Back on the Saddle: Leadership Lessons from the Open Road

The sun is out, the weather is warming up, and riding season is officially back! Last Saturday, I threw on my gear, fired up my bike, and hit the road with our group, Throttle Tribe. The route was the perfect mix—long winding roads, thrilling corners that dared us to get our knees close to the ground, and unsealed tracks that led us deep into the heart of the countryside. We rode along the Hawkesbury River, cut through the peaceful St. Albans area, and dipped into the wilds of Watagans State Forest. It was a beautiful ride.

Throttle Tribe is a tight-knit crew. This time, the group was small, and every rider brought experience to the table. Ari, Enthusiastic and armed with a brand-new bike, full of energy though having never ventured off-road. True to our inclusive spirit, we welcomed him along with open arms. We’ve always believed that riding isn’t about who’s the fastest or most skilled; it’s about growth, camaraderie, and respect for one another’s journey. Our one golden rule: ride to your level of comfort.

The first stop was the ferry, and as we waited, we did a quick check of our bikes. Every rider made sure their machine was ready for the terrain ahead. It wasn’t just about individual safety; it was about looking out for the group. Our pace was set to accommodate all skill levels, ensuring Ari could navigate the off-road sections with confidence, while the more seasoned riders could still push their limits. Frequent checks kept everyone on track, a quiet but consistent form of leadership where everyone played a part.

We made our way to a lake for our first planned break. There’s something special about these pauses—bikes parked, helmets off, and the conversation flowing. It's more than a rest; it's a moment to connect. We shared a few laughs, but we also took time to exchange tips and practice some skills. For Ari, this break was a milestone—he decided to turn back here, having ridden further than he had anticipated.

As we waved him off, the rest of us picked up the pace. Even with Ari gone, the spirit of the ride didn’t change—ride to your level of comfort. We flowed through the roads, each rider embracing the ride on their own terms. By the end of the day, we returned safe, satisfied, and with that familiar sense of fulfilment that comes from pushing boundaries, doing it together and being safe.

But beyond the fun and thrill, what struck me most on this ride was the leadership dynamic. Leadership isn’t always about who’s in front. It’s about knowing when to lead and when to follow. Throughout the ride, different members naturally took the lead at different times. Each person was responsible for their own safety, but everyone also looked out for the group. It reminded me of the principles of 360-degree leadership.

In any project or team setting, leadership is fluid. Sometimes you’re at the helm, making decisions and setting the pace. Other times, you’re supporting, guiding, or simply following. Effective leadership is recognizing that your role will shift based on the needs of the situation and being flexible enough to embrace that change. The ride mirrored this perfectly: leading, following, and supporting all played crucial roles in ensuring the group’s success. It wasn’t just about the destination, but how we got there together.

Three Tips for Mindful Leadership in Projects:

1. Embrace Flexibility: Just like on a ride, leadership roles can change based on the situation. Be ready to step up when needed, but also know when to let others take the lead. Flexibility is key to maintaining momentum and fostering collaboration in any project.
2. Prioritize Team Well-being: In the same way we looked out for each other on the road, a mindful leader checks in on the team’s progress, challenges, and morale. Create an environment where every member feels supported, valued, and comfortable voicing concerns.
3. Communicate with Purpose: On the ride, communication—whether through hand signals, quick stops, or a simple check-in—was constant. In projects, purposeful and consistent communication ensures everyone is aligned and moving toward the same goal, preventing issues from escalating.

Actionable Insight: Whether you're on the road or leading a project, mindful leadership is about more than just direction—it's about connection, adaptability, and understanding the needs of the moment. Be the leader who knows when to drive forward, when to provide support, and when to follow. Success comes not from individual effort, but from the collective strength of the team. The ride is more than the destination; it’s how you get there that matters.

Varun Mehta Vinil Chandrashekar Andre Alphonso Stanislaw (Stan) Brulinski Waqas K. Dibyendu Sarkar Zarah Gomez Nathan Kasinathan PMP, CSM Arjen Klomp Dhyan Aiyuda Prakash Krishnan Garth Holloway Pankaj Dheer Kaushal Kapadia Anand Rajan Manoj Mohan Mark McVeigh Pooja J. Sangeeth Prakasam Narendra Lomada Santhosh Srinivas Kamran Kermanshahi Andrew Calvert, PCC Andrew Bryant, CSP Andrew Lawrence Hema M Srinivas Hemant Babbar Sonia Mehta