First Human-Powered Circumnavigation of the Globe.
"Leaders of change achieve because they connect their vision to a greater purpose. They plan, but they have laser discipline, commitment, resilience, and perseverance. They never give up"
👏 Happy Friday!
On this day, October 6, 2007, Jason Lewis arrived back in London to complete the first human-powered circumnavigation of the globe. The journey took thirteen years of pedalling, walking, rollerblading, and kayaking 46,505 miles across 37 countries using no wind or motorised transportation of any kind. The primary aim was to champion climate-friendly travel and demonstrate what is possible without burning fossil fuels. Other records include the first crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from mainland Europe to North America by human power in 1995, the first crossing of North America on inline skates in 1996, and the first crossing of the Pacific Ocean by pedal power in 2000. These extraordinary feats of endurance and determination serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of human beings and the incredible potential within each of us. Jason Lewis’ name is etched into the Guinness Book of World Records.
✅ When asked during a BBC Travel interview, “Why did you agree to do this?” Jason Lewis told us, “My main motivation was somewhat selfish, I wanted to see what I could learn about myself.” Undertaking a global expedition, dependent solely on the strength of your mind, body, and spirit, poses the ultimate challenge. Lewis is a pioneer who champions carbon-neutral travel, and many dismissed his plans as impossible. However, he had a bold and audacious vision with a higher purpose that fuelled resilience when personal drive wavered. His well-planned navigation faced numerous breakdowns and delays, but he leveraged creativity and innovation to overcome these obstacles. Change Leaders Connect Vision to Purpose.
“Leaders of change achieve because they connect their vision to a greater purpose. They plan, but they have laser discipline, commitment, resilience, and perseverance. They never give up”
👉 Organisational change leadership starts with crafting a compelling change vision. It provides direction and clarity amidst the complexities of change. It goes beyond mere strategic objectives and taps into the deeper purpose and values of the organisation. A purpose-driven change vision can help to transcend the superficial desire to change for the sake of change. This vision acts as a catalyst, inspiring individuals within the organisation to connect with a higher sense of meaning and contribute towards a common goal. When the vision resonates with the fundamental values and aspirations of the organisation, it becomes a powerful tool for engaging employees and stakeholders. It creates a sense of shared purpose and cultivates a culture of commitment and dedication towards achieving the desired change.
Have a fantastic weekend with the ones you love and care for, enjoy some fresh air, exercise, eat, drink and be happy.
Further Reading: Change Management Leadership - Leadership of Change Volume 4
Peter consults, speaks, and writes on the Leadership of Change®.
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Peter F Gallagher is a Change Management Global Thought Leader, Guru, Expert, International Speaker, Author and Leadership Alignment Coach.
Listed #1 by leadersHum Top 40 Change Management Gurus You Should Follow in 2022 (Mar 2022).
Ranked #1 Change Management Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Change Management (2023-2022-2021-2020) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #1 Business Strategy Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Business Strategy (2022) by Thinkers360.
Ranked #2 Leadership Global Thought Leader: Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Leadership (Aug 2020) by Thinkers360.
Business Book Ranking
Change Management Behaviour - Leadership of Change® Volume 6, listed among the 50 Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2022.
Change Management Adoption - Leadership of Change® Volume 5, listed among year-to-date’s (Jul 2021) most popular books on business and technology from Thinkers360 member thought leaders.
Change Management Handbook - Leadership of Change® Volume 3, listed among the 50 Business and Technology Books from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders to read in 2021.
Change Management Pocket Guide - Leadership of Change® Volume 2, ranked within the top 50 Business and Technology Books (Jan 2020) from Thinkers360 Thought Leaders.