Climbing Faster on The Second Ridge

Leaders who step outside their comfort zone climb faster

Picture this: you’re leading a group through unmarked wilderness.

The air is thin, the terrain changes without warning, and you can only see a few hundred yards ahead. From the second ridge, you finally get a glimpse of the path, where it twists, where it narrows, and where the real challenges lie.

That’s when you realize: if you want the team to make it to base camp, you can’t just keep walking. You have to plan, pace, and adapt.

Many CEOs hit that same moment in business. The early climb is all adrenaline—solving problems on the fly, pushing hard, and trusting your endurance. But scaling requires a new skill: seeing the whole route, not just the next step.

From Compass to Cash Flow

Some CEOs, like Josh Bernstein, President and CEO of Boulder Outdoor Survival School (BOSS) didn’t start in business at all—he was a wilderness survival instructor. His job was to get groups safely through remote terrain, sometimes for weeks at a time.

He became fluent in preparation, resource management, and adjusting plans when the weather turned or the river swelled overnight. He learned to balance two timelines: the immediate (“we need to cross that ridge today”) and the long game (“we need to conserve enough supplies to last the entire journey”).

When he stepped into a fast-growing company, he treated operations like a trek: mapping the market like a landscape, assessing where resources were being drained, and identifying the “easiest hard miles” to cover first.

Focus as a Force Multiplier

In the wilderness, every pound in the pack matters. Leaders decide what stays and what gets left behind.

In business, the same principle applies:

• Cut underperforming products that weigh you down.

• Double down on the channels that get you closer to your destination.

• Invest in infrastructure that supports the entire route, not just the next stop.

Focus isn’t about saying “no” to growth, it’s about lightening the load so you can move faster and farther.

Spokane provides a talented workforce nestled in a community full of natural beauty.

Choosing the Right Base Camp

Where you start matters.

In the wild, a base camp close to fresh water and shelter makes every day easier. In business, the right headquarters offers access to talent, affordability, and a supportive community.

Some leaders choose less obvious “camps”—cities outsiders overlook, but insiders know as resource-rich and strategically positioned.

Why Travel Alone When You Can Travel Together?

Any seasoned trek leader will tell you: solo journeys are risky. Having experienced companions not only makes the trip safer but also makes you sharper.

That’s why high-performing CEOs seek out peer groups like Vistage. The right group acts like a seasoned expedition team:

• Fresh perspectives to navigate new terrain.

• Accountability to keep moving toward the summit.

• Shared experience so you avoid known hazards and seize the best routes.

The Climb Ahead

If you’re leading a company through unpredictable terrain, here’s your challenge:

Get high enough to see the whole route. Pack light but smart. Travel with people who’ve made similar journeys.

From the second ridge, you can see the possibilities.

From the summit, you can see the world.

If you're interested in experiencing Vistage for yourself, join us for an exclusive CEO peer advisory meeting in Spokane. Register here. Have questions? Connect with me on LinkedIn or email richard.johnson@vistagechair.com.