Zalo was here

Whenever I see the Zalo flag raised at the summit of a mountain, a wave of emotion washes over me - a mixture of pride, awe, and a flutter in my chest like butterflies taking flight. That simple flag, fluttering in the wind, symbolizes so much more than just our company; it embodies the spirit of embracing challenges, a culture of resilience, and the values we nurture and live by every single day at Zalo.

Every year, as part of our company tradition, we climb a mountain together to “celebrate” not just our birthday but our collective strength and determination. This year, our journey took us to the remote and rugged terrain of Mongolia, where we faced the daunting challenge of conquering Malchin Peak.

This trip, far from being a mere adventure, offered me, at 35 and not exactly in peak physical condition, some of the most profound lessons I’ve learned in years:

1. Finding Comfort in Discomfort: We journeyed by van to the farthest reaches of Mongolia, where the borders of Russia, China, and Kazakhstan meet—a place so vast and devoid of modern comforts that it felt like stepping into another world. No electricity, no running water, no familiar comforts. We lived in a "GER" (Yurt), a mix between a tent and a form of housing, using sleeping bags and a fire stove to keep warm. It was a raw and stark existence, one I had never imagined I would experience. Yet, instead of feeling anxious or disheartened, I found an unexpected sense of comfort and joy. I discovered peace in the stillness—gazing at a sky filled with stars, feeling the mountain air bite my skin, and inhaling the earthy scents of grass, soil, and distant animals. In that silence, I realized that we don’t need much to live fully; sometimes, having less allows us to feel more.

2. Trekking: A ‘Teamwork’ of Body and Mind: For me, trekking became a teamwork of both physical strength and mental endurance, not just an individual battle. This mirrored life—where mind and body must work together. While many of my teammates focused on reaching the summit, my goal was simply to survive the first day’s grueling 16-kilometer trek. Yet as I pushed on, something beautiful happened. I found joy in completing an additional 4-5 kilometers the second day, even though I didn’t reach the peak. It reminded me that it’s not always about the destination; the true victory is in how we set our goals and how our teamwork helps us achieve them.

3. You Don’t Have to Be the Strongest to Belong - The Lesson of Diversity: I often debated with my boss that trekking isn’t for everyone, that it’s only suited for those in good physical condition or those interested in hiking, and that it shouldn’t be a company-wide cultural activity. But now I see that trekking celebrates diversity. You don’t have to be the strongest hiker, and you don’t need to compete with anyone. You can walk in silence, on your own terms, and still be part of this shared tradition. As long as you take even a single step on the path, you are part of the journey, and you belong.

The mountain isn’t just a metaphor—it’s our shared journey. It’s not about how fast we climb or how far we go, but about walking together, in our own way, and finding strength in each other. The Zalo flag at the peak doesn’t just mark the end of a trek; it marks the unity, the resilience, and the spirit we carry with us in every challenge.

And as long as that flag flies high, we will continue to rise—together.