Kristin Harila
on Mountain Conquering
How does it feel to be on top of the world?
How does it feel to lose more than 20 pounds due to physical exhaustion, regular battles with food poisoning, being hit by tumbling boulders, and fighting ice storms and avalanches?
The one who is able to answer both questions is Kristin Harila. A fierce, unstoppable, adventurous spirit!
In less than 12 hours, she conquered Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, and Mount Lhotse, the world’s fourth highest, breaking the time record and becoming the fastest woman to complete the ascents of 14 peaks above 8000 meters.
That’s what happens to children who follow their hearts’ calling when growing up. This passion for adventure, for conquering the unknown, has always been her companion. In her teenage years, she started cross-country skiing. That’s when she answered the call of the Mountains.
The only type of management that exists, in Kristin’s view, is the management of one’s dreams and ambitions. After resigning from a management position, she decided to become a professional mountaineering athlete: “An adventurer is someone who follows their dreams. It can accommodate a lot, and be very different for everyone. For me, it is also someone who does not give up at first.”
What was the element that made the mountain top so magnetic? It is in these high mountains where Kristin realized her true strengths. A field dominated by men, although women are as capable. If you go through the history of climbing, the predominant characters – be it in the movies, books, or news – are male ones.
Kristin’s ambition was to create a paradigm shift. For this, action was required. A woman needed to do something, and the best way to do something was to show she could do it, too. And she did. Kristin set the new “True Summit Speed Record with Oxygen” by climbing all 14 mountains above 8000 in only 1 year and 5 days, a record initially set by the amazing Nirmal (Nimsdai) Purja.
Her unwavering spirit sets Kristin apart from the rest and makes her a phenomenal climber. But her impact extends beyond her mountaineering. She is also a respected speaker in the outdoor community, empowering us always to reach higher and higher. Determination always reserves you a spot among the greats, doesn’t it?
Read Kristin Harila’s answers for #inspirators and follow her journey, as she has big things in store! This year, she is taking on the challenge of climbing all of the world’s 8000-meter peaks twice in two seasons and without supplementary oxygen.
May you find your summit to conquer, mountain and non-mountain one: “Be the breakaway who likes to disrupt traditional expectations; do the crazy, the impossible, the extraordinary and call that adventure!”
Thank you, Kristin, for being a Mountain Conquerer!
#INSPIRATORS QUESTIONNAIRE
Name: Kristin Harila
Company / Institution: Kristin Harila
Title: Mountaineer, Skier, Runner
Website: www.kristinharila.com
LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-harila/
Country of origin: Norway
Country you currently live in: Norway
Your personal definition of Regeneration: For me, regeneration is being able to renew yourself as a person through the challenges you face.
Main business challenge you face: Currently, it’s finding sponsors and partners who want to support me in my expedition.
Main driver that keeps you going: I think of my family, my friends, and the love of all waiting for me back at home and it motivates me a lot.
The trait you are most proud of in yourself: I like to think I’m very good at persevering and I don’t give up.
The trait you most value in others: I value honesty and transparency.
Passions & little things that bring you joy: I love being in nature, and animals too!
The #inspirators who determined you to take the regenerative path:
Michelle Obama.
A hint or starting point for companies or professionals that are taking the first steps in the regeneration journey: Believe in yourself!
Most used and abused clichés about sustainability that bother you: I don’t like to think that sustainability relies on an individual, it comes down to all of us working together.
An honest piece of advice for young people who lose hope: Take it one step at a time and you’ll be able to climb your mountain in no time!
Books that had a major impact on you: My favourite book is one that I read a long time ago - The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
Must-reads for any Regenerative professional: The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
Movies / Documentaries you would watch all over again: My favourite movies are The Dawn Wall and La Elva Lev.
Blogs / Websites / Podcasts etc. you visit frequently: In my expeditions, I don’t often have coverage to do these things.
Music that makes you (and your heart) sing: My favourite Playlist on Spotify is full of cozy music!
Places you travelled to that left a mark on you: I have a huge appreciation and love for Nepal, specifically for Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Global Regenerative Voices you recommend us to follow:
Caroline Gleich.
Trends in Regeneration we should keep an eye on: I would recommend looking at what Ella Marie Hætta does and her fight for the Sami people’s rights!
Best places for business networking (online or offline): LinkedIn is a pretty good bet!
Events we should attend: I love sustainability events! For instance, the Bærekraftsfestivalen in Norway.
Associations, business clubs, tribes you belong to – and why: I’m an ambassador for Zuccarello Stiftelsen which aims to allow all children to take part in sports and outdoor activities, which I think is very important for a child’s development!
Sustainable Development or Regeneration courses, trainings, or certifications that really teach us how to have an impact: No clue, but it’s something I’ll have to look into!
Reasons to feel optimistic about our future in 2030: There are a lot of sustainable technologies that I can’t wait to experience!
Reasons to feel pessimistic about our future in 2030: We’re unsure of how the climate is changing, and the latest information we have now is that it moves faster than we thought before. We should worry about this.
Regenerative Leadership qualities much needed today: Listening. I believe it’s essential for people to listen - to criticism, to compliments, to suggestions!
Quote that inspires you:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.”
(Wayne Gretzky)
Your quote that will inspire us:
