Climbing Mountains and Building Systems: Lessons from the Alps

By Dr. Paulin Kantue

In the latest episode of MoloMolo African Tech Stories, I recorded while hiking one of the peaks in the Bavarian pre-Alps. The climb became more than just a physical challenge—it turned into a metaphor for the practice of systems engineering. The parallels are striking: every step, every pause, every misstep holds lessons for how we approach complex technical projects.

Let’s unpack some of these lessons.

Myth 1: The Quickest Path to the Summit is the Right One

In engineering, we often feel pressured to “just start designing.” The chief engineer demands speed, the CEO announces impossible deadlines, and the temptation is to sprint straight to the top. But mountains—and systems—don’t work that way.

Too steep a climb leaves you breathless and vulnerable.

Too rushed a design leaves gaps in requirements and overlooked assumptions. Real progress starts with the groundwork: gathering requirements, sketching ideas, and—most importantly—talking to people. Past experiences, even past mistakes, are invaluable inputs. Ignoring them is like ignoring the terrain beneath your feet.

Systems engineering reminds us that there is no shortcut. Planning, modeling, and dialogue create the foundation for sustainable progress.

Myth 2: “We’ll Define It Later” is Good Enough

The dreaded TBD (to be defined) is a common placeholder in system documents. But a TBD is more than a note—it’s a signal: I don’t know what this means yet, and I don’t know who to ask.

On a mountain, this is the equivalent of saying, “I forgot my compass, but I’ll figure it out later.” It’s not just careless—it’s dangerous.

Similarly, in projects, unaddressed TBDs lead to cascading uncertainties.

Instead, even a rough plan or a draft model is better than leaving a gap. It forces conversation, forces thought, and prevents the illusion of progress. A systems document—whether a requirement spec, an architecture model, or a verification plan—should be a living artifact, not a storage bin for unanswered questions.

Myth 3: Systems Engineering is Just Documentation

Perhaps the most harmful myth is that systems engineering is “just paperwork.” Yes, we produce requirements, SEMPs, and diagrams. But documentation is not the end goal—it’s the map.

A hiker without a map is lost. An organization without systems engineering is equally lost,

relying on intuition and memory instead of structured navigation. Good systems engineering creates usable, accessible, and living artifacts that guide every stakeholder—engineers, managers, and customers—through the project journey.

The danger lies in reducing systems engineering to a paper exercise. When documents are created only for audits or approvals, they lose their value as decision-making tools. Like a map locked in a drawer, they exist but don’t guide.

Myth 4: Once the Plan is Approved, You’re Done

Reaching the summit is exhilarating. But hikers know that half of accidents happen on the way down, when fatigue sets in and focus fades. The same is true for projects: once requirements are baselined and design is approved, complacency creeps in.

Systems engineering doesn’t end at approval. Continuous measurement, tracking, and corrective action are essential. Engineering freedom is valuable—but without the structure of ongoing verification and process discipline, quality erodes.

Process, not adrenaline, delivers long-term safety and success.

Technology is Not a Shortcut

We often believe that new tools—apps, AI, or automation—will replace the hard grind of systems engineering.

But technology doesn’t eliminate the climb; it only amplifies your effort.

GPS doesn’t climb the mountain for you—it just helps you navigate more confidently.

The same applies in engineering. Tools like model-based systems engineering (MBSE) amplify human creativity, but they don’t replace it. The discipline, curiosity, and persistence of the engineer remain central.

The Mental Game

Perhaps the hardest part of systems engineering, like mountain climbing, is the mental challenge. It can be lonely, often thankless, and requires resilience.

But the summit—and the view—is worth it.

At MoloMolo Tech, our mission is to help teams not just document systems but experience the climb—to integrate MBSE practices that keep projects on track, resilient, and meaningful.

Systems engineering, like hiking in the Alps, is about persistence, awareness, and balance. The summit is never the end—it’s just another milestone on a longer journey.

If you want to watch the video podcast episode on this topic: https://youtu.be/9fL1biJfdXo