Fresh off the dusty trails of Morocco, I’ve got stories to tell and observations that’ll hopefully make you giggle, ponder and look in the rearview mirror.
There’s something pretty amazing about watching entrepreneurs navigate winding mountain roads and facing hot desert winds. Strip away the meeting rooms, the LinkedIn profiles, and the clean business attire, and what you’re left with is pure, unfiltered character with a side of dust. After hosting another epic motorcycle adventure through Morocco fuelled by copious amounts of mint tea and tagines, I observed something fascinating: how you ride is very much a reflection of your personality and leadership style.
Let’s explore the colourful cast of motorcycle archetypes and discover which one you identify with!
1. The Enthusiast: Heart Bigger Than Skills (For Now)
They show up with tales of conquering mountains, dodging camels, and doing wheelies in reverse. Then… they hit the gravel.
They’ve got the stories to prove their skills. “Back when I was tearing up the San Gottardo Mountain Pass…” they’ll say.
But when the rubber meets the road, they’re wobbling through corners like a newborn giraffe on roller skates. They talk about lean angles and apex lines while taking every curve at the speed of a cautious granny, slowing down when overtaking a big truck.
Behind the Visor: They’ve mastered the art of the impressive elevator pitch but struggle when it’s time to execute. They know all the buzzwords, attend every conference, and have strong opinions about “synergistic opportunities”, but somehow their quarterly reports always need “context.”
We love them, because well, we love all riders, except for the dickheads, but luckily we don’t attract these on our adventures! Confidence is half the ride, right?
If you find yourself doing more talking than doing, it might be time to zip it and lean into that next corner.
2. The Silent Ninja: Grace Under Pressure
Then there’s the rider who barely says a word during the pre-ride briefing. While the Enthusiast is still talking, the Silent Ninja is calmly checking their bike, adjusting their mirrors, and probably thinking about what they’ll have for lunch.
But watch them ride. They flow through corners with grace, make impossible passes look effortless, and somehow always end up at the front without you noticing how they got there. When asked about their technique, they just shrug and say, “I don’t know, just felt right.”
They also never miss a turn, a tea stop, or a chance to pull over and help without fuss. Legends. I’ve learned and still learn a lot from them over the years! I secretly aspire to be one of them!
Behind the Visor: These are the leaders everyone wants to work for. They don’t need to tell you they’re competent, you can see it in everything they do. They listen more than they speak, make decisions with quiet confidence, and have this uncanny ability to be exactly where they need to be when things get challenging.
These riders remind us that true mastery whispers and doesn’t need to show off.
3. The Guardian Angel: Excellence in Service
Every group needs a guardian angel! They’re genuinely skilled, could easily be leading the pack, but instead, they’re constantly looking in their rearview mirror, making sure everyone’s okay. They’ll hang back with the struggling rider and somehow make everyone feel like they’re exactly where they need to be.
If motorcycling had a Mother Teresa, it’d be this rider.
Behind the Visor: These are the servant leaders, the ones who understand that true leadership is about making sure that no one gets left behind. They build teams that would run through walls for them, not because they demand loyalty, but because they’ve earned it through countless small acts of kindness.
In a world full of people trying to get ahead, these riders remind us that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is slow down and help someone else.
4. The Red Zone Warrior: Living Life at 110%
This rider has one speed: flat out. They attack every corner like it owes them something, brake at the last possible second, and seem to believe that the “ride at 80% capacity” rule is for other people.
They can be pretty skilled, not as skilled as the last two riders, they’re constantly dancing on the edge of disaster. Every ride becomes a high-stakes performance where they’re pushing both machine and physics to their limits.
Behind the Visor: These are the high-octane leaders who treat business like extreme sports. They’re the ones making aggressive moves, taking massive risks, and pushing their teams hard. They often achieve spectacular results, until they don’t. They’re either heroes or make for interesting tales, with very little middle ground.
The thing is that there’s fine line between courage and silliness, they often cross over into silliness.
5. The Curious Explorer: Smelling the Roses
While everyone else is focused on conquering the next section of road, the Explorer is pulling over to photograph that incredible view, chat with the local shepherd, or investigate a bustling market off the side of the road.
They’re not racing to get anywhere, they’ve mastered the art of balancing speed with savouring the journey. They understand that the journey isn’t just about the destination, it’s about the stories you collect along the way.
Behind the Visor: These leaders understand that business is about building something meaningful, not just hitting quarterly targets. They’re the ones who remember to celebrate wins, who notice when team members are struggling, and who understand that sometimes the detour leads to the best discoveries. They trust their intuition to make big and small decisions.
They remind us that in our rush to get “there,” we might be missing “here.” Although sometimes they do get a bit sidetracked by shiny new objects.
6. The Steady Eddie: Consistency Wins the Race
This rider will never win any speed contests, and they’re perfectly fine with that. They’ve found their pace, not fast, not slow, just consistently their own rhythm, and they stick to it whether they’re climbing mountains or cruising through valleys. They’ve got nothing to prove.
They’re like your favourite playlist, dependable, comforting and consistent.
While others are burning out their clutches trying to keep up with the speed demons, Steady Eddie just keeps humming along, mile after mile, never stressed, never frazzled. You never have to worry about Steady Eddie.
Behind the Visor: These are the leaders who build sustainable businesses. They’re not chasing every shiny opportunity or pivoting every quarter. They’ve found their lane, they know their values, and they execute with commitment and consistency.
7. The Careful Calculator: Safety First, Adventure Second
Day one: Every corner is an existential crisis. Every acceleration a gamble.
They love adventure, but their heart races a bit more than the engine. Sometimes they hesitate before corners, sometimes they need a gentle nudge to keep going. They know exactly how much fuel they have at every moment, they’ve studied the route three times, and they’re pretty sure they know what the weather will be doing next week.
But here’s the beautiful part: what they lack in speed, they make up for in growth. Because by day five? They’re smiling, leaning into turns, and wondering why they ever doubted themselves in the first place.
Behind the Visor: These are the leaders who keep companies alive during uncertain times. They’re managing cash flow, building emergency funds, and keeping everyone employed. When they finally make bold moves, it’s calculated courage, and everyone cheers.
So, Which Rider Are You?
More importantly, which rider do you aspire to be? And what do you need to adjust to get there?
There’s no “right” way to ride, just like there’s no single formula for leadership.
The thing that matters most is: Are you being authentic to who you are, or are you putting on a show? Are you growing, or are you stuck in patterns that no longer serve you and your team?
Courage isn’t about being unafraid, it’s getting up, turning on the engine, and riding the road less travelled even when staying put is the easier choice.