“ A 928 km reminder: You are more capable than you think!”
Last weekend, I completed one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life — a 928 km journey across Germany in a 3.5-ton electric transporter.
Not for adventure. Not for leisure.
Simply to help my son move his belongings from Nordhausen to Teterow.
It became a powerful reminder of what true learning and leadership look like.
I had never:
• driven an EV
• driven a left-hand-drive vehicle
• handled a transporter this large
• driven the Autobahn
• navigated long-distance EV charging
• driven through Berlin’s Monday traffic
But the situation required it. So I stepped forward and told myself: lead first, figure out the details as you go.
From charging an EV at €0.84/kWh, to navigating winter roads in complete darkness, to managing fatigue over 17 hours, the experience pushed every boundary I had. Yet we completed it safely, with no damage to the vehicle, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything beforehand.
It’s about moving forward despite uncertainty, learning fast, and staying calm under pressure.
This experience reinforced a few lessons I often share with young talents and professionals:
1. You grow the most when you step outside your comfort zone.
2. Complex challenges become manageable when broken into one step at a time.
3. Your real capabilities only appear when circumstances demand them.
4. Support systems matter — teamwork (in this case, my son) makes a difference.
In a world that’s changing rapidly — technology, mobility, work environments — adaptability is no longer optional. It’s a core skill.
That 928 km wasn’t just a drive.
It was a reminder that we must constantly test our limits, embrace discomfort, and model resilience for the next generation.
If we want our children, students, and teams to grow confidently…
We must be willing to go first.
