Cathy O'Dowd

The First Woman to Reach the Summit of Mount Everest from the South & North sides

Cathy O’Dowd is celebrated as the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest from both its North and South sides. Her remarkable achievements in mountaineering have made her an iconic figure in the world of adventure and exploration. Cathy's story is one of overcoming immense challenges and breaking barriers, which has positioned her as an inspirational figure not only in the mountaineering community but also in the broader field of motivational speaking. Her unique experiences and achievements make her an exceptional choice as a keynote speaker, particularly for events such as International Women's Day.

Cathy's passion for climbing began in her youth, engaging in both rock climbing and alpinism. Her adventurous spirit led her to explore diverse terrains, from Africa to the Andes, and eventually the Alps. This adventurous spirit was complemented by academic pursuits; she earned a Master's Degree in Journalism and took up a position as a Junior Lecturer at Rhodes University. Her journey to Everest began when she responded to an advertisement seeking members for the first South African Everest expedition. This decision marked the start of her record-breaking feats, including becoming the first South African to summit Everest and, later, the first woman to conquer the mountain from both sides within three years.

Beyond her Everest accomplishments, Cathy has embarked on numerous other expeditions, such as a dog-sledge journey through the Norwegian Arctic and various technical rock climbs, canyoning, and sea kayaking adventures. The lessons learned from these experiences have enriched her narratives as a motivational speaker. Cathy has been recognised for her contributions to public speaking with prestigious awards, including the Professional Speaking Award of Excellence and Fellowship of the Professional Speaking Association UKI. Her bestselling book, "Just For The Love of It," further shares her extraordinary journey and the insights gained from her adventures.

Cathy O’Dowd's ability to translate her mountaineering experiences into valuable lessons for business and personal development makes her a highly sought-after speaker. Her presentations, such as "Think Like an Explorer" and "Reaching New Heights," inspire audiences to push their boundaries and achieve the seemingly impossible. Cathy’s expertise in handling high-risk and high-stress situations provides practical wisdom for managing projects and leading teams under pressure. This blend of thrilling adventure and practical advice ensures that Cathy remains a popular and impactful speaker for International Women's Day and other motivational events.

---

---