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 High-Altitude HumilityEd Viesturs to speak at the Bellevue Club Ed Viesturs is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountaineers. He was the first American to climb all 14 of the world’s highest mountains without the use of supplemental oxygen. He has stood on top of Mount Everest seven times. And most importantly, he’s survived. The adventurous Bainbridge Island resident is going to be talking about his experiences at a special Bellevue Club Business Connect event on Feb. 7. “A lot of lessons from climbing can be applied in the business world,” he says. “You’re always overcoming obstacles when climbing mountains. There are so many things that can go wrong.” Viesturs’ climbing philosophy runs contrary to a world where triumph is measured only in successful summits. “There are people out there willing to succeed at all costs. Eighty percent of the deaths that happen in the mountains, people choose success over survival. If I don’t reach the summit, I don’t say I was unsuccessful because I was prevented from succeeding from conditions outside of my control,” he says. “As long as you can say that you were prepared and motivated, it’s not a failure—it’s just a non-success.”  In Viesturs’ first Everest expedition, he was forced to turn around just 300 feet from the top after spending three months on the world’s tallest mountain.“It’s definitely disappointing,” he says. “When you go into the climbing arena, you know the rules. You have to accept the possibility that you may not get to the top. The mountain is going to be there for another attempt. “It’s better to walk away alive then to get to the top,” he says. “I’ve always said it had to be a round trip.” Although Viesturs is a widely sought-after public speaker, he’s clear about his real expertise. “I tell people that I’m not a trained professional speaker—I’m a trained professional climber who is speaking.” However, his large-scale climbing expeditions resonate with the challenges faced in the business world. “Risk management, overcoming obstacles—a lot of people can relate to that in the business world,” he says. Above all, Viesturs talks about perseverance and patience as a key to his success and longevity. “If you enjoy what you do, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to accomplish it,” he says. Come hear Viesturs speak at the Bellevue Club Business Connect event on Feb. 7. To register, e-mail kaarink@bellevueclub.com or call 688.3384. Space is limited. |
| Social Director: Kaarin Keil | 425.688.3384 | social@bellevueclub.com |
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Bellevue Club REFLECTIONS | 11200 Southeast Sixth Street Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.688.3161 | reflections@bellevueclub.com
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