Unfortunately I didn't get to meet Mark face to face but he sent me his response via email, which are brilliant. They are below.

 

 

 

What three attributes do you think you require in order to succeed in today’s competitive world of sport?

'The same as in business and life - Focus, Resilience and Synergy.'
 

 

 

What one piece of advice would you give to a young person who is embarking upon a new career path?

 

'Take the first step - don't just talk about it but do something about it - I call it responsible optimism.'

 

 

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Was mountaineering your first choice of career?

 

'Actually to be 500cc Motocross Champion was #1 but couldn't afford the bike.'

 

 

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At what age did you decide you wanted to be a mountaineer and why?

 

'11 or 12 - because I didn't like rugby, both the game and the team sport issues.'

 

 

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How important have your friends and family been in terms of realising your dreams?

 

'By giving me the freedom to make dreams become a reality.'

 

 



Who has been your greatest influence professionally on your career and why?

 

'I've had a lot of careers, as a mountaineer, a scientist, a winemaker, a business creator (PeakFuel) and now a motivational speaker, all have mentors, there is no one single person though.'

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Can you describe the most defining moment of your career?

 

'As above - for me it was the understanding that if you want change to happen then it is up to you - you must be the change you wish and want.'

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What did you have to sacrifice in order for your career to survive?

 

'By changing career so often I have probably sacrificed financial stability and surety.'

 

How important was your team in ensuring the success of your career?

 

'Knowledge is everything, it allowed me to survive in 1982 and has allowed me to achieve the goals I have strived for - none would of happened without knowledge and in fact in the mountains, a lack of knowledge will kill you.'

 

​In your own words, what is the key to success?

 

'Attitude - it is with attitude that you can make the most of skills and knowledge.'

 

What difficulties have you overcome in order to succeed?

 

'No end of challenges as I have always tried to aim high and that means the fences to get over are high - one of most frustrating things is all the people that either say 'you can't do that' or 'why do that'.'

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What is the greatest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome this?

 

'Understanding the human being can do virtually anything, we just need to understand the difference between 'can't' and 'won't'. My legs are just a complexity rather than a challenge, it is ensuring you are thinking right is the biggest challenge.'