Patrick Hollingworth is a normal, everyday person from the flattest state in Australia who had a passion to climb the highest mountain in the World. A ten-year apprenticeship served in the World’s greatest mountain ranges in Canada, Alaska, France, Pakistan, Nepal and Tibet saw him gain an impressive resume of climbing experiences which enabled him to fulfill his dream in May 2010. Summitting Mount Everest reinforced Patrick’s belief that passion, self-belief and a dogged persistence can empower normal individuals to achieve great things.

His willingness during the climb to openly discuss his previous experiences with depression, and the subsequent raising of awareness for men’s health issues, contributed to Patrick’s expedition being widely followed in the Western Australian community, where high-altitude mountaineers are a rare breed.

Patrick’s enthusiasm for his climbing shines through in his presentations, as does his stunning still and video footage from the summits of the world’s highest mountains. During his 10 year journey, Patrick encountered numerous set-backs, including the loss of climbing friends and himself coming close to dying from a severe altitude illness whilst climbing a mountain not far from Everest; as such his presentations include a certain element of rawness. Combined with Patrick’s ability to make a genuine connection with people, his talks are likely to leave the audience inspired to tackle their own challenges in life, whatever they may be.

Patrick’s talk aims to present a working example of how an ordinary person can achieve extraordinary outcomes by identifying a long-term objective and then achieving it by ticking the necessary boxes. Patrick mapped out a plan when he identified Mount Everest as his goal, and then set about undertaking each of the necessary climbs which gave him more experience to climb progressively higher and more dangerous mountains until he felt completely ready and confident to climb Mount Everest. The setbacks along the way only strengthened his resolve. Attendees of Patrick’s talk are likely to walk away with a sound understanding of how planning for success through appropriate preparation can lead anyone to achieve their goals.

When he’s not climbing mountains, Patrick works as an environmental consultant, and specialises in conducting environmental impact assessment for marine and coastal infrastructure projects for the oil and gas and land development industries. In addition to mountaineering, Patrick is a very keen surfer and also an open swimmer; in 2006 he completed a solo crossing of the 20km Rottnest Channel.