Lynn Petzold
Join a small group of high-achieving professionals on a week-long sea kayaking expedition in Concepción Bay, Baja, Mexico. This course is designed for people who are looking to expand and enhance their leadership skills. The foundation of this course is the NOLS’ leadership model, which emphasizes effective communication, problem-solving, positive influence, and strategically delivering results. The wilderness is the perfect classroom for this work because it provides real-time feedback. Participants will navigate the technical and environmental challenges by expanding their comfort zones, committing to group over self, learning through collaboration with others, and adapting as an evolving leader.
Group dynamics and leadership are integral parts of the core curriculum. Your expedition will have a strong focus on being an adaptable team member and provide you with opportunities to shift between the roles of “team member” (active follower) and “team leader” (designated leader). Each participant will co-lead a leadership day, which includes planning, briefing, facilitating and debriefing. Tolerance for adversity and uncertainty, a willingness to work hard, and respect for others will be critical to the success of the expedition. You’ll spend time discussing and reflecting on these day-to-day lessons and how they apply to your professional environment.
The expedition covers the basics of sea kayaking, including basic strokes, kayak entry/exit skills, wind and wave theory, and risk management for coastal navigation. You’ll explore Baja California’s beautiful coastal environment in a sea kayak while also having opportunities to explore under the water with a snorkel or the desert on foot.
Learning Goals for NOLS Executive Expeditions
Expand your worldview outside the conference room while traveling and learning in a beautiful wilderness setting.
Recharge your entrepreneurial self with an experiential learning opportunity.
Experience personal growth in areas of intrapersonal and interpersonal while disconnecting from the world of technology.
Deepen your awareness of your leadership and communication patterns in order to transfer learnings to your professional and personal life.
Cross-pollinate ideas and increase a new coast-to-coast network.
“My NOLS executive leadership expedition impacted me personally and professionally with two key lessons. First, the space to experience a slower pace of life, devoid of distraction, brought focus and enjoyment to the present moment. Second, working collaboratively with others, where no one is an expert, reinforced tolerance and the joy in working together to learn, experiment, and achieve.”