The Next Mountain

The call came out of the blue.

Literally.  While I was in South Africa.

This is Kate with so-and-so executive recruiting agency.  I’m calling to see if you are interested in discussing an opportunity with Juniper Networks heading their strategic alliance business towards Ericsson.

I say, sure, let’s talk tomorrow when I am back in Seattle.

Over the course of a number of weeks and discussions with the agency and Juniper and colleagues in Ericsson we reach an offer and a decision to join Juniper as of June 1st.

The past two weeks involved the difficult task of informing Microsoft and ramping up for my next big mountains.

Everest end-March – May 2011 and a new company that I have respected and loved from up-close and afar since 2000.

Words come to mind and are spoken by close advisers and colleagues: karma. synergistic.  opportunity. timing. challenge.

I think about the risks involved in conquering big mountains.  The rewards that come from team achievement.  The thrill of victory and the perseverance factor.  Choosing your leader and the team you want to be a part of.  Sacrificing comfort for opportunity.

It is so easy to live one’s life by accepting the challenge of hills instead of going for big mountains.  Putting oneself our there on the ridge, endurance for the chance of standing on the summit. Bringing a team with you for the greater good of the stated objective.

It’s not about the race or about the record or one’s legacy.  It is about being true to oneself and looking up a big mountain and saying, “bring it on”.  It’s that moment when you say, “put me in coach, give me the ball.”

Fearless. Brave. Unwavering.  Humble. Confident.

Sure in one’s steps. Determined. Focused. Eye on the prize.

As I think about the call that changed everything and the new journey ahead, I’m reminded every day about our higher purpose.  To take risks.  To live every day to it’s fullest.  To lead. To be strong. To be thoughtful.  Taking steps that ultimately lead to the summit.

And the next m0untain.

Choosing your destiny.  Your teammates. Your leader.

Which mountain to conquer.  And why. And when. For what.

The ancient Chinese proverb that states that every journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.  And the journey of a thousand days that starts with a single day.  June 1st.  And the battle cry of humans everywhere throughout history.  We shall not be deterred.  We shall persevere.  We’ll have a great adventure on our climb ahead.  Seattle.  Sunnyvale. Stockholm