Forget the corporate ladder and ‘rock-climb’ your way to success

For years, the corporate world has framed career progression as climbing a ladder.  ‌It’s a simple and clear analogy suggesting a linear path defined by steady ascents with measured and predictable milestones. The rungs were all laid out and easily seen from one rung to the next. 

Yet, the complex and dynamic business landscape we have today renders this metaphor all but useless. The modern professional journey is less like climbing a ladder and more like looking up an unfamiliar rock face with no obvious path to the top. It’s unpredictable, challenging, and deeply individual as each move you make is going to pretty much be unique. 

The Illusion of straight lines

The corporate ladder suggests uniformity and equality‌ — ‌every rung evenly spaced, every climb requiring the same effort. Each person will not have the same reach as the next, yet the rungs on a ladder are, on average, equally spaced. That’s great. I know I only need to reach up a foot to clasp the next rung in my ascent to higher levels on the ladder of success. Easy, right? Unfortunately, corporate success is rarely so simple or standard. People, being unique creatures, we face unique challenges shaped by our industry, role, personal circumstances, and timing. The “ladder” metaphor suggests a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving little room for the individual nuance and flexibility demanded by modern careers. Much like free-will, each person makes choices that can change the distance of the next rung or‌ cause a leap to another ladder altogether. Each career trek or journey is not going to allow for standard spacing between rungs.

The reality of the rock face

Ascension in today’s corporate world resembles rock-climbing. It takes strategy, adaptation, willpower, and resilience. There’s no predefined path‌ — ‌just a wall of opportunities, challenges, and risks. Some climbers find a clear route, moving quickly and efficiently. Others meet dead ends, needing to pause, reassess, or even backtrack. Some run out of steam halfway up and are content to stay there, which is ok. Others, well, they fall off the rock and have a choice to start over or to choose a new climb (career).  Success is not always about height or speed but about navigating the journey thoughtfully. And realizing that your journey isn’t going to look like anyone else's. Two people at the same level in the same industry who can even share a mentor are still going to diverge somewhere on their journeys before reuniting at retirement. 

Lessons from rock climbing:

• Adaptation is essential: Rock climbers must adapt to their environment. Weather conditions (market conditions) change. Successful climbers analyze the terrain, identify potential routes, and adjust as conditions change. In business, it's important to expect to change things sometimes. This could be changing jobs, learning new skills, or setting goals. No matter how great our planning is, as we climb we’ll see things we didn’t expect. If we fail to adjust along the way, we’re likely to fail. Not because we’re not capable but because we’re too rigid. Great climbers are adaptable. To be the most successful, we have to be willing to change direction as industries and business models change due to competition, inventions, technology, laws, politics, and other external influences. 
• Trust your gear and team: Most short ladders are simple to climb. Solid footing and some coordination is all you need. For ladders over eight feet tall, you might ask a person to hold it up as you climb. But that’s about it. A rock climber, on the other hand, relies on their tools and support team. Usually, a climber will put a line on and make sure their partner is holding the other end securely by yelling “on belay”. They won't start climbing until their spotter responds with "belay on."  Similarly, in the workplace, relationships, mentorship, and resources are the “gear” that enables progress. Building strong networks and knowing when to seek support can make all the difference. Free-solo’ing can be fun, but it can also be perilous. Not only is there no one to catch you if you fall, but there is also no one to encourage you along the way. To push you to push through the pain. To see you when you get tired or even complacent and urge you on. 
• Not all paths are equal: Some climbers find easier routes, while others face tougher challenges. A fingerhold or foothold which works for me might not work for someone with much larger or smaller hands or feet. There aren’t standards regarding rock faces. In the corporate world, opportunities and obstacles are unevenly distributed. Toxic workplaces, for example, can slow down the pace for many. Recognizing this reality fosters empathy for those whose journeys differ from our own. This isn’t bad. This is just a reality. Embrace it. Plan for it. Keep pushing and climbing on. 
• Failure is part of the process: Falling is inevitable in rock climbing, but it’s rarely the end. Climbers learn to recover, regroup, and try again. They get tired. Their hands, elbows, knees, and toes all get scrapes, bruises, or pains. Yet they keep going. In a corporate context, setbacks should be viewed as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. Dictator managers, overly complex projects, and start-ups that fail to start are all barriers that cause workers to pause, reflect, reassess, and try again. 

• Progress isn’t always upward: There are times when climbers realize they need to move sideways‌ or even downward‌ ‌to find a better path. Similarly, lateral career moves, temporary pauses, or shifts in focus can lead to long-term success. This could be moving departments and learning new skills. This could also be moving companies or changing industries. Don't be afraid to make changes, like moving to a different job or taking a step down if you think it will help you move up in your career in the long term. 

Embracing the rock-climbing mentality

To thrive in today’s corporate environment, organizations and individuals alike must embrace the rock-climbing mindset. Mostly gone are the days where companies had rigid hierarchies. Today, we’re seeing organizations where they are fostering cultures that value creativity, flexibility, and diverse paths to leadership. Employees should approach their careers with curiosity and resilience, ready to adapt to ever-changing landscapes.

For most of us, the climb will never be easy. It is not meant to be. But by discarding the outdated notion of the corporate ladder and embracing the complexity of the rock face, we can redefine success—not as a destination, but as a journey rich with challenges, growth, and (with the right degree of perseverance) opportunity.

Belay on

The shift from ladder to rock climbing is more than a metaphor; it’s a call to action. As leaders, colleagues, and individuals, we must support and celebrate the diverse ways people navigate their careers. By doing so, we create a workplace culture where everyone has the chance to reach new heights, regardless of the path they take.

For those coming after me stating the “on belay”, I happily say “belay on” as I have your back.  

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