PODCAST
Two Right Socks and a Broken Watch... Consulting Lessons from the Trail
What does running a 62-mile ultramarathon have in common with delivering a complex technology project? A lot more than you’d think. It's never about a perfect, flawless execution. It's about what happens when you’re f…
Episode 03 · 23 min · August 11, 2025
Show notes
What does running a 62-mile ultramarathon have in common with delivering a complex technology project? A lot more than you’d think. It's never about a perfect, flawless execution. It's about what happens when you’re faced with two right socks, a dead watch, or a critical team member leaving mid-project. It's about preparation, adaptability, and resilience.
In this episode, Ben Griswold (Grizen) and Noah Heldman (OutcomeSource) draw a powerful analogy between the world of endurance trail running and the challenges of technology consulting. They explore how the discipline, continuous learning, and community support required to finish a grueling race are the exact same principles that lead to successful project outcomes.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why the most critical phase of any project (or race) is the preparation and discovery.
- How to plan for the unexpected and develop the adaptability to handle anything from a budget cut to a dead watch.
- The power of continuous learning and measurement, whether you're tracking heart rate or team velocity.
- The overlooked importance of 'rest days' in both training and project management to prevent burnout and improve outcomes.
- Why even 'individual' pursuits are a team sport, and how to build a support system with mentors and champions.
Connect with Us:
Ben Griswold | Grizen: https://grizen.com
Noah Heldman | OutcomeSource: https://outcomesource.com
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