A Different Kind of Mountain Trip: Lessons in Regenerative Leadership

paul16708
Nov 6
3 min read

The sun setting over snowcapped Mountains in Mt Aspiring National Park

By Paul Nicholson

There are moments in life, and in leadership when something quietly shifts. A subtle awareness that the pace we’ve been keeping, the way we’ve been working, or the way we’ve been leading, might need to change.

For me, that shift has been about pace and priorities. About learning that looking after myself isn’t something to fit in around everything else, but something that actually shapes everything else.

I’ve spent much of my life in the mountains, both personally and professionally. They’ve been my proving ground: places to test limits, push harder, and see what I’m capable of. That drive for challenge and growth has always been part of my work too; helping teams and leaders step beyond comfort zones and experience the power of adventure.

But lately, something has changed...

The Quiet Side of Regenerative Leadership

Over the weekend, I headed into the hills with a mate. It was just an overnight trip, nothing epic. The snow was deep, the air sharp, and the rhythm of movement felt good. But this time, I wasn’t chasing anything. I wasn’t trying to conquer the mountain or prove a point. I was simply happy to be there.

When we finally set up camp, the quiet settled in. We melted snow for water, cooked dinner, and crawled into our sleeping bags- that satisfying simplicity of doing only what matters in the moment. Somewhere between the silence and the sun setting behind the mountains, it hit me just how much I needed this. Not just physically, but mentally. Maybe even spiritually.

That’s when I realised: regeneration is such an integral, important part of our growth. And in leadership, it’s no different.

The view from a tent, looking out over heavy snow. A camping stove and hiking poles in view

Beyond the Summit: Redefining Growth

Adventure has always been about challenge. For me it's been about stepping forward, taking risks, leaning into discomfort. But true growth isn’t only about pushing harder. It’s also about recovery, reflection, and renewal.

That’s what regenerative leadership is all about- creating the space to pause, refocus, and recharge, so we can lead from a place of clarity and purpose rather than depletion. The mountains are still my teachers, but the lessons feel different now. Less about the summit. More about the stillness.

The shadows of two men against rock and snow on a mountain edge

Adventure Philosophy in Practice

It’s funny how time in the wilderness always loops back to everyday life and work. For years I’ve been so outcome-focused. Always chasing results, projects and goals, the same way I once chased mountain peaks. But I’ve come to see that the quality of what I bring to any part of life depends on the quality of the space I create for myself.

When I was younger, the mountains were an escape. Now, they’re a reminder. A reminder of what it means to live and lead well.

At NewZeal Teams, that’s what we mean when we talk about Adventure Philosophy — adventure on the outside, regeneration on the inside. Because the best leaders, and the best teams, are those who know how to balance challenge with renewal.

Regenerative Leadership in Action

Regenerative leadership isn’t about escaping life or work. It’s about remembering how to live and lead them well. About tending to your own fire so you can bring more light, warmth, and presence to everything you do.

The mountains still teach me plenty. Only now, the lessons are quieter, deeper, and somehow truer. Less about pushing limits. More about listening, reconnecting, and remembering what really matters.