No Mountain is Unsurmountable: Lessons from Everest for Business and Life

Dawa J. Sherpa at the summit of Mount Everest (8,848.86m), the highest point on Earth.

On my recent travels to Nepal, I had the incredible privilege of meeting Dawa J. Sherpa, a man who has conquered Mount Everest five times.

As we sat having dinner in Katmandu, he shared stories that were awe-inspiring, not just because of their scale, but also the human endeavour and mindset applied to conquer the seemingly impossible.

Dawa didn’t speak in motivational quotes. He shared quiet, powerful truths about risk, uncertainty, trust, and sheer willpower. His calm, grounded presence masked the scale of his achievements.

His stories of near-impossible climbs, extreme altitude, narrow weather windows, constant presence of risk and pushing beyond physical and mental limits, was deeply humbling. They held lessons far beyond the peaks and reminded me that true success requires more than grit alone.

It struck me that the same mindset that gets you to the top of Everest is the one that drives success in business, leadership and life.

In this Mediscape Global Insight, I share key take-aways from my conversation with Dawa J. Sherpa and explore the powerful parallels between mountain climbing and professional growth, reflecting on the essential qualities that drive success in business and life.

1. Strategy is Everything

You don’t just “wing it” on Everest. Every expedition starts months and, often, years in advance with planning routes, checking weather windows, building support teams, and preparing for contingencies. Success demands preparation, planning, and knowing when to pivot.

In business, bold goals need careful planning. Whether launching a product, expanding into new markets, or navigating a pivot, success favours those who prepare thoroughly but remain adaptable. A robust strategy aligns your resources, clarifies your vision, and allows you to adapt when things don’t go as expected.

2. Perseverance over Perfection

Mountaineers rarely find perfect weather or flawless conditions and there is never an optimum time to summit Everest. Conditions are unpredictable, weather changes in minutes and storms come out of nowhere, visibility drops and equipment fails - these are just some of the hazards. Dawa faced challenges, failed attempts and harsh conditions, but he always came back stronger.

In business and life, waiting for the “perfect time” can be a trap. Progress often means moving forward despite uncertainty, adjusting as you go and trusting the process. Whether you’re leading a team through change or starting a new venture, waiting for the perfect moment can stall progress. Taking steady steps, especially in times of uncertainty, is what leads to momentum.

3. Resilience: Accept the Setbacks and Return Stronger

Dawa shared how he turned back just short of the summit. Not failure but a strength - a calculated choice to return and try again. Setbacks are part of the journey and Dawa’s resilience in returning repeatedly to the summit is a testament to what can be achieved with the right mindset.

In business, setbacks are inevitable. Projects fail. Deals fall through. Markets shift. Those that show resilience by adapting, learning, and returning wiser, better and stronger are the ones who ultimately succeed.

4. Adaptability: The Route Will Change - Be Ready

On Everest, weather, ice and terrain can change in minutes, routes change and plans go out the window. What matters is how quickly you adjust, how calmly you respond, and how committed you remain to the summit. Flexibility isn’t optional – it’s essential.

So it is in leadership. Conditions shift. Clients pivot. Markets move. Those who adapt without losing focus are the ones who survive and thrive.

5. Passion: The Ultimate Fuel

At high altitude, when oxygen thins and exhaustion sets in, only passion keeps you climbing.

The same is true in business. Passion drives innovation, fuels resilience, and sustains us through the moments when logic says, “give up.” It’s the fire that keeps us moving—even when the summit is still out of sight and things aren’t going to plan. It’s the spark behind every meaningful achievement. It’s what drives you when there’s no applause, no clear outcome, and no guarantee.

6. Health: Your Core Asset

As Dawa explained, you don’t get to the summit unless your body and mind are prepared. At high altitudes, physical conditioning and mental clarity are not optional—they’re essential. Fatigue, stress, or even the smallest lapse in focus can cost lives. That’s why climbers train for months, sometimes years, building strength, stamina, and resilience for the journey ahead.

In business, we often glorify burnout and wear exhaustion as a badge of honour. But just like on Everest, sustained performance - especially under pressure - comes from well-managed energy, not constant depletion.

Mental clarity, physical stamina, emotional stability - these are not “nice to haves”. They are strategic assets. They enable sharper decisions, stronger leadership, better relationships, and faster recovery when things get tough.

Invest in your physical and mental well-being – Your mind and body are your core assets.

Final Thought: Everyone Has an Everest

Whether you’re growing a business, leading a team, or making a life change—your mountain might not look like Everest, but it can feel just as high.

But with a clear strategy, unshakeable perseverance, real resilience, and deep passion, you’re more capable than you think.

Because no mountain is truly unsurmountable

About the Author

Bharti Patel is a trusted advisor and transformation leader with a passion for helping organisations reach their highest potential. Drawing from experience across healthcare, leadership, and performance, she brings clarity, compassion, and commercial acumen to complex challenges. Through her work at Mediscape Global, Bharti supports clients in scaling their own Everests through Strategic Advisory, Performance Improvement, and Organisational Mentoring, with a strong focus on Coaching and Leadership Development. She believes that with the right mindset, the right strategy, and the right support, no mountain is truly unsurmountable.