CRG is delighted to welcome back Ryan Madigan, a valued consultant, after completing an incredible 5-month thru-hike of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) - a challenging 4,200-kilometer trek from the U.S.-Mexico border to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington.
At CRG, supporting personal and professional growth is a core part of our culture. Ryan’s journey reflects our commitment to empowering our team to pursue their passions and bring their diverse perspectives to their roles and clients.
We caught up with Ryan and asked him to share some thoughts about his epic journey:
Q: How would you describe your journey?
Ryan: “The PCT was the best adventure of my life. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, embraced the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, and connected with incredible people along the way.”
Q: What was the most challenging moment of the trail?
Ryan: “There were many challenges, from scaling snowy mountain passes to enduring the physical toll of 40+ km days. The toughest moment was navigating a heatwave in Northern California, where extreme heat and scarce water made daytime hiking unsafe, pushing us to trek through the night for a few days.”
Q: What lessons or new perspectives are you bringing home?
Ryan: “One major realization was how little I need to be happy. Living with only the essentials brought a profound sense of peace, which draws many hikers. I also learned the importance of a strong support network when striving for ambitious goals. I couldn’t have completed the journey without the support of my family, friends, and CRG. I’m grateful for the company's encouragement that allowed me to pursue this goal.”
Q: Any final thoughts?
Ryan: “I feel incredibly thankful to CRG and everyone who supported my journey. It’s great to be home, and I’m excited to get back into the rhythm of work and apply these new perspectives.”