What Climbing Mt. Snowdon Taught Me About Business
Angela Venoya 
Last week, I hiked Mt. Snowdon to raise money for a cause close to my heart, helping disadvantaged students in the Philippines access higher education through a charity I volunteer for, The Legacy Program PH.
On the day, it was windy, foggy, and rainy, overall, the conditions weren’t ideal. But the hike had been planned, and when something’s in motion, you show up.
As we climbed, I found myself thinking about how this challenge can also be applied when trying to grow your business. Here are a few of the biggest lessons I took away:
1. Preparation is Key
Before the hike, I checked the weather forecast, packed the right gear, and made sure I was physically ready. I was wearing waterproof clothing from head to toe, I also invested in some good hiking boots, however, there were people who were hiking in shorts, no waterproof clothing & some were even wearing trainers where the soles were falling off!
In business, it’s the same. You wouldn’t launch a new offer without understanding the current market, the needs of your audience, or the best channels to use.
Preparation sets you up for success, whether that’s researching your niche, creating a compelling message, or getting clear on your customer journey.
2. Teamwork Makes the Climb Easier
I hiked with a group of 9. Some of us moved faster, some needed breaks, but no one was left behind.
Even when a few of us were close to the summit, we paused - because the goal wasn’t just to get there, it was to get there together. We also helped each other out when the path was rocky, making sure we were all safe.
In business, the same applies. Whether you have a team or you're a sole business owner, surround yourself with people who will walk the path with you. Collaboration, support, and shared goals make the journey not only more bearable but also more meaningful.
3. The Path Won’t Always Be Clear
The first part of the trail was smooth, well-marked, and relatively easy. But then came the steep, rocky patches. The trail blurred, the climb got harder, and we had to rely on each other, our instincts, and determination.
This is what business feels like when you shift from start-up to scale-up. There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap. Things get messy. But if you’ve done the prep and you keep going, you’ll get there.
4. Push Through the Pain
Although we couldn’t see anything at the top, the feeling of being at the summit was incredible. But the journey back down was no joke - tired legs, slippery paths, and no option but to keep going.
Business will have those moments too. Launch fatigue. Burnout. Rejection. But consistency is everything. Sometimes, just staying on the path is a win.
5. Celebrate, Then Keep Moving
At the top, we took photos, bought souvenirs, and took a well-earned break. But the journey wasn’t over. You don’t set up camp at the summit - you come back down and prepare for the next climb.
It’s a great reminder in business to celebrate your wins, but don’t get too comfortable. Growth means more mountains, more learning, and new highs to reach.
Final Thoughts:
Climbing Snowdon reminded me how much business is about endurance, perspective, and people. You don’t always need to sprint and rush. You just need to keep moving, even when it gets tough.
If you’re on your own mountain right now, I hope this encourages you to keep going.
If you’re ready to grow with more clarity, structure, and a community that’s in it with you, the SFN 12-Month Programme could be the support system you’ve been looking for.
Doors open for our next cohort starting on the 1st of October and we’d love to hike that next mountain with you. You can now apply to be part of the SFN programme here.
