When I was 16, I signed up to volunteer for the kids’ snowboard school at Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. I had been snowboarding for a few years and was completely hooked, and this seemed like a good way to get a free season pass. I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but it felt like a great way to spend time outside during winter break. I helped out with lessons, wrangled kids in the lift lines, and tried to keep things fun and safe for them on the hill. I was nervous at first—there’s a lot going on when you’re helping a bunch of young kids navigate a ski hill—but I quickly found out how much I loved it. I enjoyed not just being on the hill, but helping people do something that was hard, and the look on their faces when it “clicked” That experience opened up a new path for me.

The following season, I got my Snowboard Instructor Certification (CASI Level 1) and started teaching lessons at both Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour. It wasn’t a glamorous job and the pay was terrible, but I loved being out in the snow every day, teaching people something new and being part of the mountain community. Looking back, that was the first time I really stepped into a leadership role without even realizing it. I learned how to connect with different types of learners, how to guide a group, and how rewarding it can be to help someone grow. That foundation stuck with me and made doing something I already loved even more meaningful.

My best student ever was a 6-year-old girl. She went from strapping in for the first time to linking turns on blue runs within a couple of hours! What made her progress so fast had nothing to do with her physical ability—it was her attitude. She jumped in with optimism, excitement, and decided to try things that were hard. I think I learned more from her that day, than she did from me.

What hard thing would you thank yourself for trying?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the moments that shaped how I lead. Not the polished or formal lessons, but the messy and uncomfortable experiences that actually taught me something profound.

Doing hard things outdoors has been a theme in my life, and has influenced my approach to leadership, teams, and showing up myself first so that I can show up for others.

They storeis aren’t dramatic transformations (mostly). They’re just honest reflections on what I’ve learned from football fields, mountain trails, and long bike rides. If you believe that leadership is built through effort and that confidence comes from doing the work, these might resonate.

I was 13 when I started playing football for the North Delta Steelers. Practices were intense, games were rough, and I went home with sore muscles and grass stains twice per week. But there was something satisfying about all of it—the first time I learned what it felt like to push well past my comfort zone and find value in the effort itself. I learned to dig deep and that there was often more in the tank.. much more than I thought. The more I kept looking inward for energy to run, tackle, block or do another muddy burpee.

That first season also taught me resilience often isn’t individual—it’s collective. Everyone had a role, and we only succeeded when we all bought in. We had to communicate clearly and back each other up when things went sideways. It was my first real taste of working toward something bigger than myself.
Whether it’s a team on a field or in an office, progress comes from shared effort and showing up when it counts. And it reinforced for me that wins usually come one yard at a time. consistent effort wins.

Listening to Wayne Dyer’s How to Be a No-Limit Person really hit home for me. It’s packed with simple but powerful ideas about how we live our lives and how we lead others. As someone who’s always thinking about growth—both for myself and the people I work with—these lessons felt like they were speaking directly to me.

Trusting Yourself

One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of self-reliance. Dyer makes the point that we spend way too much time chasing approval from others. But the truth is, you don’t need anyone else to tell you you’re doing a good job—you can find that confidence in yourself. This idea has been a game-changer for me as a leader. When I trust my instincts and stay true to my values, I feel more grounded, and the people around me seem to pick up on that energy too.

Being Present

It’s easy to get stuck in “when-then” thinking: When I reach this goal, then I’ll feel successful. When I land that role, then I’ll be happy. But Dyer reminds us that everything is happening right now. As a leader, that means showing up fully in the moment—whether it’s listening to a teammate, tackling a tough decision, or just taking a breath before jumping into the next task. Being present helps me focus on what really matters, and I’ve noticed it makes my relationships stronger too.

Focus on the Process, Not Just the Results

Like a lot of people, I’ve been guilty of getting overly focused on outcomes. Hitting targets, meeting deadlines—it’s easy to get caught up in those numbers and forget the bigger picture. Dyer talks about letting go of attachment to outcomes, and that’s been a huge shift for me. Now I try to focus on the process—the daily actions, the small wins, and the lessons along the way. Ironically, this often leads to better results anyway.

Letting Go of Fear

Fear is a sneaky thing. It shows up as hesitation, self-doubt, or playing it safe. Dyer points out that most of our fears are imagined—they’re just stories we tell ourselves about what might happen. I’ve started catching myself when I feel that fear creep in. Instead of backing away, I ask, What’s the worst that could really happen? Nine times out of ten, it’s not as bad as I thought. This mindset shift has helped me—and the people I work with—take more risks and try new things.

Leading with Purpose

This is the big one for me. Dyer talks a lot about the importance of purpose, and it’s something I think about all the time. When I’m clear on my purpose—helping people grow, connect, and thrive—everything else falls into place. It gives meaning to the little things and keeps me focused when the bigger picture feels overwhelming. As a leader, I want to help others connect with their own purpose too, because that’s when people really come alive.

Wrapping It Up

Wayne Dyer’s message is simple: The limits we feel are usually ones we’ve put on ourselves. When we trust ourselves, stay present, let go of fear, and focus on purpose, we can lead—and live—without limits. For me, this isn’t just about leadership; it’s about showing up fully for the people in my life and helping them do the same.