Meet the Trailblazers I The Voices of Hansei

Sleeping Near Lions & Wildebeests Giving Birth:
Wild Lessons Routine Can’t Teach You

Carli | Director of Brand Strategy

“Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

That’s a phrase my dad often shared with me growing up. Raised in a small town with familiar routines, I found stability and comfort that grounded me both personally and professionally. Yet over time, I’ve come to realize that while routine—and my type-A personality—are core parts of who I am, staying too comfortable can actually limit growth and fresh perspectives. That’s why stepping outside my usual patterns—through traveling and meeting new people—has been invaluable in broadening my view of the world.  

So many places have taught me valuable, and sometimes comical, lessons—from picking up hitchhikers in Iceland to aimlessly driving through the middle of nowhere California, and stumbling upon the Hidden Valley Ranch Farm. But the experience that truly takes the cake was camping for five days in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. 

People often ask me how a safari is different from going to the zoo, and honestly, I never quite know where to start—because on safari, you’re not just seeing animals; you’re witnessing wildlife in its raw, untamed habitat, living and surviving on their own terms.

There, I witnessed wildlife in its rawest form: a cheetah hunting its prey, wildebeests giving birth, and elephants moving gracefully just feet away. Falling asleep to the distant roar of lions was humbling and surreal.

One minute, I was at Nashville airport; the next, I was sleeping in the middle of one of the largest national parks in the world, surrounded by five other tents filled with only a handful of professional safari guides and visitors from all over the world. By day, we spent eight hours bouncing along bumpy roads in a safari vehicle. By night, we gathered around a fire with strangers who became friends, sharing meals and stories, learning about different cultures, languages, and life experiences.

By the fifth day, I’d settled into the routine of safari life—waking up to the sound of wildlife, the sunrise as my alarm clock, and adapting to a new way of staying clean in the wild, where water was scarce, and learning to embrace simplicity as part of the daily routine. Though it pushed me far outside my comfort zone, I felt safe and present.

Those days were filled with observing, sitting quietly, and soaking in the stillness around me. In that silence, I was reminded of something simple, yet powerful—we are all intertwined, part of the same wild, continuous pulse of life. 

These experiences have broadened my horizons and helped me see life through a wider lens. Immersing myself in new cultures has opened my mind to different ways of living, thinking, and leading. When I’m away from the office, you’ll most likely find me outdoors, hiking and unplugged from technology. Those moments recharge me, allowing me to return to Hansei feeling refreshed, creative, and inspired.

Leaving that trip sparked a surge of creativity on both a personal and professional level. I have a big love for dinner parties, and plan on hosting an African-themed dinner featuring some of my favorite and unique dishes from the trip. It also reminded me of the power of storytelling—a key reason behind blogs like this and our Recovery Stories series at Hansei.

Each journey teaches me to balance the comfort of routine with the excitement of discovery beyond the day-to-day norm—reminding me that growth often happens just beyond our comfort zones. 

Lastly, a word to the wise: don’t mess with the cobras. Some lessons don’t need to be learned the hard way. 🐍

Carli Stump
Director of Brand Strategy