An Arctic Expedition That Shaped a Leader
Full Story
In April 2015, Leela joined an all-female team to ski 100 km across Baffin Island in the Arctic Circle facing temperatures below 40 °C and winds up to 80 km/h, camping on remote ice, with emergency support a full day away.
Leela’s goal wasn’t survival it was transformation. As a wife, mother, entrepreneur, and leader, she asked not “What am I?” but “Who can I become?” Her Arctic journey became a literal and metaphorical test of identity, pushing her past expectations. Leela has since worked with clients including: BT, Sky, Microsoft, Unilever, Axa, Specsavers, and many others. Whether in the boardroom or in the community, Leela brings honesty, empathy, and challenge, inspiring leaders and teams.
Lessons Learned
Resilience in action
She discovered that resilience isn’t just enduring it’s thriving. What felt like hardship became the training ground for empathy, courage, and community
Leadership forged in extremes
Solo and silent under icy skies, she realized that leading isn’t about directives it’s about trust, vulnerability, and shared purpose.
Business and beyond
The Arctic stripped back routine and hierarchy, letting her reimagine her identity and her impact in business and beyond.