Experience is a term often thrown around in today’s society. We constantly hear people referring to "my experience" to strengthen their claims or opinions. But what does it really mean to speak from experience? What is it that allows some people to speak with authority and credibility in a particular area, while others are merely guessing their way through? It’s the difference between understanding something deeply and just providing a surface-level response. In a world where quick information is available at the touch of a button, experience and real understanding are the keys to success or failure.
In today’s world, we are surrounded by information and quick fixes. It’s easy to believe that by simply Googling something or reading an article, we can become experts in a particular area. But the reality is different. It takes years of work, dedication, and sometimes tough experiences to truly understand a subject deeply. I speak from experience when I say this.
Leading through Experience
Over the years, I have held several roles that required a deep understanding of organization, leadership, and problem-solving. As a stage manager, production manager, and location manager in the film and event industry, I didn’t just need to understand how things should work in theory – I had to make them work in practice. That is a crucial difference.
When I talk about leadership, it’s from the reality I’ve lived and shaped myself in. I’ve managed stage productions where every detail had to be spot on, from lighting and sound to ensuring artists or actors have the environment they need to perform their best. Working as a production manager means wearing many hats and being the one to ensure all parts of the production come together, often under intense pressure.
But it’s not just in my professional life where experience comes into play. I also spent six years living aboard a sailboat year-round, with all the challenges and opportunities that entails. Whether the boat was docked in the harbor or out at sea, I had to be aware of the weather, the winds, and how to manage life in a confined space. Life on a boat taught me much about adaptability, patience, and the importance of careful planning.
Skills from Reality
There’s something to be said for practical experience – something that can’t be replaced by theoretical knowledge or just holding a title. Whether you are a manager at a company, a project leader, or an instructor in a specific field, your own experience is the foundation of all credibility.
Being a manager isn’t just about having a title on a business card. It involves responsibility and being able to make tough decisions under pressure. It also means understanding how to handle people, projects, and resources in a way that works in reality – not just in theory. Many people think they automatically become good managers just because they got the role, but in reality, it takes years of practical experience to truly master leadership. And even then, you’re never "done."
Climbing Mountains – Both Physical and Mental
One of the most challenging but also most rewarding experiences I’ve had is climbing mountains. Reaching nearly 3,000 meters in altitude without prior experience is not something that can be done without learning from every step along the way. This experience has confirmed for me that life’s challenges often involve setting a goal, working strategically towards it, and overcoming all the obstacles that arise along the way. Every meter you climb forces you to become more aware of your body, your mind, and your limits. It’s about overcoming both physical and mental barriers.
When I climbed Mount Virin in Bulgaria at the age of 62, without previous climbing training, every step was a lesson in endurance and courage. This experience taught me that life’s challenges are not only about focusing on the goal but also on the journey to get there. Every obstacle along the way is an opportunity to grow and learn, and that’s where the real reward lies.
Talking about Reality, Not Just Quoting Others
In a world where we often see people in leadership positions who lack practical experience in what they’re talking about, it’s important to remember the value of real experience. It’s easy to take on a role, read a few books, and talk like an expert, but if you haven’t been "on the ground," if you haven’t gotten your hands dirty, a crucial component of understanding is missing. It’s like guessing your way through instead of really knowing.
Speaking from experience means having been there. It means understanding the small details that aren’t in books, that can’t be learned by just listening to others. It means having seen real problems, solved them, and learned from them. It also means understanding your own limitations and knowing when to seek help from others.
Over the years, I’ve been in many situations where no handbook could help you. You must rely on your experience, your intuition, and your ability to think clearly under pressure. It’s these situations that shape us and give us the genuine experience that is invaluable in life.
The Role of Experience in Leadership – Lifting the Next Generation
To be an effective leader, you must have gone through tough times, managed conflicts, and learned how to make decisions when you don’t have all the answers. But as important as gaining experience is, it’s equally important to pass it on to the younger generation. We, the older generation, have a duty to share our knowledge and experience with the younger talents – not to take their place or step on them, but to help them grow and succeed.
It’s not about stepping in and stealing the spotlight; it’s about being there in the background, ready to offer support and guidance when needed. I have personally experienced how young people sometimes see us older professionals as a threat, or as someone trying to take credit for their work. But the truth is, we’re not after the credit – we want to see them succeed. And when they succeed, we’re happy to let them take the credit for the project’s success.
Our experience is there to be used in a way that benefits the whole, and we know that a successful project is a win for everyone. By giving space for the younger generation to take responsibility and then supporting them when needed, we build sustainable teams and create long-term success. Seeing young talents take our knowledge and then grow, that’s our reward.
Final Thoughts – Why Experience Is Invaluable
Experience isn’t just something we accumulate to have something to show for it. It’s the foundation of all credibility and authority in any field. Speaking from experience means you’ve been there, seen the problems, and learned from them. It means you’re not just guessing or talking about what others have experienced – you know what you’re talking about.
For me, the years in film and event production, life aboard a sailboat, and mountain climbing have been more than just challenges. They have been a life education, one that has given me insights and knowledge I would never have gained otherwise. It’s something I can speak about – from experience.
And with that experience comes the responsibility to help the next generation succeed. By sharing our knowledge, without trying to take the credit, we can create a legacy of success where each generation builds on the previous one. It’s through experience that we can avoid just "guessing" our way through life and instead live it to the fullest, with real insight and understanding – and help others do the same.
By Chris...
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