure travel—and in life. Despite being reasonably active myself, I’ve always been inspired by my friends, many of whom frequently run marathons, participate in triathlons, do Everest base camps, or seek adrenaline through challenging hikes…I don't do any..

The climb was relentless. Each step, battered by wind and depleted oxygen, tested my willpower. My mind played tricks: “Should I turn back? I can’t do this.” But deep down, I knew stopping wasn’t an option—that is not me.

When I finally reached the summit, emotions overwhelmed me. It was the most physically intense three hours of my life. But standing at the summit wasn’t about physical endurance alone— I will give it to my mental strength, stubborn determination, and refusal to give up.

This adventure tested my limits but it also reminded me of some of the challenges we face in leadership every day.

1. Mental Strength Trumps Circumstance

The hike was hard, but my mind kept me going when my body wanted to quit. In leadership, resources are often scarce, timelines tight, and paths unclear. Success lies in cultivating resilience—moving forward one small step at a time.

2. Stubbornness Can Be a Strength

As leaders, we’re often told to be adaptable. Still, holding onto a goal with unwavering commitment sometimes makes the difference. Even when I felt overwhelmed, my refusal to quit I think, mirrors the persistence required to drive teams through tough times. Stubbornness, when aligned with purpose, can be a critical leadership skill.

3. Success Is Never Solo

Though I climbed alone, I leaned on my guide, Thomas, whose experience, preparation, and encouragement were invaluable. 

He made a BIG difference. In leadership, no one truly succeeds alone. Surrounding yourself with a strong team, having a coach/mentor, listening to other’s experiences, and drawing on shared wisdom is essential for achieving big goals.

When I finally stood at the top, exhausted but triumphant, it hit me: Reaching the summit wasn’t just about the mountain—it was about proving to myself I could persevere. Leadership, too, is about embracing challenges that push us to grow, adapt, and inspire others.

The next time you face an uphill battle—whether it’s a literal climb or a tough business decision—remember: it’s not just your skills or experience that will get you through. The mindset you bring and your refusal to give up honestly define success—at least it did for me.

PS: And on a totally different note, what are the chances of bumping into an Indian that too from Kerala (where I was born) during that climb….