What The Wind Teaches Me: Part 1

There’s a special kind of wisdom that only the wind can offer.

As someone who’s spent countless hours chasing wind on the water and learning from its unpredictable nature, I’ve come to realize that the wind is a master teacher, not just for athletes, but for leaders and founders, too.

Listening Before Acting

The wind is invisible, yet its presence is unmistakable. Before launching into action, whether it’s catching a wave or starting a new project I’ve learned to pause, observe, and listen. Through the years I learned to take an observer role in any social situation I attend, while in my younger years I often thought that being seen in social situations is where i get the most value, but I was wrong. The wind teaches patience and the value of tuning in before moving forward. For business founders, this means taking time to understand your team’s energy and the subtle signals within your organization before making decisions. It’s about sensing what’s needed and when, rather than forcing momentum. 

No Rushing

When I’m out on the water, I never rush. The wind, though invisible, always announces itself through ripples, a sudden chill, or the movement of clouds. Before I act, I listen. This was never really the case when i was growing up. In my 2 decades as a board sports athlete, NO RUSHING was the hardest lesson i had to learn...seriously. When I first started kitesurfing, I was all energy and excitement, rushing to get on the water, eager to catch every gust. More often than not, I’d end up tangled in my lines, or worse, injuring myself. It took me years and a handful of injuries to learn that the most skilled riders are the ones who pause, watch, and listen before they act.

Silent Power

In business, I see the same pattern. Founders are often celebrated for moving fast, but some of the best leaders I’ve observed are those who know how to truly listen first. They tune into their team’s mood, pick up on what’s not being said, and sense the undercurrents before making a move. The wind has taught me that listening is not passive, it’s powerful. It’s the difference between being tossed around by circumstances and riding the perfect wave.

The wind has been my greatest teacher, showing me that leadership is less about control and more about guidance, presence, and trust.