In our December issue, we feature a Q&A with Jim McGrann, CEO of VSP Global, in which he discusses his time on the hiking trail with visually impaired adventurer Bill Barkeley. Here, we bring you even more of his story.

eyecare business: What was it like to connect with VSP Global team members in this setting?
jim mcgrann: I learned how different employees felt about their jobs, challenges they have experienced, and what they hoped to accomplish in a way that I would have never experienced otherwise.
 
eb: What were your days like during the hike?
jm: We got up early to beat the heat and walked about 14 miles each day. We typically stopped hiking in the early afternoon to eat, rest and get ready for the next day. The north of Spain has some very beautiful scenery with quaint small towns that we got to visit and walk through. 
 
eb: How does Bill overcome his disability to accomplish such adventures?
jm: Bill is incredible. A diagnosis that would have held many back instead pushed Bill forward. To me, it is his resilience and spirit that help him accomplish so much. He also relies on assistive technology for the deaf-blind and his personal “rope team,” composed of friends who help serve as his guides on each adventure.
 
eb: What did you walk away with from this experience?
jm: We had one day where we walked for seven straight hours in a downpour. That is something I have never done before. It was very cathartic. The whole experience was physically challenging while at the same time emotionally uplifting and inspiring.
This hike was challenging, invigorating, inspiring and a new beginning. I walked away energized and excited about 2017 and beyond.  
Pictured here is Bill Barkeley, left, following Jim McGrann on the trail. Visually impaired due to Usher syndrome, Barkeley watches the feet of his hiking partners to help him navigate the trail.