EP17: GROWTH MINDSET: Mountaineer Tima Deryan on going to the ends of the Earth to inspire others to be limitless

Dubai-based mountaineer Tima Deryan joins us today, a month after she became the first Lebanese woman to ski the last degree of the South Pole and only a few months away from skiing the last degree of the North Pole. This will conclude her seven-year expedition to achieve the Explorers Grand Slam. It’s a mountaineering challenge that only about 73 people have completed of which fewer than 20 are women, according to the Explorers Grand Slam website. 

As part of the challenge, the 30-year-old has also summited the highest mountain on every continent, and became the youngest Arab to summit Mount Everest at the age of 26. She is also the first Arab woman to climb Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano in the world.  

Tima has climbed more than 25 high mountains around the world, collecting life-changing experiences, fun memories and lasting friendships as she ascended and descending with lessons that have contributed to her growth mindset.

She is also the author of the Curly Adventures children’s book, founder of the slow fashion brand Feministiya  and a motivational speaker.

As she prepares for the final leg of the Explorers Grand Slam, she tells us why she wanted to do it, her most cherished and sometimes hair-raising memories, and her aim to represent the image of strong Arab women through her initiatives. She also discusses what went into planning and training for each climb and tips on how you can get into mountaineering.

To follow Tima, find her on instagram at @mountaingipsy  and timaderyan.com

To learn about the Explorers Grand Slam, visit explorersgrandslam.com

Our wider support team for this episode includes Editor JJ Thompson and our Artwork is by the talented Alexandra Hickey of Studio Theodore. 

For more info,  visit www.themettleset.com , and follow us on @themettleset

We hope you enjoy the episode! 

Dawn & Afshan 

@dawnable 

@afshahmed