Ian Woodall is one of the very few who have climbed the world’s highest mountain by both its south and north sides.

During his first ascent from the south, Ian’s team was trapped at 8000 meters in the worst storm in Everest history and which claimed the lives of five fellow climbers. After the trauma and tragedy of the storm, Ian and his team nevertheless chose to try again, finally reaching the summit as the only ones left on the mountain.

Two years later while attempting the north side of Everest, Ian stopped only a few hundred meters below the summit to try and help a dying American Climber. The woman’s first words were, “don’t leave me.” Yet ultimately Ian had to leave her to secure the safety of his own team.

Nine years later, in May 2007, Ian returned to 8500 meters on Everest to bury the woman he had been forced to leave behind. After wrapping her in the American flag he slid her gently down the North Face to join her beloved husband lying somewhere below.

Using the power of emotional storytelling, Ian brings the triumphs and tragedies of climbing Mount Everest directly to Jacksonville, sharing how the insight gained on the mountain can enhance everyone’s Personal Inspiration and Practical Leadership skill.

Informational Links

Ian's Website

Mt Everest