We had the good fortune of connecting with Knight Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Knight, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I made so many mistakes when I first started Cairn Leadership Strategies. People look at the entrepreneur life as if it is glamorous, and I certainly fell into that category. I imagined huge profits in the first year because I loved the service that we sold, but I did not understand product market fit and I had not set out to solve a pressing problem (two things I always advise potential business owners to consider up front).

I began with ideas of climbing mountains with CEOs, and quickly realized that I did not have a market or a business model that would scale. Over the last six years my team and I have addressed those issues with multilevel offerings that solve specific problems for businesses.

I always tell people who ask about starting their own business that they need to enjoy marketing and sales at least as much as they like what they sell. They will be spending about 80% of their time in those two areas! For me, figuring out how to make the business thrive and get more business leaders outside is a rewarding challenge!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Over the last 20 years I have gotten a chance to lead in some very different domains. Flying helicopters for the Navy gave me a chance to work with a small team and at times exercise very directive leadership in emergency situations. Leading hundreds of people as an instructor at the Naval Academy opened my eyes to the political aspects of leadership. Then I transitioned to the outdoor educator space where collective and inclusive leadership is the name of the game. Suddenly the mission was less important that the people, and that was a tough mental shift for me.

Now leading at Cairn Leadership Strategies, I consider being a champion for our culture as my most important job. As long as we continue to hire smart, driven and caring people, I just need to make sure that the culture nurtures our team.

Studying leadership in depth in my PhD program at the University of San Diego has opened my eyes to the little details all around us. Leadership is a system. We all impact everyone around us and being intentional about that impact seems like the most important thing we can do as leaders and humans.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well my ideal itinerary for a San Diego visit is heavily colored by my love of the outdoors and the fact that I have two small children.

No visit is complete without a short hike in Annie’s Canyon. It’s an incredible place, especially with children. It has become popular over the last couple of years, so PLEASE don’t litter. Pick up some trash when you go and don’t scratch things into the soft sand stone.

We have an explorer pass to Balboa Park and you could spend a week there. Go see all the museums and of course go to the Zoo!

Lastly, I think Torrey Pines State Beach is the best beach in the county. Save the parking fee and park next to Bird Rock Coffee for an amazing cup of joe. Walk the extra five minutes and enjoy the beach. This is my prefered venue for in person business meetings as well!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife, Leonie Campbell is amazing. She was a Marine and then decided to go to medical school. She is in the thick of residency right now as an Orthopedic Surgeon. People often ask me how to become a mountain guide and I say with only a little humor to marry a doctor. She is the President of our company and helps us stay on track on the side and she is a wonderful mom to our two amazing daughters.

Website: https://www.cairnleadership.com

Instagram: @cairnleadership

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/knight-campbell-adventure/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjrBKW3Xgcfr0P1YCzjUOPg

Image Credits
Knight Campbell

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