This past weekend, I hit the trails in the Catskills with a group of Wharton classmates for a hike through the fall foliage. It’s our second trip this year, and what started as a post-business-school tradition in 2018 has evolved into something more meaningful—more purposeful. The tradition itself began innocently enough. Near the end of our time at Wharton, Matt Schiavi asked me what my post-school plans were, and I casually mentioned I wanted to go hiking in the woods with my dog, to unwind and soak in some downtime. Little did I know that one simple idea would become the spark for a group adventure that would span years.

With the characteristic Wharton enthusiasm, Matt didn’t just say "sounds good" and leave it at that—he gathered a crew of five and hit the planning button. After 30 to 40 Zoom calls (yes, really), they were ready for our first trip. Since I was the only one in the group who had done any serious hiking before, they naturally looked to me as the leader. But instead of being the all-knowing guide, I decided to inspire them with the beauty of wanderlust—an exploration of life beyond the logistics.

I didn’t focus on the grueling details like carrying heavy packs up rocky inclines, sleeping out in freezing temperatures, or miles logged by a different measuring system. (I may have even become a little infamous for “Dane-Miles”.) Instead, I shared the magic of what comes after those efforts: the small, quiet towns we’d visit post-hike, where a hot diner meal—prepared by someone else, not dehydrated from a pouch—tastes like the best food in the world. I talked about vistas, waterfalls, solitude, and the deep satisfaction of a hard day's work on the trail.

What I’ve come to realize, especially on this latest trip, is that leadership isn’t always about controlling the details or motivating people to endure hardship. It’s about inspiring others to create their own visions. These guys have now taken the reins, planning parts of the trips that I used to handle. They’ve each become leaders in their own right, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that transformation.

If it were up to me, I’d hike every weekend, but let’s be real—the willpower to plan and execute all those adventures is overwhelming. I embraced full execution early on as a dad, getting my kids out and about, teaching them to love hiking, camping, skiing—anything outdoors. My hope was that one day they’d lead their own adventures, and that, maybe, they’d invite me to come along. Now, my Wharton hiking crew holds me accountable, making sure we go at least twice a year. They’ve taken over the planning, and honestly, they’ve even upped our food game. What once was a dehydrated mystery meal is now Chicken Biryani and Grilled Paneer over the fire—a regular staple that rivals any Indian restaurant in town.

The beauty of building relationships around the things you love isn’t just the camaraderie—it’s the mutual inspiration. You lead, you teach, and then those around you grow, creating their own visions and experiences. It rewards you in future wanderings, and knowledge gained, in ways you never expected.

And as if these adventures weren’t fulfilling enough, an infusion of the teachings of GoBundance—a mastermind group I belong to—has brought even more meaning to these weekends. We go beyond dad jokes and complaining about the weather, turning conversations toward gratitude, meaningful lessons, and how we can become better dads, husbands, businessmen, and healthier versions of ourselves. You begin to see all the core facets of life come together: relationships, growth, and wanderlust.

So here's to the next adventure—and to all the rewards that come with leading, wandering, and sharing the journey with those around you. And Matt – stop carrying 2 gallons of water!!!!

About the Author – Dane Czaplicki, CFA®

Dane Czaplicki is CEO of Members’ Wealth, a boutique wealth management firm that offers a comprehensive approach to serving individuals, families, business owners, and institutions. The firm’s goal is to preserve and grow its clients’ wealth to endure over time, while thoughtfully evolving its strategy to suit an ever-changing world. With over 20 years of wealth management experience, Dane and the Members' Wealth team thrive on bringing clarity and confidence to clients' unique situations. He believes everyone needs sound financial advice from someone whose interests are aligned with theirs, and is determined to put service before all else.

Dane received his MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University. Outside work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, hiking and camping, reading, running, and playing with his dog. To learn more about Dane, connect with him on LinkedIn.

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