Email me direct at chris@go-northbound.com

Leadership Into The Unknown

In this episode of the Northbound Podcast, Chris takes listeners deep into the Grand Canyon—literally and figuratively. Drawing from a seven-day rafting expedition with his family and the historic journey of explorer John Wesley Powell, this conversation unpacks what leadership looks like when the map is incomplete and the stakes are real.

Through adventure, history, and hard-earned insight, Chris outlines timeless leadership principles learned in uncomfortable terrain: conviction, honesty, courage, care for people, adaptability, and stewardship. Powell's journey down the Colorado River—with no maps, wooden boats, and only one arm—becomes a powerful reminder that leaders don't wait until they feel ready. They move forward because they were created to lead.

📌 Main Points

• Adventure reveals leadership because it strips away comfort and exposes reality.

• John Wesley Powell led with conviction and vision, even when no maps existed.

• Leaders must balance boldness with wisdom—organizations need a clear map.

• Reality matters more than comfort; honesty builds trust.

• Courage always involves risk, but leadership requires stepping forward anyway.

• Missions fail when leaders stop caring for their people.

• Adaptability is essential—nature, culture, and reality will not adapt to you.

• Vision without stewardship leads to collapse.

• Limitations do not disqualify leaders—Powell led his team down the Grand Canyon with one arm.

🧭 Key Takeaways

• Leadership is forged in uncomfortable places—don't avoid them.

• Conviction and passion move people forward, especially in uncertainty.

• Be honest about reality; comfort-driven leadership erodes trust.

• Risk is not failure—it's the cost of courageous leadership.

• Care for your people or you will lose both them and the mission.

• Adapt quickly or fall behind; rigidity kills momentum.

• Vision must be stewarded wisely to be sustained.

• If you're in a leadership position, it's time to lead—God designed you for this.