Transcript

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

Q: What's the best part of being a guide?

A: Seeing somebody reach goals they probably didn't think they could achieve without support. It's most satisfying when someone has that "aha" moment or when everything clicks for them.

Q: Is that why you do this work?

A: Absolutely. I do what I do because I love seeing other women empowered in the outdoors. There are many barriers, and sometimes the biggest one is fear or not wanting to venture out alone. We provide environments, retreats, and trips where women can have their own journey within the safety of a group and with a guide.

Guides aren't just there for safety - they bring local knowledge that enriches the experience, especially if they're familiar with the area.

Q: What's the worst part of being a guide?

A: The responsibility for everyone's safety and happiness. I worry about whether someone won't have a good time, if something might happen, or if the experience won't meet their expectations.

Q: Can you share a recent successful trip that really impacted someone?

A: This past summer, we did the Tour de Mont Blanc - a bucket list trip. It's demanding, with daily hikes of 8-10+ miles over mountain passes. We faced challenging weather and people getting sick - every possible logistical challenge.

Two participants stand out. One was incredibly athletic - she does parkour, aerial activities, and is a ski instructor, but kept saying "I'm not a hiker." Throughout the trip, the group helped her recognize that she was indeed a hiker.

Another participant had trained diligently but lived somewhere without hills. While hiking 10 miles is one thing, doing it over a mountain pass is entirely different. Each day she'd say, "Today's my Everest," and despite being slower, she persevered. These moments where people discover their capabilities are remarkable.

We always work with local guides alongside our trip leaders. During all the challenges - illness, snow, rain - I remember our French guide saying, "No problems, just solutions." That became my new life mantra. As a guide, you always have plans A, B, and C, but sometimes you need D, E, and F. Don't dwell on the problem; focus on the solution.

The beautiful part is that while guides handle these logistics, participants can focus on their personal journey - whether it's dealing with weather or challenging terrain. We take care of everything else.

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