Lee Nadler on Career Next Steps: 12,600 Feet and Climbing

After successfully marketing MINI for nearly seven years, it's time to explore ideas for my next adventure.  For many, not knowing what's next, or being in the grey, can be disconcerting.  But, even when we are in a seemingly secure situation, do we really "know" what is around the bend?

This part of my career path reminds me of a particularly challenging moment during my month-long expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp in 2012. We were at 12,600 feet and had been trekking up a steep dirt path for hours on our way to the Tengboche Monastery.  Each time I thought that we were about to reach our destination for the day, there was another switch-back leading to yet another ascent.  I was frustrated because I didn't know how much further we had to climb.  Not knowing caused my anxiety. 

I took a moment to collect myself, sip some water and ask Phurwa Sherpa (pictured below) when we were going to arrive.  He answered that it depended on our pace and encouraged me to focus instead on the journey.  The Sherpas reminded me that Tengboche would be there whenever we arrived.  I smiled.

Lee Nadler

Lee’s leadership approach is inspired by Sherpas. In 2012, after returning from Mt Everest, he joined BMW Group, focused on growing MINI, which became a Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brand. Nadler started his career at a leading WPP promotion agency,… read more