The Best Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned While Skiing

Skiing may be a relatively recent passion of mine, but it's quickly become one of my favorite teachers when it comes to leadership.—and not just because I love powder days.. The truth is, skiing has taught me more about leadership than most books or boardrooms ever could. It’s a sport that demands awareness, balance, and guts. And those same qualities show up every day in the way I lead teams and tackle challenges.

Here are a few lessons the mountain has drilled into me—lessons that stick long after the snow melts.

1. Look Where You Want to Go

On skis, the worst thing you can do is stare at what you want to avoid. Trees, rocks, cliffs—your body follows your focus. Leadership’s the same. When you spend too much time on what could go wrong, you start moving in that direction. But when you set a clear line and stay focused on it, your team follows with more confidence.

2. Stay Loose, Stay Ready

Tense skiers fall. Fast. You have to stay agile and adaptive, especially on unpredictable terrain. Good leadership works the same way. Flexibility doesn’t mean you lack direction—it means you’re ready for whatever’s around the corner. Rigidity breaks teams. Responsiveness builds them.

3. Momentum Is Your Friend

It’s counterintuitive, but when things feel steep and scary, leaning into the motion is safer than pulling back. Momentum gives you control. In business, I’ve seen too many projects stall because teams hit uncertainty and freeze. Moving forward, even in small ways, builds confidence and progress.

4. Know When to Reset

Every skier knows when it’s time to stop and adjust their gear, take in the view, or call it a day. Leaders should know this too. Rest isn’t weakness—it’s strategy. You can’t lead well if you’re constantly burned out. Reflection and recalibration matter.

Final Run

Great skiing, like great leadership, isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust—trusting your body, your instincts, your line. And it’s about joy. Because when you’re really in it—when the team clicks, the vision’s clear, and the pace is fast—there’s nothing better.

For more on the mental toughness of sport and leadership, Outside has a great read on the connection.