“Why 90% of Team-Building Fails? I Made My Team Walk on Fire. Here’s What Happened Next.”

A few years ago, I led a team that looked functional on the surface—deadlines met, meetings held, roles defined. But beneath it all, there was hesitation. Unspoken doubts. A lack of true trust. Sound familiar?

That’s why I stopped searching for another “team-building game” and started looking for something real—something that would demand honesty, presence, and collective courage. That search led me to firewalking—not as a stunt, but as a mirror.

And yes, we went to Bali. Not just for the beaches—but because in Bali, firewalking isn’t entertainment. It’s a ritual rooted in Tri Hita Karana: harmony among people, nature, and spirit. We didn’t “import” an activity. We entered a tradition—with humility, preparation, and deep respect for the Balinese fire shaman who guided us.

The Truth About the Fire

Let’s be clear: walking on hot embers isn’t about defying physics. It’s about facing the stories we tell ourselves—“I’m not ready,” “What if I fail in front of them?”—and choosing to step forward anyway.

But here’s what most firewalk stories leave out: not everyone walks. And that’s okay.

At Firewalking Asia, we never pressure participation. Some stand at the edge and cheer. Some sit in silence, reflecting. All are part of the journey. Because real trust isn’t built by forcing people out of their comfort zones—it’s built when people feel safe enough to choose their edge.

Our preparation includes grounding breathwork, group intention-setting, and a frank conversation about fear. The fire becomes a shared metaphor: in work and life, we all face “hot coals”—tight deadlines, tough feedback, unexpected setbacks. How we face them together matters more than how fast we cross them.

What Changed After the Fire?

Two weeks later, during a tense project review, one team member paused and said, “Remember the fire? We didn’t run. We walked—calmly, together.” That simple reminder shifted the entire tone of the meeting.

Communication didn’t magically “become perfect.” But something subtler happened: pause replaced panic. People started asking, “What do you need from me?” instead of assuming blame.

That’s the real power of firewalking—not the dramatic moment on the coals, but the quiet courage it seeds afterward.

Is Firewalking Right for Your Team?

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a one-time thrill… or a shared reference point for resilience?
• Are you ready to create space for vulnerability, not just victory?
• Does your team need to reconnect—not just collaborate?

If yes, then firewalking may be your next step.

At Firewalking Asia, we design every session for psychological safety, cultural integrity, and measurable impact. Our programs include pre-event alignment, skilled facilitation (in English or Bahasa Indonesia), and post-session integration tools—so the fire doesn’t just burn out, it keeps warming your team’s future conversations.

And yes—we handle everything: logistics, meals, transport, even the ideal 26°C tent temperature (because clarity starts with comfort).

The Flame That Stays Lit

In Bali, they say, “Naga saiyang api”—the dragon that nurtures the fire.
That dragon isn’t out there. It’s in your team. Waiting to be awakened—not by pressure, but by purpose.

If you’re ready for a team experience that’s authentic, transformative, and deeply human, I invite you to step closer to the flame.

— Andreas Patria Krisna (a.k.a. patrickhrisna) – an Indonesian Firewalk Instructor | Learning Facilitator | Jungle Survival Instructor | Believer in teams that breathe, trust, and grow together. Co founder of Firewalking Asia and IDADVENTURE