Wharton Executive MBA Alum Reflects on NOLS Mountaineering Expedition

Photo by Kiira Antenucci.

Vidya Murthy, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Executive MBA program, shares what she learned about leadership on a NOLS mountaineering course in Alaska. Working with a team of fellow Wharton students, Vidya gained experience leading in uncertainty as well as new insight into her own leadership style.

“Wharton Leadership Ventures, in partnership with NOLS Alaska, takes a group of WEMBA students on a mountaineering expedition in the Alaskan Kenai Fjords. Our group hiked up onto Exit Glacier and traveled over the Harding Icefield for 6 days…

I AM WHERE I NEED TO BE
Had I not chosen to leap and take this venture, I may not have been reminded so poignantly that we are all constantly changing, like crevasses buried under snow, and there is beauty in both the big picture and the details. And that I am supported by my community, my mind and my body and they will all take care of me in my journey, if I choose to listen.

I’m so thankful for the way the mountains showed me my own inability to control the world. The seemingly never-ending icefield winding across the landscape and over mountains offers limitless lessons to teach. Even though our group was prepared, we had no control of physical well-being, the route that would lead to success and the challenges every individual was facing. In daily life, this reality of unexpected circumstances means as leaders we need to be ready to face them with courage. And that courage in facing and taking the harder path, will be ultimately be rewarded with a sweeter success.”

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