Entrepreneurial Lessons from an Erupting Volcano

Navigating Challenges and Finding Resilience on the Way to Uganda

Last May I was on my way to Uganda for an epic Wayfinders trip, and everything that could go wrong, did. It was a masterclass in navigating the unexpected—a scenario all too familiar to entrepreneurs.

The adventure started innocently enough, with me boarding a bus to Catania Airport from Sicily, where we were living at the time. 

Little did I know, Mount Etna had other plans – it had erupted earlier in the day causing chaos.

The scene at the airport was something out of a movie: ash swirling, hot and agitated people everywhere, and ALL flights canceled.

I was paralyzed.

I was alone and in a country where I spoke very little of the language. It was a situation that demanded a choice: to give up or to push through.

I cried and considered just giving up. But then, something inside me clicked and I switched into problem-solving mode – something all too familiar for entrepreneurs.

I wasn't going to let this be the end of my journey. After briefly throwing myself a self-pity, I reached out for help and was told to do whatever I could to get out of Catania and make my way to Rome.

First stop, the train station – but fate wasn't on my side yet. The train I had a ticket for? Canceled. 

Next, a sprint to the bus station under a sky darkened by ash, with the rumbles of the volcano in the distance, only to find the last seat snatched away right before my eyes.

Back at the train station, desperate and running out of options, I found a glimmer of hope - a direct train to Rome, leaving in four hours. I grabbed one of the 4 spots left. 

Those four hours felt like a lifetime, but they gave me a chance to regroup and strategize. I used the time to connect with the airline and rearranged my flights for the next day.

The train ride was an 11-hour journey and I found myself thankful for the smallest comforts - a bed to sleep on, instant coffee and a makeshift breakfast.

Arriving in Rome the next morning, I opted for the quiet of an airport lounge over the bustling city, a reminder of the importance of finding peace amid turmoil. A hot shower, decent food, and rest was what I needed most..

The rest of the journey to Uganda was a breeze compared to that first day. And when I finally arrived in Entebbe, after 46 hours of transit, the feeling was indescribable. 

The trip was everything I had hoped for and more - the people, the gorillas, the landscapes. But the journey there? That taught me the real lessons.

I learned that resilience is about adapting and finding strength in adversity. It's about not giving up, asking for help and being grateful for the little things. 

These lessons go beyond personal growth; they directly translate into my professional life. Navigating through these challenges has impacted my ability to think creatively, adapt to changing situations, and connect with clients and audiences on a deeper level.

It’s these real-world experiences that enrich my approach to speaking and branding, allowing me to bring a unique perspective and authentic energy to every engagement.

Now, I turn to you: What’s your story of resilience? How have your unexpected journeys shaped your approach to your goals and dreams?

Let's celebrate the journey, with all its twists and turns, for the lessons it teaches us and the strength it brings. Share your adventures and the lessons you learned along the way in the comments below!