Welcome to episode 499 of the Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast. Today, I'm talking with Casey Hanisko. Casey is a distinguished leader in adventure travel. She's the former President of the Adventure Travel Trade Association and an executive coach helping tourism leaders navigate change. Recognized among the "50 Most Important Women in Travel," she shares her expertise through media, speaking engagements, and her "Leading Naturally" newsletter.

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Casey Hanisko

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Adventure Travel Trade Association

The Leap That Terrified Me More Than Any Business Decision (And What It Taught Me About Leadership)

1. Ever stood at the edge of something terrifying—knowing the only way forward is to leap, but every cell in your body is screaming, Nope? That was me on a canyon swing in Interlaken. Spoiler: I needed a push.
2. You think making high-stakes decisions in business is tough? Try standing on the edge of a 300-foot drop, debating whether plummeting into the abyss is a good idea.
3. There’s a moment in adventure—and in leadership—where hesitation creeps in. Your palms sweat. Your mind races. And sometimes, you need someone to give you that push.

What Happened:

I’d like to think I’m pretty fearless. I’ve hiked, biked, and paddled my way through some of the world’s most stunning (and challenging) landscapes. But nothing—not rock climbing, not waterfall jumping, not even running a business—prepared me for the sheer terror of standing on the edge of a canyon swing in Interlaken.

Picture this: I’m perched on the platform, strapped in, heart pounding. My entire executive team—yes, the people I work with—are watching. The guy running the swing looks at me and asks, “Need a push?”

ABSOLUTELY NOT!

I sit there for two full minutes, locked in a battle with my own fear. Every rational thought in my brain says, Just do it. But my body? Oh, my body says, Are you out of your mind?!

Then, the guy places a hand on my back. Just enough pressure to remind me: I either take the leap myself, or I’m going anyway.

And that was it. I went. Terrified. Screaming. And, once I hit the swing… laughing.

Principle:

That moment on the canyon swing? It’s leadership in a nutshell.

• Leadership requires courage. Sometimes, you’re at the edge of a big decision, knowing you need to move—but fear holds you back.
• Sometimes, you need support. That guiding hand (or well-placed nudge) from someone who sees your potential, even when you doubt yourself.
• And often, the thing you dread most? Ends up being the most exhilarating experience of your life.

Whether it’s taking the leap into a leadership role, starting that business, or stepping into unknown territory—you’re going to feel fear. That’s normal. The key is to recognize it, hold it, and move forward anyway.

Transition:

The problem is, most people let fear stop them. They overthink. They hesitate. They tell themselves they need more time, more preparation, more certainty.

But here’s the truth: the perfect moment? It doesn’t exist.

Too many outdoor entrepreneurs and leaders stall out waiting for the “right time” to make their next move—whether that’s scaling a business, stepping into leadership, or launching that dream trip.

That’s Why:

That’s why, in this episode of The Outdoor Adventure Lifestyle Podcast, I sat down with Casey Esco—executive coach, adventure leader, and all-around expert on navigating uncertainty in business and the outdoors.

She shares exactly how adventure can teach us to embrace risk, push through hesitation, and build the courage to lead (even when you’re scared out of your mind).

Call to Action:

If fear has ever held you back from making a move—whether in your career, your business, or even your next adventure—you need to hear this episode.

Because courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about taking the leap anyway.

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