Cairn Leadership Strategies - Knight Campbell

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal and business development but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Knight Campbell, founder, and CEO of Cairn Leadership Strategies, LLC., located in San Diego, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We develop business leaders and professionals through outdoor adventures. We combine a rigorous leadership curriculum with amazing outdoor adventures all over the US. Our customers range from executives to managers who love the outdoors and are sick of conference room leadership development.

Tell us about yourself

The moment that people do something they thought they could not do, like climb a cliff or summit a mountain, lights me up. People do hard things with us and realize there is much more they can do in life. I also love to dig into a leadership concept and look for other perspectives and interesting ways to teach it. For example, we can learn a lot about systemic change through understanding systems thinking applied to ecology.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My greatest accomplishment has been building a team of talented and passionate partners and guides who deeply believe in our mission and vision. The Cairn Leadership Team is deeply talented and an incredible group of people. I'd do a 30-hour epic mountain climb and suffer from any of them on my rope team, and I would trust any of them to run our business.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Having a business is like having another child. It is incredibly difficult to be completely present with my family without thinking about the business and very hard to be 100% focused on the business without feeling guilty for not being present with my family. Keeping family a clear priority and communicating that with my team has been imperative.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. If you want to start a business, make sure you are as excited about running a business and marketing your offer as you are about doing the work.
  2. Talk to potential customers and feel certain you are solving a clear pain point for them before you jump in.
  3. Never turn down a cup of coffee with someone else.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Time outside makes us happier, healthier, and more creative... naturally. Stop looking for energy hacks and just find a way to walk, run, bike, sit, birdwatch, or French kiss outside for half an hour a day instead.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.cairnleadership.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cairnleadership/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cairnleadership/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knight-campbell-adventure/


If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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