Cathy O’Dowd is best known as the first South African (of either sex) to summit Mount Everest, and the first woman in the world to climb Everest from both the north and south sides. Her pioneering ascent in 1996 took place during the infamous Everest season depicted in the Hollywood film Everest. In 2003, Cathy returned to attempt a bold new route on the mountain's remote Kangshung Face...
…Among her most challenging Himalayan expeditions was the groundbreaking climb on Nanga Parbat, one of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Although Cathy didn’t reach the summit, her team succeeded in completing the first ascent via the Mazeno Ridge, a feat that earned them the prestigious Piolet d’Or award—mountaineering’s highest honor.
As a professional motivational speaker for nearly 30 years, Cathy has shared her insights with audiences in 47 countries across six continents. Drawing from her dramatic Himalayan experiences, she delivers dynamic keynotes and case studies focused on resilience, leadership, and peak performance in high-risk, high-stress environments. She is also the recipient of the Professional Speaking Award of Excellence from the Professional Speaking Association of UK and Ireland.
Based in Andorra, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountains, Cathy continues her global speaking engagements while adventuring around the world. A passionate life-long learner, she has expanded her mountaineering skills to include ski mountaineering, canyoning, and sea kayaking.
She is also the author of Just for the Love of It, a compelling book detailing her Everest experiences.
Find out more at her website http://cathyodowd.com. Her day-to-day adventures as a speaker and adventurer can be followed on Instagram @CathyODowd.
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