The most dangerous worldview is the worldview of those who have not viewed the world. Alexander von Humboldt

 

In 2016, I made the bold decision to quit my well-paying job in Switzerland, sell my belongings, and embark on an adventure that would change my life forever. Over 2.5 years, I traveled solo to 34 countries, covering 70,000 km by motorcycle. During this journey, I gained invaluable insights that helped me grow as both an individual and a leader.

Taking a sabbatical isn’t just about taking a break—it’s an investment in personal and professional growth. In his Harvard Business Review article, David Burkus highlights the mutual benefits for both employees and organizations when individuals take time off to rejuvenate and expand their horizons.

Return on Investment: Beyond the Numbers

The true value of a sabbatical isn’t something that can be measured in monetary terms. It lies in the personal growth and leadership lessons gained along the way. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, there’s never been a more critical time to invest in human skills such as empathy, creativity, and adaptability. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, emphasized this at the 2018 World Economic Forum, stating that our education systems need to prioritize values, teamwork, and independent thinking over traditional knowledge-based learning.

Taking time for self-reflection and stepping outside the familiar confines of a career or classroom can teach you lessons no formal education can provide. Below are some of the key life lessons I learned during my sabbatical that have directly contributed to my development as a leader.

I visited one of the most prestigious business schools in the world where I learned about strategy, marketing, finance and leadership. I learned how to think outside the box and how to challenge the status quo. Read here more. A sabbatical and round the world trip was the next step of my journey of self-reflection and personal growth, the ultimate school of life which teaches you lessons you will never be able to experience in a traditional class room.

Life Learnings from a Sabbatical

1. Taking Risks and Embracing Uncertainty

Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security. John Allen Paulos

Leaving my comfort zone was where I found the most profound personal growth. Whether navigating remote areas of the world or facing unpredictable situations, learning to adapt and overcome challenges boosted my self-confidence. For example, I found myself at a crossroads in the Amazon jungle, deciding between continuing via Venezuela—a country in crisis—or attempting the treacherous BR-319 highway. Learning to make quick, informed decisions in uncertain conditions is a skill that directly translates to leadership.

2. Staying Calm in Crisis

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results. Willie Nelson

Leadership often involves managing crises with calm and clarity. While traversing the Baja California desert, I found myself stranded with a broken motorcycle clutch. Instead of panicking, I remained calm, assessed the situation, and found help. Learning to stay composed in the face of adversity is critical for making sound decisions in high-pressure environments.

3. Thinking Creatively

“I’m always doing things I can’t do. That’s how I get to do them.“ Pablo Picasso

Creativity is essential when problem-solving in unfamiliar situations. While in New Zealand, I built a camper van with no prior DIY skills. I leveraged the expertise of others by involving people around me—Airbnb hosts, store employees, and even fellow travelers. This collaborative approach not only made the project successful but also reinforced the power of teamwork and creative problem-solving.

Read here how I built a camper van DIY in New Zealand.

4. Cultural Understanding

Travel early and travel often. Live abroad, if you can. Understand cultures other than your own. As your understanding of other cultures increases, your understanding of yourself and your own culture will increase exponentially. Tom Freston

Understanding diverse cultures has made me a more empathetic and effective leader. By immersing myself in different communities—whether during my time in Brazil or my travels in South America—I gained a broader perspective on global issues. Spending significant time in one place allowed me to develop meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of local customs, which has prepared me for future cross-cultural collaborations.

5. Humility and Empathy

If you aren’t humble, whatever empathy you claim is false and probably results from some arrogance or the desire to control. But true empathy is rooted in humility and the understanding that there are many people with as much to contribute in life as you. Anand Mahindra

Traveling long-term through developing countries humbled me in ways I never expected. The stark contrast between my early hotel preferences and later sleeping arrangements—such as in a hammock aboard a boat in the Amazon—taught me to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. As a leader, humility fosters deeper connections with others and promotes empathy in decision-making.

6. Giving Back

The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. Pablo Picasso

We are privileged to grow up in developed countries, to receive free education or health care. Basic needs which are necessary to make this a better world. A lot of people on my way had not the same luck just because they grew up somewhere else under different conditions.

Throughout my journey, I was often the recipient of selfless acts of kindness. This experience ignited a desire within me to give back to communities. Leadership, at its core, is about service to others.

7. Overcoming  Worry

I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened. Mark Twain

Worrying about potential challenges can prevent forward progress. I learned that overthinking rarely leads to success. Instead, I adopted a mindset of calculated risk-taking, assessing situations logically before acting. As a leader, being able to balance analysis with decisive action is key to maintaining momentum.

8. Work Life Balance

I would rather die of passion than of boredom. Vincent van Gogh

Before my sabbatical, I struggled to define my passions. Work consumed most of my life. However, during my travels, I discovered a love for photography and adventure motorcycling—hobbies that have helped me maintain balance and joy. Passion is contagious and helps leaders inspire others to achieve great things.

9. Optimism with Realism

Being purely driven by optimism in South- or Central America can literally cost your life. Dominik Reinhard

While optimism is vital, it’s important to temper it with realism. During my travels in South America, I learned that being overly optimistic can sometimes lead to dangerous outcomes. Read here more about my learnings of traveling safe in South America. As a leader, finding the right balance between optimism and realism is essential for project success.

10. Gaining True Wealth

Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead. Charles Bukowski

While a sabbatical requires time, effort, and financial investment, the rewards are priceless. The memories and personal growth I’ve gained from this experience are treasures no one can take away from me. In the end, stepping away from work has made me not only a better leader but also a richer person in every sense of the word.

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking a sabbatical provides invaluable lessons that transcend the workplace. It refines leadership skills, sparks creativity, fosters humility, and cultivates a global perspective—qualities that are essential for navigating today’s complex world. As artificial intelligence continues to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future, investing in these human-centered skills becomes even more crucial for effective leadership.