Cold Clarity: My Journey into the Glacier

I needed a real break, and I have been working for months on the plan to reach the Margherita Hut, the highest building in Europe. Situated at 4,556 meters on Punta Gnifetti, within the Mont Rosa massif, the Regina Margherita Hut was first inaugurated in 1893 by Queen Margherita of Savoy, wife of King Umberto I of Italy. Ironically, she is better remembered for the beloved pizza that bears her name than for her passion for alpine peaks.

Despite being well-trained for long-distance running, I felt completely unprepared for the extreme conditions of a glacier. I had been at a high altitude in Tibet in the past while following the enlightened Chagme Rinpoche. Still, it was a life ago, meditating at high altitudes was a vastly different endeavor from hiking to this formidable peak.

As I walked on the icy terrain, clarity emerged (along with suffering), and a few lessons became apparent. I am at a crossroads work-wise. The relentless pursuit of AI development and company-building demanded a significant break from the constant exposure to screens, research papers, refining search algorithms, evolving datasets, and ongoing notifications.

Here is what I learned.?

Every step matters.?

Each decision has consequences, whether a line of code or a new partnership. On ice, this becomes immediately clear; each step demands full attention. The glacier's surface is said to be “wet” during this time of year, and the crevasse can be hidden by a thin layer of snow.?

Never Go Alone.?

The inherent risks, extreme conditions, and glaciers' ever-changing raw nature require building teams of at least two people. This is a beautiful lesson. As CEOs, we tend to be lonely. It is the loneliest job that one can have, and this can become unhealthy. CEOs and founders have an addiction to work and tend to isolate. At the same time, society doesn’t need lonely leaders. As for myself, to make good decisions, I need to be “roped” with others. Healthy relationships bring good decisions.

Adapt to changing conditions.?

Glaciers are dynamic environments, and adaptability is key to survival. We witnessed the immediate transition from flat calm to a dramatic snowstorm in just a few hours. Ice stretched endlessly around us, a stark reminder of its raw power and our insignificance. Every step we took echoed with the crunching sound beneath our feet. A glacier is a living organism, unpredictable and formidable. In such a setting, you can only count on your team, the planning you have made, and the vision you hold of reaching the peak. Similarly, in AI, a coordinated team, a clear vision, and the ability to adapt to new findings are essential to achieving a measurable impact.

Respect the environment.

It sounds obvious, but it is not. Humans are insignificant compared to nature's raw essence. Nature’s beauty is timeless. In this life, we can only take memories and lessons, but we should leave no trace behind. Every decision we make in tech —especially in a world where major technology companies struggle to meet sustainability targets due to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence—must keep the environment at the center. Our actions, no matter how small, impact the fragile balance of the world around us. It is our duty to preserve the purity of nature for future generations.

As I descended from the glacier, I felt ready to step into a new chapter and navigate the complexities ahead with the wisdom gained from the frozen world.

A big thank you goes to the friends who accompanied me to the highest peak: Fausto, Ivan, Andrea, Damiano, and Stefano ??.