Caroline Gleich is a professional ski mountaineer and activist who used her platform at the top of Mt. Everest early this summer. Her “Climb for Equality” campaign encourages women to take on mountains in the outdoors, the boardroom and daily life. Caroline’s actual journey to the top is an incredible story.
When I started this show, I always thought of climbing Mt. Everest as the ultimate wild idea. In this episode, Caroline talks about her journey from beginning to end, including how she climbed even while injured and why she chose to take the route she did. We also chat about how she proposed to her now husband Rob Lea (who climbed Everest with her) and what it takes to be a professional adventurer and activist at the same time.
Listen to this episode if:
- You have ever wondered why people climb Mt. Everest or have wanted to climb it yourself.
- You are curious how to combine being an athlete with being an activist.
- You’re passionate about environmental protection.
- You are passionate about gender equality.
Key takeaways:
- 02:20 – Caroline’s background with mountain climbing.
- 08:35 – Her favorite outdoor memories from childhood.
- 15:05 – Why climb Mt. Everest?
- 18:35 – How Caroline prepared for the climb.
- 21:35 – How an injury threw a wrench into her plans.
- 28:05 – Taking an alternate route to the summit.
- 34:30 – Caroline’s Climb for Equality.
- 40:05 – What it’s like at the top of Mt. Everest.
- 42:40 – Caroline’s fiancé, Rob Lea, who is also an adventurer.
- 53:00 – How Caroline deals with negative thoughts.
- 54:30 – A final piece of advice.
Other episodes of Wild Ideas Worth Living to listen to:
- Facing Fear with Kim Chambers
- The Importance of Doing Nothing with Bonnie Tsui
- Design to Empower with Sally Bergesen and Sensi Graves
Resources:
- A Doctor’s Life at Everest Base Camp
- The Follow Through
- Climb for Equality newsletter
- He for She
- Headspace app
- Keen Terradora