Peak performance - Karl Pemberton at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro .
Active Financial managing director Karl Pemberton on how the qualities needed to climb a mountain can also help us overcome the Covid crisis …
RISING
TO THE CHALLENGE
At the mid-point of 2020 , I remarked : “ Lockdown is like trying to run through treacle . It may be possible . Just . But the effort required to do so is like nothing you will have experienced before .”
Many of us faced similar challenges , and just getting our heads around things felt pretty stressful . As a little normality returned during the summer and as I reflected on our experiences , I was reminded of another personal challenge I ’ d faced .
In 2018 , I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania . It ’ s the world ’ s largest volcano and the highest freestanding mountain at 5,895m , or 19,500 ft . It may have become a popular challenge to take on , but it ’ s certainly no Roseberry Topping !
Inspired by tragic events that year , I spontaneously joined a group of close friends with only ten weeks ’ notice , supporting the great causes of Mind and the GEM Appeal .
Thanks to the amazing team at Teesside University , I was able to use altitude training facilities that replicated the sub-zero conditions and prepared my body for the lack of oxygen I was about to endure .
The training was extremely tough , uncomfortable and time-consuming , but I knew it had to be done .
However , how many of us take this approach in our daily lives or our businesses ? Do we step out of our comfort zones to learn , develop or upskill ?
I am a huge believer in self-development , as are most within the Active team . Having spent years improving our skills through Teesside University Leadership Programme , Institute of Directors Chartered Director programme , Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business and the Chartered Insurance
Preparation - Karl oxygen training .
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