🏃♂️ What Running a Marathon Taught Me About Leadership
An inside look at how 42.195 km reshaped my view on endurance, transformation, and team spirit.
Yesterday, I became a marathon runner.
And it wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was a vivid, physical reminder of what it takes to lead in times of change.
For 5 hours and 12 minutes, I ran through the streets of Paris. 16 weeks of training, 407 kilometers logged, and dozens of early mornings led to that moment. But this race wasn’t just about running. It was about showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard.
Sound familiar? That’s because leading a Digital Factory — or any team in a fast-moving world — often feels like a marathon.
Running, Leading — Same Principles
Here’s what I (re)learned out there:
Set a vision: Whether it's a race or a roadmap, clarity of purpose pulls you forward.
Pace yourself: Not everything is a sprint. Sustainability matters.
Push through the wall: Around kilometer 26, everything hurt. In transformation, the “wall” is that moment where resistance peaks and momentum dips. Leadership is what carries you past it.
Celebrate progress: Every kilometer, every small win, every milestone — they count. And they’re better when shared.
The Real Finish Line
This marathon was more than a physical achievement. It reactivated something deep: my belief in long-term commitment, in the value of presence through discomfort, and in the strength of the collective.
I couldn't have done it without the support of those around me — just like we never transform alone in business.
To everyone running their own race — whether you're building a product, shifting an organization, or simply trying to lead with intention — keep going. You're doing something great.
See you at the next starting line. 🏁