The Kokoda Track - A Journey into Mateship, Resilience and Leadership

by Mandi Johnston

Recently, I embarked on a journey that stretched the limits of my physical endurance and deepened my understanding of leadership, mental resilience, and teamwork. On May 15, 2024, I began trekking the historic Kokoda Track alongside my son Ben and a group of strangers. This 96 kilometre path through Papua New Guinea’s dense rainforests is not only a trekking route but a passage through history, where Australian soldiers, our diggers, showcased extraordinary leadership and mateship during World War II.

Training for the Kokoda Track was full on. I woke up at 5 am daily, running up and down stairs or the local mountain, pumping weights and hiking for hours on end with a heavy backpack. Many times I trained alone, which gave me plenty of time to think about our diggers and their hardship on the track. These soldiers, many younger than 25, led by example. They made quick decisions under pressure, always prioritising the well-being of their comrades. My preparation was fuelled by reading their stories and watching YouTube documentaries of their bravery and resilience.

The trek itself was both a physical and emotional pilgrimage. Each step across exposed roots in the ankle deep slippery mud was a lesson in endurance and leadership. The story of Corporal John Metson resonated deeply with me. Despite being severely wounded and unable to walk, he refused to be carried, choosing instead to crawl and not burden his comrades. His spirit and cheer in the face of pain and probable death were profoundly inspiring.

Our local Papua New Guinean porters were examples of selfless service and kindness. Their tireless efforts to assist every trekker were a testament to the incredible impact of kindness. Experiencing their generosity and care was a powerful reminder that such gestures enrich everyone’s lives, making the world a genuinely better place. My porter, Francis, was honestly my guardian angel. He watched my every step and saved me from falling so many times.

The deep camaraderie and trust that developed amongst our group as we tackled steep ascents and descents, and navigated through the treacherous terrain, mirrored the mateship of the diggers. We christened our group 'The Mullet Platoon' - all business up front and a party in the back – we laughed a hell of a lot! 😆 This experience underscored the essence of true leadership - guiding others through challenges with courage and integrity and fostering a community of support.

Above: The Mullet Platoon plus our fabulous PNG Support Crew

Returning from the Kokoda Track, I am filled with lessons on resilience, leadership, and the power of supportive relationships. My blog honours the legacy of the Kokoda soldiers and hopefully serves as a source of inspiration for those aspiring to lead with integrity and build teams grounded in trust and respect.

Resilience is a crucial trait for any leader. It's the ability to recover from setbacks, adapt to change, and keep going in the face of adversity. The Kokoda Track was a true test of resilience, pushing me to my physical and mental limits. Every time I went for a slide in the mud or faced yet another steep descent, I had to dig deep within myself to find the strength to continue. This experience taught me that resilience isn't just about enduring hardship but also about maintaining a positive attitude and finding solutions in the most challenging situations.

SOME LESSONS FROM THE KOKODA TRACK

Adaptability: The unpredictable terrain of the track required constant adjustments. One of our trekkers had her boots come apart on the first day! This is a massive deal when you are trekking in the jungle with no Anaconda in sight. What was she going to do? One of the porters magically pulled some fishing line out from his pack and sewed them back together. How is that for adaptability?! Her boots held together the whole trek without an issue.  Leaders must be flexible and ready to pivot strategies when faced with unexpected challenges. 

Perseverance: There were moments some days when the downhills seemed never-ending, but perseverance got us through. Our knees hurt. We'd been trekking 8 hours plus most days. We stunk of wet clothes and sweat. In leadership, it's essential to keep moving forward, even when the path is tough.

Support Systems: Just as I relied on my porter and fellow trekkers, leaders need strong support systems. Building a team that you can count on in difficult times is vital.

Leading Through Problems: Leadership is often tested during crises. The Kokoda Track presents numerous problems, from injuries to equipment failures, each requiring quick thinking and decisive action. Reflecting on these challenges reinforced the importance of clear communication, decisive and adaptive action, and empathy in leadership.

MY KEY TAKEAWAYS

Clear Communication: Our trek leader Jake kept our group informed about plans and changes. Transparent communication builds and maintains trust and morale.

Decisive Action: When faced with a problem, swift and confident decisions prevented small issues from escalating.

Empathy and Support:  Jake understood the struggles of each trekker and the support crew. He provided the necessary support to foster a sense of unity and collective strength.

As we remember the hardships and the heroic acts on the Kokoda Track, we also celebrate the personal transformations it inspires today. Lest We Forget.

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