LGST 813Spring 2011

Leadership Biography: Ed Viesturs, The High-Altitude Adventurer

By Stephanie Leber03/31/2011

LGST 813Spring 2011Viesturs conquered the Himalayas by age 46

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Accomplishments Mount Everest 7 times 14 of the world’s highest mountains

(>8000 meters), without supplemental oxygen

Developed career as full-time mountaineer

Loving wife and three children Serves as brand sponsor, hosts public

speaking events, and leads world-renowned expeditions

Masters in Zoology and Veterinary Doctorate

http://www.edviesturs.com/about

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The magnificent Himalayas

1. Kangchenjunga

2. Everest

3. K2

4. Lhotse

5. Cho Oyu

6. Makalu

7. Gasherbrum II

8. Gasherbrum I

9. Broad Peak

10. Manaslu

11. Dhualagiri

12. Shishapangma

13. Nanga Parbat

14. Annapurna

Everest – highest peak in Himalayas

K2, on the border of Pakistan and People's Republic of China

Kangchenjunga, on the border of Nepal and Sikkim, India

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Born in the flatlands but inspired by Annapurna, he pursued mountaineering at an early age

Biography Born in 1959 in Illinois to immigrant parents Inspired by Maurice Herzog’s book,

Annapurna (which he summited in ‘05) Trained on Mount Rainier as a guide and

attended Zoology and Veterinary school Married and had three children After summiting several Himalayan peaks,

partnered with IMAX to film Everest Summited all 14 peaks in 2005, climbed

Rainier over 200 times Invited to lead expeditions and guest speak

at organizations around the globe Published novels and photographic

illustrations of his adventures

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Viesturs;

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Viesturs integrates his career, family, community, and self domains for mutual gain

Self

CommunityHome

Career

Areas of integration for mutual gain Combines passion for mountaineering, love for

outdoors and international travel, and leadership skills through his career

Aligns physical, spiritual, and emotional self through his love of mountains

Engenders trust in climbing partners and develops lifelong friendships

Takes calculated risks considering potential impacts across domains

Utilizes his personal and professional network to catapult his career to unimaginable levels of success

Considers his family the source of strength when making tough decisions; communicates this impact on his life both to his family and team members

Leads charitable climbing fundraisers

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/ed_viesturs.html

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Key takeaways that can be applied in my life

Overcome failure and fear – find strength through other domains to restart, try again, and eventually succeed

Consider alternative approaches even if it occasionally forces me to move backwards instead of forwards

– Believe in the value of my approach and communicate my logic to those who I am leading in a meaningful and relevant way

Internalize the notion that through commitment and perseverance, any goal can be achieved

Find own professional niche where I can combine my profession, family, community, and spiritual and physical self in harmonious ways without trading off one for another

Create a fluid understanding of how my decisions in one domain can impact decisions in another domain – develop sense of caution and patience

Develop a commitment to my leadership vision that can help me see the ‘forest from the trees’

– Amend my leadership vision so that it can serve as a compass in guiding me through tough life choices

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Viesturs; http://www.slate.com

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Questions??