Humility is one of the most valuable lessons adventure has taught me. And I was reminded of this quality when I spoke to Urs Koenig about his book Radical Humility last year.
On expeditions, the environment doesn’t care about your achievements, your plans, or your ambitions—it’s a humbling experience to face forces far greater than yourself.
I’ve had my share of setbacks, from equipment failures to unexpected weather or being the slowest in the group that turned the easiest day into a battle for survival.
In those moments, I’ve been reminded that preparation and determination can only take you so far; the rest requires adaptability and a willingness to accept help. It’s humbling, but it’s also liberating.
Successes on expeditions teach humility too. Standing as the first British woman at the magnetic North Pole, I wasn’t overwhelmed with a sense of triumph—I was struck by gratitude.
Gratitude for the team around me and for the lessons we learned along the way.
In life and work, humility allows us to see setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for growth. It also helps us to view successes with perspective—recognising that no achievement is ever truly a solo effort.
As adventurers, leaders, or simply as individuals navigating life, embracing humility enables us to keep learning, improving, and connecting with others.
What have setbacks or successes taught you about humility?