Why Going the Extra Mile Today Will Make You First Tomorrow: Leadership Insights from the Camino

Today on my Camino, something unexpected happened, that made me reflect on both life and leadership.

After setting off at sunrise, enjoying the cool air and fresh fog, I found myself with an extra boost in mind and spirit (and body somewhat). By the time I arrived at my destination in Padron, I wasn’t quite ready to stop. With tomorrow’s 26 km walk to Santiago de Compostela weighing on my mind, I decided to push further… another 9 km, during siesta time, no less!

When my feet were sending sharp pins and needles, did I stop? Nope. Instead, I swapped out my trekking shoes for my trusty all weather Birkenstocks (and socks, quite the fashion statement!) determined to reach an Albergue on the outskirts of (town) where I could make my start from tomorrow. Finally, I rested and ordered a taxi back to take me back to Padron. Upon arriving at my accommodation, I joked with the hotelier, “I must’ve been the last pilgrim to check in today, right?” She smiled, nodded, and to my surprise, replied with an old parable in Spanish, “The last shall be the first, the first the last.”

This proverb really hit me. While my fellow pilgrims were resting, I had gone the extra mile… quite literally… ensuring I was better prepared for tomorrow’s final stretch to Santiago, now just 15 km away. That extra effort, unseen by others, set me up to be the first tomorrow. And who doesn’t love a little behind-the-scenes win?

A Parable in Leadership

“The last shall be the first” is more than just an old saying with deep religious and spiritual roots. It’s simple wisdom resonates with cultures all over the world and can be applied to leadership. The belief is simple: those who are humble, those who persevere, persist and endure through hardship, may eventually rise to success - even if they aren’t the first to be recognised.

And let’s be real, who hasn’t felt like they were slogging through a task, only to find that grit pays off when no one else saw it coming?

The Extra Mile in Leadership

This “last shall be the first” mindset is key in leadership. As leaders, we often put in extra effort that goes unnoticed—whether it’s strategic planning, personal development, late nights, or going the extra mile (sometimes literally) when no one else is. Yet, it’s those unseen steps forward that prepare us to succeed in the long run.

McKinsey research (Good Leadership Can Enable Great Innovation ) supports this, noting that successful leaders invest in continuous self-development, even when it’s not required. It’s these extra efforts, which aren’t always recognised right away, that position leaders to seize opportunities when the door opens (and not get stuck with their Birkenstocks and socks in hand).

Leading with Humility and Perseverance

In leadership, just like on the Camino, success doesn’t always come from being the first to finish or the one who takes all the credit. It’s about moving forward consistently, with humility and perseverance. Sure, I may have been the last to arrive today, but that extra effort has prepared me to be the first to arrive tomorrow.

Leadership is not a sprint. It’s a marathon - a journey that values persistence and long-term vision over immediate recognition. Plus, who needs constant applause when the real wins happen quietly in the background?

Go the Extra Mile

This week, take a moment to review your goals. Are you putting in the work… whether through learning, reflective practice, strategic thinking, or executing… that will set you up for future success? Remember, “the last today can always be the first tomorrow.”

And don’t forget to pack your Birkenstocks (and socks)... Just in case.

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