The Year of the Horse
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new cycle on the Chinese zodiac calendar, where each year is represented by a different animal and set of traits. I’ve always been drawn to comparisons between animals and leadership because they remind us that strength shows up in different forms. Some lead with quiet patience. Others with bold confidence. None are right or wrong, just different expressions of leadership.
This year is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of energy, endurance, drive, and forward momentum.
After the sprint we just completed with the MIBE Summit, that symbolism feels especially relevant.
Enjoying a horseback ride in nature
The weeks leading up to the Summit were intense. Long days. Late nights. Adjustments, problem solving, and more than a few moments of asking ourselves, “Can we really pull this off?” It required a burst of speed and focus. And when it was over, there was that mix of pride, gratitude, and exhaustion that only comes after you’ve emptied the tank.
That’s the thing about sprints. They’re powerful. They move things forward quickly. But they aren’t sustainable forever.
Horses are strong and fast, but what makes them remarkable is not just their speed. It’s their endurance. Their ability to carry weight over long distances and their power under control.
In leadership, energy matters. Ambition matters. Momentum matters. But unbridled acceleration can create chaos. Sprinting from one initiative to the next without rhythm eventually burns out both the leader and the team. (I’ve been there before)
The lesson isn’t to slow down. It’s to run with intention.
Endurance requires pacing and as momentum builds, direction becomes essential. And in the moments when strength is flexed, recovery is required.
As we move into this Year of the Horse, I’m asking myself:
Where do I need to harness energy instead of just creating more of it?
Where does our team need space to recover so we can run strong for the long haul?
Are we chasing speed, or are we building stamina?
Speed gets attention and has it’s place, but I believe that endurance builds legacy.
May we find the discipline to pace ourselves and the wisdom to know when it’s time to run and when it’s time to rest.
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE Hospitality Leadership Development
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Let the MIBE Workshop help your leadership endurance! Early Bird registration for the MIBE Workshop has begun!
