After summiting Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, on 15th October, I thought the hardest part of the Leadership & Resilience Expedition with John Beamson (The CEO Adventure) was behind me. My legs were in absolute bits, every step a reminder of the 13,671 feet climbed the day before.

So, when I heard that Day 5, 16th October was going to be a “relaxing” 10km hike into a nearby village, I was more than ready for something gentler. A calm stroll through the valleys of Morocco sounded perfect. But as anyone who has been on a leadership expedition with John knows, there is no such thing as a truly easy day.

The “Relaxing” Hike That Wasn’t

We set off early, the morning air still cool and spirits were high. The idea of a slower paced day had everyone smiling again. But halfway through, that familiar phrase surfaced: “just a right turn”. Anyone who has travelled with John knows that a “cheeky right turn” usually means adventure, surprise and just the right amount of chaos.

Sure enough, the day took an unexpected twist. Instead of heading straight to the village as planned, John announced that we were taking part in a new challenge: one designed to test not our endurance this time but our adaptability, communication and teamwork.

The Market Challenge

Our task? To explore the local markets, buy ingredients and somehow find our own way back to camp before taking part in a Moroccan cooking class where we’d prepare a meal for the incredible team who had looked after us all week.

Simple enough on paper. But when you’re navigating winding streets, trying to translate ingredients in a language you don’t speak and bargaining with market sellers who are far better negotiators than you’ll ever be, the challenge becomes much more interesting.

What started as a leadership exercise quickly turned into a full cultural experience filled with laughter, confusion and the kind of teamwork you only find when you’re miles from your comfort zone.

Leadership Lessons in Unexpected Places

The task was about more than food. It was about connection, humility and collaboration. Without phones, maps or translators, we relied on instinct, observation and the kindness of strangers.

It reminded me how much leadership often depends on adaptability the ability to adjust when plans change and to find calm in uncertainty. The best leaders don’t resist surprise; they use it to spark creativity.

The experience also highlighted the importance of listening and empathy. Communication isn’t always verbal; sometimes it’s a shared gesture, a smile or an exchange of trust.

A Moment of Laughter

Of course, no day with this group would be complete without humour. My teammate Ian and I decided to get John a “special” ingredient as a joke. Let’s just say it involved an aubergine emoji and plenty of laughter. Some things are better left to the imagination but that moment of light hearted mischief captured the spirit of the expedition perfectly: pushing boundaries but never forgetting to enjoy the journey.

Hospitality and Humility

Before we began cooking, our local guide Hassan invited us into his home. It was one of those small, quiet moments that stays with you long after the trip is over. His wife baked us fresh cakes and their five year old daughter handed out napkins, her smile lighting up the room.

We couldn’t speak the same language but connection doesn’t always require words. A high five was our shared language, a simple gesture of joy and curiosity.

Then came a moment that truly stopped me in my tracks. Hassan knew that I had a daughter around the same age and he presented me with a set of handmade Berber clothes for her. It was an incredibly thoughtful gift beautifully made, symbolic and deeply moving.

It brought tears to my eyes. In that moment, the concept of leadership felt different. It wasn’t about guiding teams or making decisions. It was about being human: kind, grateful and present.

I’ve since decided to send Hassan and his family a parcel of Amber’s clothes in return, a small gesture to continue that shared connection across continents.

The Power of Gratitude

That simple exchange reminded me that leadership is as much about giving as it is about guiding. It’s about recognising and appreciating the people who make our journeys possible.

Throughout this expedition, we were supported by guides, cooks, drivers and locals whose generosity and patience never wavered. They were the quiet leaders, the ones who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we succeeded.

Totals That Tell a Story

By the end of Day 5, our combined totals told a remarkable story of endurance and discovery:

🧭 Leadership & Resilience Expedition Totals
🥾 Steps: 116,462
🗺️ Distance covered: 45 miles
⛰️ Height climbed: 14,196 ft
📉 Descent: 8,488 ft
🔥 Calories burnt: 4,121
😴 Average sleep: 6.5 hours
❤️ Average heart rate: 88 bpm

These numbers represent more than just physical activity. They represent resilience, teamwork and the balance between effort and reward.

The Reward of Rest

After days of trekking, laughter and learning, it was finally time to unwind. We headed back towards Marrakech, a city that feels alive with sound, colour and culture.

Top of the priority list? A well earned massage, a hearty steak and chips, perhaps even a shisha before an early night. My dad and a friend, Tim, were flying out to join me for five days of well deserved relaxation, the perfect way to conclude one of the most powerful, perspective shifting weeks of my life.

Looking Back

As I reflect on this journey, what stands out most isn’t the altitude, the miles or even the summit of Toubkal. It’s the human moments. The laughter when plans went wrong. The generosity of strangers. The friendships formed in exhaustion and joy.

Leadership and resilience aren’t only built in boardrooms or business strategy sessions they’re cultivated in experiences that challenge us to adapt, connect and appreciate the world around us.

And, of course, there’s always the lingering awareness that with John Beamson, no day is ever as straightforward as it sounds. Even the “relaxing” ones come with a twist.

What a way to end the week: tired, grateful, inspired and still smiling.

Here’s to growth, laughter and the unexpected turns that make leadership an adventure worth taking.

If you are a business owner & are looking to get out pf your comfort zone & find a challenge that will drive you in business & life then to contact John Beamson at The CEO Adventure.

Thanks for reading,
Myk Baxter,
eCommerce & Digital Marketing Expert