Name: Julie Lewis Growing up, I wanted to be…
Age: 47 years young!
Born: Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK
Lives: Dubai
Marital status: Married
Profession: Founder of Mountain High - adventure challenges, retreats and personal leadership programmes for women
Indiana Jones!
I left education in… 1983 when I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a BSc in Sports Science.
My first job was… as a fitness consultant.
My happiest memory is… I have so many of them I could write a book! I am fortunate enough to have a life with so many day-to-day experiences on the various trips we run that they all get logged into the happy memory file. One recent memory I will never forget is summiting Island Peak (6,200 metres high) with my then boyfriend Calin - it was our first snow and ice climbing experience together and he proposed to me at the summit. [She said yes!]
If someone wanted to follow my career path, I would advise them to… complement practical and academic studies in outdoor education with as much hands-on experience as possible. Focus on what you love to do, and do it with passion.
The most rewarding part of my job is… seeing people unlock their true potential and achieve their goals through the adventure challenges, retreats and workshops that I facilitate. They discover their hidden strengths by stepping out of their comfort zone - I love helping them achieve this.
Helping people less fortunate is important because... I personally believe as humans we all have a desire to want to help others. Empowering people through my work is very much part of the Mountain High ethos, and it gives added meaning and purpose to the passion that drives us as human beings.
The best part of volunteering is… knowing that you are making a difference.
I feel fortunate because… I am fit and healthy, have a great husband beside me, a wonderful family and a great circle of diverse friends. I have the opportunity to make a difference through my work, and to explore new countries while doing so.
Even when the going gets tough, never forget… it is only temporary - all things pass, often the things that challenge us the most turn out to be major blessings in disguise.
The thing that motivates me the most is... people and places.
I stay positive by… saying thank you often, smiling, laughing, working out, reading, and surrounding myself with the people and things I love. And I never take myself too seriously.
Every morning I smile because… it's a brand new day with new possibilities.
My parents always told me to… be true to myself - do what I love, learn and laugh. Make a difference through my chosen vocation, treat others as I would love to be treated, and most importantly, be a woman of my word.
My motto is… fill your life with LOVE - Lots Of Valuable Experiences.
I'm most proud of… the wonderful family I am so fortunate to be part of - my own, and now Calin's, and all the amazing women I have had the privilege to train and travel with over the last six years of Mountain High adventures.
I can't live without… love and adventure.
My biggest indulgence is… I am pretty balanced actually, health is one of my top values, so I am a great believer in looking after it. I love sports, adventure, bookshops, travelling and exploring, so they feature high on my love list.
My favourite celebrity is… Richard Branson - such a go-getter and go-giver!
I am helping save the environment by… supporting eco/sustainable tourism practices.
I stay healthy by… working out, swimming and kayaking, eating great food, being outdoors and soaking up mother nature's natural energy. I love having massages, taking time out, exploring, reading, listening to great music, smiling and laughing, enjoying quality time with Calin, our family and friends - it's all good for the health.
The last text message I received was from… someone wanting to book a place on my next Mountain High Confidence seminar.
December is the month to… reflect on 2009 and all you have achieved, experienced and learnt. Savour the highlights and smile! Clear out any clutter to make way for new things, and set goals for all areas of your life in 2010.
