On February 17, 2024, Keri Bergere probably had high hopes for the day. She would be enjoying a mountain bike ride with friends on a trail in Washington State. It was to be a great day, probably perfect weather. There would likely be lots of laughter, quality exercise, and they would enjoy the absolute splendor of nature which only places like the Pacific Northwest can provide.
But it was not to be.
Suddenly and without warning, Ms. Bergere was attacked by a cougar. As told in this article and the video below, a life-and-death struggle ensued.
After hearing their story, I gleaned four lessons all leaders can learn from when they are blindsided or have to face significant challenges without warning.
4 Leadership Lessons from Keri Bergere, The Cyclist Who Survived A Cougar Attack
Life (And Leadership) Can Change In An Instant
Ms. Bergere said, “I just remember getting tackled from this side and ending up at the other side of the road pinned to the ground.”
Crisis does not discriminate.
How many of us have received an unexpected phone call, text, email, doctor’s diagnosis, or heard the words “The boss wants to see in you in his/her office”, and our life changed in an instant? If you live long enough, we all will.
Sooner or later (and some of you may be there now), each person reading this article will be cycling through a proverbial countryside and suddenly be “pinned to the ground.”
Some Challenges Seem Non-Step And Last Forever
When challenges arise in our life and leadership, they can seem unrelenting. The constant pressure often brings us to our knees and we wonder, “When will this ever stop!!??”
During the attack, Ms Bergere’s head was caught in the cougar’s mouth where it remained for over 15 minutes. Once released, her fellow cyclists fought the 75 lb. an animal for an additional 30 minutes. To say this must have felt like an eternity would be an understatement.
If you are going through a difficult time, I have encouraging news for you – All storms have one thing in common, they pass.
Use The Tools You Have Available To You
As a leader, you are never without tools, resources, and options. Never believe the lie things are hopeless.
Fellow cyclist Annie Bilotta said, “Erica and Tisch (Williams) come over with sticks and a rock and we’re hand-to-hand combat-battling this thing.” They also pinned the cougar down with a bicycle until officers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife arrived.
Sticks, a rock, and a bicycle do not sound like much when fending off a cougar attack, but it was enough to save someone’s life. What resources do you have at your disposal? You are likely capable of much more than you think.
When You Are Facing A Crisis, You Need Help From Your Friends
Though she suffered nerve damage and trauma from her skull being trapped in the cougar’s jaws, Keri Bergere still survived. Her story is a reminder that we were not made to go through life alone. We were certainly not made to go through crisis situations alone.
Ms. Bergere’s friends saved her life that day. Lt. Erik Olson said, “We may have had a very different outcome without their heroic efforts.”
During crisis situations, friends become more than friends to us. They become heroes.
My latest eBook is available for download. The Top 65 Leadership Quotes Of 2022 Part 1 is a resource every leader should have. Great quotes bring clarity and put into words who we intuitively feel as leaders. They give us wisdom and insights which advance the mission and vision of our organizations. This eBook includes thoughts and insights from leaders like Warren Buffett, Nick Saban, James Clear, Dawn Staley, Jurgen Klopp, Jerry Seinfeld, and even Ted Lasso. This resource will take you about 10 minutes to read but a lifetime to apply. You will want to stop and ponder the implications of each quote. Click HERE or on the image provided for immediate download!