Over five days, while walking a course of 100 miles, I learned four lessons in leadership from a legend.

The legend was Diana Nyad, the only person to ever swim 110 miles from Cuba to Key West. It took 52 hours and 54 minutes of nonstop swimming in treacherous, shark-infested waters. And she did it at age 64.

That makes her a legend. What makes her a leader is how she treats colleagues, associates, and even strangers. I saw it in action.

I was privileged to walk 100 miles with Diana as part of the first-ever EverWalk, a program she and her business partner, Bonnie Stoll, created to get people off the couch, out into the community, and walking. The full trek was 140 miles from Santa Monica to San Diego. A work commitment on the final two days of the walk meant that I had to stop 40 miles short of the finish line, but the distance I covered was enough for me to see a leader in action.

Diana finished most days with the last walker to ensure that no one felt left behind. Leaders know how to bring out the best in others by making each person feel valued and appreciated.

You've heard that real leaders "walk the talk"? Well, here's how Diana did just that:

• She communicated a clear vision of purpose.
• She created a community.
• She took a genuine personal interest in others.
• She planned for the needs of those around her.

Here are examples of each.

Clear Vision of Purpose

Diana clearly communicated to EverWalk participants where we were going and the route we would take to get there, and before the walk she provided conditioning advice that would increase our chances of success. She didn't assume all participants would be equally prepared. Some were seasoned long-distance walkers; others were novices. She planned for the unique needs of both. Her vision was crystal clear, and she communicated it to all. Leaders understand the importance of mutually agreed-upon goals and a universally understood vision.

Creating Community

We started as 30 strangers—all with different goals, different walking gaits, different personalities. By Day 3, we were a community of friends concerned for each other, assisting where needed, and learning about one another. Each day began with a pep talk and ended with a campfire. Diana ensured that every walker had a turn to express his or her thoughts. What emerged from these campfire chats was a shared experience of overcoming adversity. Leaders know the value of an engaged and supportive group.

Taking Personal Interest

Diana is a hero to some and a celebrity to all. It would have been easy for her to be arrogant or aloof, but she is just the opposite. She took an immediate interest in all walkers. By the end of the first day, she knew our names. She made a point of walking and talking with everyone. She was always visible and consistently engaged in conversation. Diana finished most days with the last walker to ensure that no one felt left behind. Leaders know how to bring out the best in others by making each person feel valued and appreciated.

Taking Care of Needs

Diana was always checking to see if we were getting everything we needed to succeed. The food and snacks provided were outstanding—nutritious and delicious. Some walkers developed blisters, and some twisted ankles, but every step of the way medics were there to help. We felt cared for and even got a special treat on Day 3: A foot therapist arrived for massages at the end of the day. Leaders make sure their team has all the resources needed to do the job, and they take steps to meet everyone's needs.

Observing a true leader like Diana was inspiring. She had endured so much more pain than I could ever imagine—I couldn't gripe, even a little, when my blisters were killing me. Diana's vision and inspiration helped me forge on, one step at a time.

These are the things I observed as I walked 100 miles. All leaders can take a cue from Diana Nyad. Think about the culture you are building and how you act when no one is watching. And help others believe that there's something heroic in every one of us.