Most people imagine freedom on a motorcycle as something tied to the countryside: long, open roads, sweeping curves, no traffic, no pressure. And yes, I love that too.
But something strange happened to me while navigating the tight, noisy, unpredictable streets of Brussels: I realized that riding a motorcycle in the city has its own kind of joy — and, unexpectedly, its own life lessons. Especially when you’re moving along the Petite Ceinture, or threading your way past the Heysel, where traffic, stress, and energy all seem to peak at once.
And oddly enough, the more I rode, the more I found myself thinking about… work. The life of a team, the pace of a business, the culture of an organization. There are so many parallels.
Let me show you what I mean.
Anticipation is everything
Whether I’m on two wheels or leading a project, the skill that saves me again and again is anticipation.
On the road, I’m constantly scanning: traffic lights, brake lights, road surfaces, driver behavior. One quick decision can keep you safe — or put you at risk.
At work, the principle is the same. Spotting tension before it escalates, reading the room in a meeting, noticing when a team member starts to disengage — these are the moments where quiet awareness pays off.
Connection matters — even when you're moving fast
There’s this beautiful ritual among bikers: a simple hand wave when we pass each other. It says, “I see you. I respect you. Ride safe.”
Sometimes a car driver will make space for me in traffic. I always thank them with a wave.
These small acts of recognition matter — on the road and in the office. Saying thank you, making eye contact, showing appreciation for a small effort… they build a sense of community, even in motion.
Clarity keeps everyone safe
On a motorcycle, unclear signals are dangerous. A vague lane change, a forgotten indicator — these small things can cause big consequences.
The same goes for communication in teams. If you don’t say what you mean, if you don’t clarify your needs, your colleagues are left guessing. And that’s how projects veer off course or trust gets dented.
Being clear isn't just efficient — it’s kind.
Confidence isn’t aggression
I’ve learned how easy it is to scare people on the road: a loud engine, a sudden lane change, an impatient honk. It creates tension — for no reason.
In the workplace, I’ve seen similar behaviors. Overbearing communication, passive-aggressive tone, emotional outbursts. They break psychological safety.
I've come to believe that diplomacy is a form of mastery — and putting on the "emotional gloves" before you engage can prevent a lot of damage.
Patience is strength
There are moments in traffic where I could push through — squeeze between cars, take a risky turn. But I’ve learned to pause when the risk is too high.
Likewise, at work, not every opportunity is worth chasing right away. Timing matters. And knowing when to wait — when to breathe and let others move first — is often the smartest move.
Everyone’s learning. Go at your own pace.
Early on, I tried to imitate experienced riders — weaving through cars, taking tight turns. I wanted to belong. But I wasn’t ready. And I almost paid the price.
In our careers, too, we look at those who lead confidently, speak powerfully, and seem to have it all figured out. But we forget that they’ve put in the miles.
Don’t skip the learning. Grow at your own rhythm. You’ll get there.
Assume positive intent
If someone doesn’t let me pass, I remind myself: Maybe they didn’t see me. Maybe they couldn’t move. Maybe they don’t know how to react to a motorcycle. That assumption changes everything. I stay calm. I stay safe.
In a team, this mindset works wonders. Instead of thinking "they ignored me," I try "maybe they’re overwhelmed." Curiosity over judgment. Every time.
Preparation builds trust — in yourself
Before every ride, I gear up. I check the brakes, the tires, the lights. I put on my protective clothing. I don’t skip it. Ever.
At work, preparation gives you the same quiet confidence. Reviewing before a meeting. Prepping your points. Understanding the context. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being ready.
And when something goes wrong? Knowing how to fix the basics yourself — a bit of maintenance, a bit of autonomy — keeps you from getting stuck.
Flow defensively. Move with energy.
The best riders I know are cautious, but not slow. They’re in the flow of traffic, aware and present, but always with a defensive edge.
That’s how I try to move through my work too: grounded, alert, but in motion.
And yes, sometimes you do have to assert yourself. Find space in a meeting. Speak up in a crowded conversation. You don’t always get offered space — sometimes, you have to take it.
In the end, it’s all about how we move through the world
Riding through Brussels — weaving past trams, dodging potholes, catching glimpses of golden buildings and grey skies — has become more than just a way to get around.
It’s become a metaphor for how I want to work.
How I want to lead.
How I want to relate to others, even under pressure.
Every day, the road reminds me:
It’s not just about reaching your destination.
It’s about how you ride — and how you treat the people sharing the road with you.
Thanks for reading. Want to hear the full story? The podcast version is out now — with stories, sounds, and a bit more adrenaline.
🎧 Listen here → [link to podcast episode]