Lessons from the Mountains

By Ryan Evans, Founder and CEO,
Cadence Accounting

Mountains have always inspired me. They’re not just part of my company’s logo; they inspire how I approach business – something reinforced last week while climbing frozen waterfalls and scaling the challenging peaks of Les Grands Montets in the French Alps. Their towering peaks, unpredictable conditions and stunning beauty got me thinking again about how they create a perfect metaphor for business:

The Avalanche Factor:

Last week I was in avalanche-prone terrain, risk was everywhere – I couldn’t avoid it but I could manage it. This meant checking weather reports, reading the snowpack, understanding the landscape and relying (a lot) on my expert guide.

Risk is also an intrinsic part of running a business – learning how to be comfortable with calculated risk is equally vital and something I think I am quite good at. Whether it’s deciding how best to manage cashflow, when to take on the next hire or when to make a higher risk investment decision, these choices all involve a balance of risk/reward. Last week reminded me that preparation is key but so is embracing the reality that risk is constant. Rather than seeking to eliminate it, success comes from learning to manage risk effectively, being confident in – and committing fully to – those calculated decisions and committing to them fully, but also in being prepared to adapt if the risk level changes.

The Steep Climb:

Last week there were moments where the summit seemed unreachable. Fatigue set in, the conditions worsened and the inevitable doubts began. Recognising this is all part of the journey –  and pushing forward regardless – required resilience, grit and a lot of trust in both my preparation, capabilities and my guide’s knowledge of the terrain and conditions.

Such challenges in business are inevitable and success lies in persistence. Breaking large goals into manageable steps and maintaining focus during difficult times is key. Just as I had to rely on my mountaineer guide, bringing in an expert – whether that’s an accountant, consultant or other form of advisor – can provide invaluable support. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make the difference between stalling and pushing through to achieve your goals.

Surviving the Storm:

On the mountain, storms roll in unexpectedly, visibility drops and a clear morning can quickly turn into a blizzard – we certainly had quite a bit of this last week. Surviving such moments requires calm thinking, adaptability and confidence in your abilities.

The same is true when running a company, especially in accounting, where complex financial situations or unexpected client challenges can arise suddenly. Add to that a world where political uncertainty has increased considerably, and regulatory and tax rules can change at the drop of a hat and businesses must develop strong yet flexible systems. Successful businesses will need to foster a resilient team built on trust and collaboration and create an environment where ideas can be discussed openly to allows complex situations to be navigated effectively.

Final Thoughts:

Mountains demand respect, preparation and perseverance and remind us that big goals take courage. Business is no different. Whether you’re climbing a peak or navigating financial challenges, success requires calculated risk-taking, resilience and surrounding yourself with the right people – I absolutely couldn’t have done any of it without my fantastic guide!