#117 - Cathy O'Dowd | More Than One Way to the Top
Mar 1, 2022
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Cathy O'Dowd, first woman to summit Mt. Everest from both sides, shares her training, fear control, and adaptability in climbing. She discusses the congestion and openness on Everest, the story of Francys Arsentiev, and losing the hunger to climb. She emphasizes the importance of values and personal fulfillment in feats of accomplishments.
Taking responsibility for oneself and contributing to the team's goals is crucial in mountaineering.
Collaboration and working together towards a common goal are of utmost importance in team environments.
Finding fulfillment in personal achievements and the journey itself is more significant than seeking external validation.
Deep dives
Valuing Independence and Self-Sufficiency
One of the important values that Kathy highlights is being independent and self-sufficient. In mountaineering, where teams rely on themselves in challenging situations, taking responsibility for oneself and being able to contribute to the team's goals is crucial.
Embracing Responsibility and Collaboration
Kathy emphasizes the value of being responsible and stepping up when needed. In team environments, it is essential to prioritize the team's well-being and make decisions that benefit the collective. Collaboration and working together with others towards a common goal is of utmost importance.
Finding Joy and Inspiration in the Experience
Rather than focusing on being the first or achieving specific records, Kathy encourages finding joy and inspiration in the experience itself. Whether one reaches the ultimate goal or not, the process of the journey, the challenges faced, and the personal growth gained are what truly matter.
Letting Go of the Need for Firsts
Kathy suggests that the pursuit of being the first has become contrived in many instances. Instead, she encourages individuals to focus on personal goals, pushing personal limits, and finding fulfillment in their own achievements, rather than seeking external validation.
Upcoming Ski Mountaineering Exploration Trip
Kathy shares that her next adventure is an exploratory ski mountaineering trip in Kyrgyzstan. Alongside two friends, they plan to discover new ski mountaineering routes and regions where little information is available. This trip will involve hiking in on skis, setting up a base camp, and exploring and skiing off various mountains.
Cathy O'Dowd is a rock climber, mountaineer, author, motivational speaker, and the first woman to reach the summit of Mt. Everest both from the north and south sides. She shares the importance of training for the summit, reaching Mt. Everest, and the highs and lows that come with it.
[02:43] Introducing Cathy O’Dowd [04:57] Motivation Behind Climbing [07:50] Training Elements and Controlling Fear [13:30] Adaptability and Teamwork [17:28] Going Against Fear and Pressure [20:09] Techniques to Train Your Mind [22:47] Cathy’s First Climb on the South Side of Mt. Everest [28:35] What It’s Like on Top [31:15] Congestion and Openness in Mt. Everest [34:16] The North Route [38:00] The Story of Francys Arsentiev [51:07] Losing the Hunger to Climb [54:32] Important Values [59:12] What to Get Out of Feats of Accomplishments [01:03:34] Who Inspired Cathy [01:04:52] Where to Find Cathy [01:05:35] What’s Next for Cathy