Topics: International Speakers Bureau, Inc. |
Fee Range: $10,001 to $15,000 (fee note) |
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 Biography: In 1986, Sharon Wood became the first North American woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She has acquired over twenty years of experience as a professional and elite climber. In addition to climbing Mount Everest, she has successfully climbed numerous other 20,000-foot-plus peaks. Since climbing Mount Everest, Sharon has addressed hundreds of groups worldwide as a keynote speaker. Her presentation is a compelling, true story about beating the odds. She speaks about meeting that challenge, and about the associated struggles and gains that closely parallel those of most striving individuals and organizations. Through her personal disclosure of confronting and overcoming challenges and fears, she succeeds in using the imposing example of climbing the highest mountain in the world to provide her audiences with a tangible means of grasping the essence of her story - living and working closer to our potential. Sharon's dedication to the pursuit of our potential was also expressed in her service as founder and chairperson of a fully accredited, non-denominational private school in her hometown of Canmore, Alberta. The school's objective is to foster confidence, life-long learning skills, and inspire development of the unique strengths possessed by every child. Today, Mountain Gate Community School has expanded and continues to offer an alternative education option to the community. Sharon enjoys dual careers as an alpine guide and speaker. She is a Canadian and resides in Canmore, Alberta, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies with her two sons. |
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Programs: "Everest: To the Summit and Beyond" Sharon Wood teaches, entertains and inspires with her personal story about reaching the top of Mount Everest. It is a story about a small team that shared a bold vision to climb the highest mountain in the world; by a more difficult route, with fewer physical and financial resources, and in better style. Sharon's style is personal and moving. She uses powerful anecdotes and vivid analogies to convey the real-life obstacles and possibilities of achievement. Sharon effectively conveys both the individual and the team perspective. She emphasizes the importance of her own passion while striving to realize her personal aspirations. As well, she talks of her essential role as a member of a team committed to levering every component of their strategy to realize their vision. To the Summit and Beyond is more than just an adventure story it is a timeless, universal story about human struggle and conquest against all odds. Sharonıs authentic and honest approach evokes listeners to consider their own stories while examining the critical elements that contribute to and define personal and team success. Stunning 35mm slides or PowerPoint images and video taken live from the highest mountain in the world support her presentation. Sharon's story illustrates these concepts and more: Committing to a shared vision Accomplishing more with less Thriving through change and adversity Looking beyond the boundaries of expertise for creative solutions Maintaining the momentum Believing "Better is possible" Firing on all cylinders Identifying the real obstacles Expanding horizons of perceived opportunities and resources Embracing the value of diversity and conflict Being and living our potential Performing over conforming Recognizing, giving and taking support Valuing power of passion and curiosity. Embracing leadership "Take a Risk, Live Life!" Risk is a factor tied to much of what we do. Risk is often the deterrent to acting on what we need to do to live a more fulfilling life. Sharon espouses the value of selective risk taking as a means to experiencing our greater potential. Anticipation of loss, fear and anxiety are feelings most often associated with risk. Sharon conveys the strategies and essential components she has used to push through her fears and barriers. She speaks to preparation, a clear vision, intention and desire as being essential components to minimizing and calculating a risk. Most importantly she speaks to rewards of being a risk taker and winning in life. Founder and Chairperson of a private school in her community, President of her own company Adventure Dynamics Inc, first North American woman to summit Mount Everest, a professional mountaineer and a mother of two sons; Sharon is leading a life rich with risk, challenge and change. Through humor, passion and self-disclosure Sharon describes the elements of risk in a variety of endeavors. She draws from her personal experience in public speaking, implementing community and team projects, and climbing the highest mountain in the world to explore the balance of losses and gains in risk taking. |
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