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In today’s podcast post and video, we had the pleasure of interviewing Louise, one of our amazing clients who walked the Camino whilst running her business over six weeks during June and July.
I encourage you to listen to the podcast and video; they are so full of gems! I have also added a summary of the main points below.
Louise Shepherd from First to Recruit recently embarked on an incredible journey: walking the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route that spans nearly 800 kilometres across northern Spain.
Louise’s decision to undertake this challenge while running her business remotely demonstrates a remarkable blend of personal growth and professional adaptability.
Louise had wanted to walk the Camino for years, and when the opportunity finally presented itself, she seized it. She prepared her business for her absence, setting up systems and processes that would allow her to work remotely while walking up to 20 kilometres a day.
Below is a summary of our conversation. I encourage you to listen to the recording or watch the video. It is so inspiring!
The Power Of Supportive Communities
Despite her fierce independence, Louise discovered the immense value of having a support network. She created WhatsApp groups to keep friends and family updated on her progress. This experience taught her the importance of vulnerability and sharing in personal and professional settings.
Louise reflected, “I’m fiercely independent, and I’ve always been very independent. And I find it hard to trust people. So, for me, I need to set up a group… I really only ever did it just as a safety thing. But I learned from it that I put all this support that I didn’t even realise I had, and although I was walking it alone, I wasn’t alone.”
Balancing Personal Goals And Business Demands
Louise managed to run her business while walking up to 20 kilometres daily in intense heat. She structured her days to accommodate the Camino’s physical demands and her work responsibilities. This experience highlighted the importance of robust systems and processes to enable flexibility.
“I was walking in the mornings, as, you know, as one of my support groups. And I would get to where I was going to by two, 3:00. And then what do I do? You know. Yeah, I’d work because I had the time to do it,” Louise explained.
Stepping Out Of Your Comfort Zone
The Camino presented numerous challenges, from shared accommodations to language barriers. Louise embraced these discomforts, recognising that growth often happens outside our comfort zones. This mindset shift has influenced her approach to business, encouraging her to be more open to new experiences and technologies.
Louise shared, “There were times when I’d get to where I was going to, and I’d take one look at my bunk bed, and I knew there were bedbugs in it; I knew it; you could tell by looking at it. I mean €10 for a bunk for the night. You know, it. And there were creepy crawlies, and, you know, there’s someone that snores, and there’s someone. It’s just all this kind of stuff, you know, it’s going to happen. But I knew it was just one night, and I could get through it.”
Lessons For Business And Life
The journey reinforced the importance of taking action and trusting the process. Louise learned that overthinking could paralyse personal challenges or business decisions. She advocates for making decisions and course-correcting, a valuable lesson for any business owner.
“My father said something to me a couple of years ago, which, as we were talking about before, resonates later down the line, not necessarily at the time. But he told me he’s got an Army background and was always taught to make a decision. Not making a decision is, but it’s really bad that, in some situations, it can be fatal. So, make a decision and then course correct,” Louise shared.
Louise’s Camino experience has profoundly impacted her approach to both life and business. She encourages others to embrace challenges and step out of their comfort zones, recognising that growth and success often lie beyond our perceived limitations.
Thanks.
Sharon
P.S. If you want to connect with Louise, you will find her at First2Recruit.
