Want to grow in career or business?

I recently attended Climb25 - an annual business growth festival in Leeds, UK.

With hundreds of keynotes, panels, workshops, and endless networking opportunities, I could only scratch the surface.

But here are 10 powerful discoveries I made that apply whether you're leading a company or contributing as a team member.

These lessons are about resilience, connection, and showing up authentically in work and life.

1) Let's debunk the growth myth

Credit to Jennifer Byrne (former Chief Security Officer for Microsoft) for encouraging a focus on resilience over speed, and building credibility over building a brand. Amidst the talks about financial targets, securing investment, and sales spreadsheets, she hit a different note by talking about doing something "quietly important in the world".

2) Connection starts with passion

Michael Crinnion (entrepreneur and innovator) nailed it: "talking to people about what you love opens all the doors." Share what lights you up and the magic happens.

3) You're not doing it wrong 

Everyone experiences euphoric highs and inner turmoil. Even our most decorated female Olympian Dame Laura Kenny revealed "times where I thought - why have I done this, it's so hard." You're not alone in feeling this way.

4) Pressure is motivating. Until it isn't

Olympic gold medallist, Tessa Sanderson CBE, believes "having the mindset to achieve is more important than talent." But heading up championship motorsport teams, Justina Williams warns she's "seen fantastic people fail because of too much pressure." Find your sweet spot.

5) Learn from incredible people

Quick pause to highlight Justina Williams again - her journey through elite Judo, grief, homelessness, financial success (all by 19!), career pivots, and leading motorsport teams left me in awe. Living proof of the power of great mentors. Who can you learn from? Who can you share something with?

6) Someone has to dream big 

"Why not be the person who sets big goals - someone has to" - Dame Kenny again, challenging us to be the ones who dare to think bigger.

7) Your character is revealed in crisis, your team is tested in turmoil 

Powerful question from Wigan Warriors' Kruise Leeming: "What are you willing to do when someone next to you makes an error?" This applies whether you're on a sports field or in a boardroom. What are your ethics?

8) Stop trying to change

The world needs you exactly as you are. Your uniqueness is your super power. We don't need more clones. We need you, in all your weirdness and your singular brilliance.

9) Choose happiness 

Do what you can to "feel happier not crappier." Self-development expert Holly Matthews and I share the same philosophy - you get one shot at this life, so fill it with good stuff.

10) Connection is everything 

Having two days of joyous interactions with purposeful, kind, big-hearted people is the perfect way to get out of your own head, learn, talk about your dreams, listen to new perspectives, explore opportunities. That sounds a lot like growth to me!

The takeaway

Whether you're founding the next big thing or showing up in your current role, success isn't just about metrics - it's about resilience, authenticity, and the connections we build along the way.

These lessons from Climb25 remind me why face-to-face events matter so much. There's something irreplaceable about being in a room full of people who are all trying to figure it out, just like you. Which of these resonated most with you? Drop a comment below - I'd love to hear about your own experiences with pressure, your definition of growth, or those moments when someone's advice completely shifted your perspective.

With warmth,

Holly

If this was useful, share it with someone who's navigating their own journey in business or career. We all need reminders that we're not alone in this.