Leading Under Pressure in Extreme Environments. Lessons learned from Ade Hawkins
In the world of leadership, few experiences can rival the lessons learned from extreme environments. High mountain expeditions and polar adventures offer unique insights into team dynamics, resilience, and the essence of effective leadership. In this post, we delve into the experiences of Ade Hawkins, a seasoned leader whose journey through military service and adventure guiding sheds light on what it really takes to lead under pressure.
A Moment on the Edge: The Power of Hands-On Leadership
It was well below freezing, and Ade Hawkins found himself leading a small team on a glacier crossing in Norway. As night fell sooner than anticipated, one of the team members stumbled, struggling under the weight of their gear. Instead of simply barking orders, Ade knelt beside them, adjusted their pack, and offered a few words of encouragement. In that moment, he demonstrated a core principle of his leadership philosophy: true leadership is about empowering individuals rather than merely giving commands.
This brief anecdote encapsulates Ade’s hands-on style and sets the tone for his broader leadership journey.
Ade Hawkins’ Four-Decade Journey: From Military Roots to Empowered Leadership
Over the past forty years, Ade has navigated both military and civilian landscapes. From serving in the Falklands War to modern-day conflicts, his formative years in the military shaped an approach to leadership that emphasizes action, empowerment, and trust.
Watch the Interview: Ade’s Playbook for Resilient Teams
Curious how adversity can unlock your team’s potential? Tune in to hear how Ade Hawkins—drawing on his military background and expeditions in Finse—turns harsh conditions into game-changing leadership insights. Walk away with actionable tips to keep your corporate teams resilient, united, and ready to conquer any challenge.
Transition from Soldier to Regimental Sergeant Major
Ade’s rise through the ranks taught him the value of practical leadership. Rather than issuing directives from a distance, he learned the importance of being on the ground with his team—listening, guiding, and giving them the confidence to act independently.
Leadership and command are not the same, a true leader enables people to take ownership of their roles and grows their ability to perform without micromanagement.
When his military career culminated in 2019, Ade served as the lead crisis planner for the Scottish government during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, he demonstrated the adaptability and strategic thinking crucial to effectively guide teams through unpredictable conditions.
Finding Purpose in the Outdoors
After leaving the military, Ade sought deeper connections with nature and the outdoors. He and his girlfriend, Jenny, relocated to Finse, Norway, where they established a guiding and leadership company dedicated to immersive outdoor experiences.
Embracing Winter Camping and Glacier Travel
Their programs focus on winter camping, glacier travel, and exploring the stunning Norwegian wilderness. For Ade, the outdoors offers a unique backdrop where team members are pushed beyond their comfort zones, gaining clarity on their strengths, weaknesses, and natural leadership styles.
The wilderness is honest, it quickly shows you where you need to improve and also where you can shine.
Leadership Lessons from the Military
Ade’s decades of military service provided a reservoir of lessons that he now applies in civilian and expedition contexts. Chief among these is the distinction between leadership and command—effective leaders empower their teams instead of relying on the force of authority.
The 3 C’s of Effective Leadership
Ade often underscores three key qualities that leaders need to cultivate:
- Competency – Possessing the necessary skills to guide the team effectively.
- Commitment – Demonstrating genuine care for both the mission and the individuals involved.
- Character – Upholding integrity and inspiring trust.
Each of these elements reinforces the others. A technically competent leader might still fail if they lack commitment or a strong moral compass.
Building High-Performance Teams
Whether in a military unit, an expedition group or in your organization, high-performance teams share key traits: they deliver results with or without direct supervision, thrive on autonomy, and exhibit strong mutual trust.
To achieve this, Ade recommends:
- Share Information
- Transparent communication fosters trust and keeps everyone aligned.
- Example: In Ade’s expedition briefings, the entire team knows the route plan and potential hazards before setting out.
- Embrace Humility
- Leaders should focus on serving rather than commanding.
- Example: Ade makes a point of carrying his fair share of gear and encourages open dialogue, signaling that no one is above the team.
- Encourage Continuous Learning
- Every mission or expedition is an opportunity to learn—especially from failures.
- Example: After returning from a glacier trek, Ade holds a debrief where team members reflect on missteps and successes to improve next time.
- Delegate Effectively
- Trust your team members by giving them real responsibilities.
- Example: Ade might assign one person navigation duties and another to manage food supplies. This empowers individuals to sharpen their skills while contributing to the bigger mission.
- Develop Followers
- A high-performance team needs skilled, confident followers just as much as strong leaders.
- Example: Ade invests in each person’s growth, ensuring they can lead in his absence if necessary.
The Role of Resilience
Resilience is critical in any leadership context. Ade believes this quality is nurtured through experience and adaptability—and by recognizing that every challenge eventually passes.
A Kosovo Humanitarian Mission
Ade recalls a poignant story from his military career: While in Kosovo, his unit was tasked with building a refugee camp under extreme conditions. Switching from combat-oriented training to humanitarian work was a significant mental shift. Despite the emotional toll, the team banded together to create a safe environment for those in need.
Resilience is collective. When one person struggles, the rest of us have to come together to fill the gap.
Leadership During Change
Change is inevitable in both military operations and civilian life. Ade learned early on that simplifying complex changes can ease team transitions and maintain morale.
Simplify, Communicate, Execute
Even when plans shift dramatically, Ade finds that only a few key priorities often change. He breaks them down into manageable tasks and communicates these clearly to the team.
If people know the ‘why’ behind the change, they’re more likely to stay motivated and flexible.
Final Thoughts on Leadership
Ade’s journey—from soldier to regimental sergeant major, and now expedition leader in Norway—illustrates that character, commitment, and adaptability are at the core of effective leadership. Whether you’re guiding a platoon, an expedition, or a project team at the office, the same principles apply:
- Empower others to act autonomously.
- Build resilience by leaning on collective strengths.
- Adapt swiftly when faced with evolving challenges.
As you reflect on your own leadership journey, consider how you might translate these lessons into your day-to-day life. Do you share information freely? Do you encourage your team to learn from mistakes? Are you demonstrating humility and taking risks that challenge your comfort zone?
Interested in Creating Your Own Extreme Leadership Team?
Scott offers a series of Keynote presentations and workshops on team building. Here’s a quick video of Scott in action! Contact us to explore this further.
About The Extreme Leadership Series
The Extreme Leadership Series is a dynamic exploration of leadership through the lens of extraordinary situations. Hosted by Scott Kress, it features a mix of engaging podcasts and insightful written interviews with leaders who have thrived in some of the world’s most demanding environments. From the icy wilderness of polar regions to the towering summits of the highest mountains, guests share their stories of resilience, teamwork, and courage.
This series goes beyond mere adventure tales; it delves into the core principles of effective leadership such as preparation, adaptability, and the ability to cultivate high-performance teams. It offers valuable lessons for leaders in any field, aiming to educate, inspire, and equip listeners and readers with the tools to lead under pressure.
Whether you’re an emerging leader seeking motivation, an experienced executive aiming to enhance your skills, or simply intrigued by the intersection of leadership and extreme challenges, the Extreme Leadership Series provides a unique perspective on navigating adversity and achieving success. Join Scott Kress on this journey to uncover what it takes to lead in the most unforgiving circumstances, where every decision can make a difference.