5 Business Lessons from a 100km Hike in Hong Kong

Last December, two friends and I set out to hike Hong Kong’s Maclehose Trail , a 100-kilometer route spanning coastal paths, forested valleys, and a few steep climbs. Over five days and four nights, we camped under the stars, navigated misty ridges, and learned a thing or two about pacing ourselves. Was it a walk in the park? No. Was it Everest? Also no. But it offered plenty of parallels to the professional world.

Here’s what the trail taught me about work, teamwork, and strategy.

1. Planning Prevents Regret (Not Disaster)

We prepped: studied maps, packed light, timed rest stops. Still, we underestimated the chill of Hong Kong’s winter nights, shivering in tents thinner than a conference-room sandwich. Lesson? Planning won’t make you invincible, but it will save you from avoidable headaches.

For new business development and marketing initiatives: anticipate hiccups, set realistic milestones, and skip the overcomplications. Small oversights happen; big ones? Often preventable with a little forethought.

Remember, without a plan, you’re just winging it, and that’s a risky place to be.  

2. Culture Is About Shared Commitment

Planning lays the foundation, but it’s culture that determines success—whether hiking or in business. The saying “Culture Eats Strategy For Breakfast” perfectly illustrates this. On our hike, our shared belief in reaching the goal kept us moving forward, much like how businesses thrive when employees are united by a common vision.

At work, culture isn’t about ping-pong tables or mission statements. It’s the unspoken agreement that we’re in this together. Successful client focused law firms, cultivate a strong, supportive culture and inspire their teams to give their best, not because they have to, but because they believe in the mission. Success, in any endeavor, is driven by the strength of the people behind it.

Without stakeholder support, even the best strategies fall short. 

3. Small Steps Beat Grand Plans

Staring at 100km on Day 1 was daunting. Focusing on the next checkpoint? Manageable. We broke the trail into sections, celebrating each completed stretch like a mini-win.

Business development and marketing goals work the same. Want to climb rankings, publish content, or land clients? Don’t fixate on the summit. Chunk it down to one email, one draft, one conversation at a time. Progress adds up, without the burnout.

4. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

We debated gear: lightweight tents, moisture-wicking layers, compact stoves. But by Day 3, we’d ditched the non-essentials (cough portable chairs, solar battery packs, cough). Less weight = more energy for the trail.

Law firms, take note. Before investing in the latest ‘time saving, efficient' tech, ask: Does this solve a real problem, or is it just clutter? Will people actually use it? Is it a significant improvement over what you already have? Efficiency isn’t about having more—it’s about using better.

With the right marketing infrastructure in place, teams can work more effectively, focus on priorities, and move closer to their goals without distractions or unnecessary strain. 

5. Teamwork Trumps Solo Efforts

The trail humbles lone wolves. When my energy dipped, friends took the lead. When they struggled, I handled navigation. Shared load, shared laughs, shared finish line.

BDM projects thrive the same way. Trust your team’s strengths, and they’ll trust yours. As my friend said while repacking his absurdly awkward tent: “This’d be miserable alone.”

Collaboration thrives when people bring their strengths to the table and lean on each other when needed. No task is too overwhelming when you’re willing to share the load.  

The Takeaway

The Maclehose Trail taught me more than just endurance, it taught me how to think, adapt, and persevere. It showed me that with the right planning, tools, and people around you, even the most intimidating challenges can be overcome. The same goes for law firms. Success isn’t born from grand gestures; it’s built on preparation, smart choices, and a willingness to adapt.

Great execution isn’t just about pushing harder; it’s about building on a strong foundation. When you’ve put thought into planning, nurtured a positive culture, and fostered teamwork, execution becomes a much smoother and more rewarding process. 

Next time you’re facing a daunting project, ask: Am I overcomplicating this? Who’s got my back? What’s the next small win? Because whether on a trail or in a boardroom, forward motion beats flashy heroics every time.

Author: Stephen Lai

Stephen advocates for equitable access to vital tools and data across all law firms, empowering them to compete effectively in a saturated market. With more than two decades of expertise, he works closely with firms to elevate their marketing and business development through data-driven strategies.

He is dedicated to assisting law firms in crafting enduring business development and marketing strategies. This is achieved through a cost-effective approach, incorporating clear KPIs to assess ROI.

Book your free consultation here.