Alpine Consulting LLC

The journey to the top of Mount Everest is a relentless test of grit, resilience, and sheer willpower. Along the way, I faced some of the most grueling challenges of my life, obstacles that tested every fiber of my determination and ultimately shaped who I am—not just as a climber, but as a leader in the complex world of healthcare technology. Each experience on that mountain mirrors the trials and triumphs I encounter as a Chief Information Officer, driving digital transformation against all odds.

The first challenge came swiftly. Shortly into the expedition, I fell ill. I was airlifted to Kathmandu, placed on IV fluids, and, for a brief moment, my Everest dreams seemed dashed. But something in me refused to let go. With determination and grit, I returned to the climb, stronger and more focused than ever. In my role as a CIO, I’ve faced similar setbacks—unexpected technical failures or budget constraints that seemed like roadblocks. But just like on the mountain, resilience and the decision to keep pushing forward are often the difference between defeat and success.

Then came the storm. That night, winds howled at over fifty miles per hour, engulfing us in an unyielding fury. Nearly everyone turned back, but a small group of us pressed on, summoning every ounce of courage and belief that the summit was within reach. As a CIO leading teams through disruptive change, I’ve faced my own “storms” in the form of evolving regulations, tight deadlines, and technical obstacles that seem insurmountable. But in those moments, I’ve learned that perseverance, coupled with a shared vision, can push a team to accomplish what others deem impossible.

Perhaps the most harrowing challenge came when I discovered our oxygen and food supplies had been stolen. Depleted and exhausted, I continued the final ten hours of the summit push without oxygen, food, or water, slipping into bouts of hallucination. It was the most intense experience of my life, and it demanded every ounce of willpower I could muster. In the healthcare tech world, resources are often limited. Yet, with creativity and resourcefulness, leaders can still deliver extraordinary outcomes. For me, those last hours to the summit were a testament to the power of mental strength and unwavering focus on the goal, even when the situation seemed dire.

Through these challenges, I’ve come to understand that success—whether on Everest or in the boardroom—demands more than individual strength. It requires determination, teamwork, influence, and an unbreakable resolve to keep moving forward. As a CIO, I’ve seen the immense rewards that come from leading my team with the same tenacity I drew upon in those high, cold places.

In both worlds, victory doesn’t come without sacrifice, but with an unwavering vision and shared determination, even the most daunting summits are within reach. 

The view from the top is worth every step.