Shaping the Future of Outdoor Leadership
Tyler Van Horn, a Master of Science in Outdoor Recreation Economy student and seasoned outdoor industry professional, came to CU Boulder with a vision for translating his military background and leadership experience into purpose and meaning in his life as a veteran.
Beginnings
Born and raised in Seattle, Van Horn was introduced to outdoor pursuits early in life, skiing at just two years old and spending much of his childhood hiking and backpacking with his family.
These formative experiences shaped his deep connection to nature, which would later become a driving force in both his personal and professional life.
After learning about the U.S. Army and the opportunities it offered, he applied to West Point, drawn by the challenge and the potential for leadership development. During his time at the academy, he became involved with the rock-climbing team, eventually serving as captain for two years. This role, along with countless hours spent climbing in the Gunks (a local climbing hotspot), solidified his passion for outdoor adventure.
Upon graduating from West Point in 2001, Van Horn embarked on a military career that would see him complete 12 combat deployments over the course of 20 years. Although outdoor recreation took a back seat during his military service, he continued to find ways to engage with the outdoors. Throughout his time in the Army, he taught tactics and operations, further honing his skills as an instructor and leader.
Finding His Footing
After transitioning out of active duty, he faced the challenge of adjusting to civilian life. His love for the outdoors remained strong and he found fulfillment in teaching, drawing on his previous experiences as a ski instructor and Army educator. He later returned to West Point as a professor in the Strategic Studies Program and thrived in an academic setting that combined his passion for teaching with his military expertise.
Despite his success in the academic realm, Van Horn sought to explore the intersection of business, leadership and outdoor recreation. He began looking for ways to combine his military experience with a career in outdoor education, eventually connecting with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) and becoming an instructor. It was through this journey that he discovered the Outdoor Recreation Economy program at CU Boulder, a path that resonated with his desire for a deep, but accessible, understanding of the outdoor recreation industry and its business implications.
What’s Next?
Currently, Van Horn serves as a Managing Partner at Cairn Leadership, a company dedicated to using outdoor experiences as a tool for leadership development and team building. His role as an instructor and guide within Cairn’s network of over 2,000 industry professionals allows him to shape the future of outdoor leadership while also working day-to-day in the company's growth and operations. Having recently stepped into an ownership role, he is deeply involved in everything from curriculum development to program implementation.
Van Horn is a firm believer that outdoor experiences have transformative potential, not just for personal growth, but for organizational success. Through Cairn, he works to bring teams into the outdoors, facilitating leadership development and providing real-world applications of skills such as risk management, communication and problem-solving. These lessons, he believes, are most durable when learned in a setting that connects emotionally with participants, such as rappelling or navigating a challenging trail.
His military background has uniquely positioned him to understand and bridge the gap between military and business environments. Few people “speak the language” of both worlds, but he has found ways to leverage his experience in public policy and risk management to inform his work in the business of outdoor recreation. He sees the outdoor industry as a powerful vehicle for teaching valuable life skills that extend beyond recreational activities, such as fishing and bow hunting, into areas of personal and professional growth.
Looking ahead, Van Horn and the Cairn Leadership team are focused on expanding their offerings to include year-round programs, talent management initiatives and partnerships aimed at inspiring a broader appreciation for the outdoors in the business world. His vision is to foster a mindset that recognizes the inherent value of outdoor experiences and the role they can play in shaping effective, resilient leaders across industries.
To learn more about Cairn Leadership Strategies, visit - https://www.cairnleadership.com/
To connect with Tyler Van Horn, visit - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tgvanhorn/