Cathy O'Dowd
Keynote Speaker: The First South African Woman in the World to Climb Mt. Everest & First Woman to Climb Everest from Both North & South Sides
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Cathy O'Dowd Biography
Cathy O’Dowd is the first woman to climb Everest from both its north and south sides. Her first ascent happened during the chaotic events that formed the basis of the "true story" behind the Hollywood movie "Everest." O’Dowd, who grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, has climbed ever since leaving school, both rock climbing and alpinism. Her first expeditions were to central Africa and the Andes, followed by a year exploring the Alps.
She was completing her Master's degree in Journalism while working as a university lecturer when she saw a newspaper advert for a place on the 1st South African Everest Expedition. Six months later, she became the first South African to summit Everest. Three years later, she became the world's first woman to climb the mountain from both sides. She made one last expedition to Everest to try a new route on the Kangshung face. She has written a book about her Everest experiences, "Just For The Love Of It."
For her, the years she spent in the Himalayas were a degree "in living." The insights she discovered about herself and about individuals and teams under intense stress in the face of overwhelming challenges are ones she has been sharing with her corporate audiences ever since. Her stories touch on themes of importance to anyone trying to run successful projects and get the best out of people.
O’Dowd’s most challenging Himalayan epic was as part of a team attempting a new route on an 8000-metre peak. Although O’Dowd herself did not reach the summit, two of her teammates did, doing the first ascent of Nanga Parbat via the Mazeno ridge and winning the prestigious Piolet d’Or for their achievement. She has turned this experience into a fascinating interactive case study of successful project execution of truly innovative goals.
O’Dowd has been a professional speaker for 28 years and has presented her message to companies in 47 countries on six continents. She is a PSAE Hall of Fame Speaker and a Global Speaking Fellow. O’Dowd lives in Andorra, in the Pyrenees mountains, where she pursues her speaking career and explores the mountains of Europe. In her free time, she does technical rock climbing, ski mountaineering, canyoning, and sea kayaking. In 2024, O’Dowd is focused on ski touring, canyoning, and sea kayaking adventures, with trips to places including Bulgaria, Arctic Norway, and Utah. Through the summer, she travels through Scotland with her sea kayak.
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Speaking fees for Cathy O'Dowd, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Cathy O'Dowd are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Cathy O'Dowd, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Cathy O'Dowd speak about?
Cathy O'Dowd is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Inspirational, Adventure, Personal Growth, Climbing, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Business Leadership, Motivational, Leadership, Extreme Sports, Athlete, Sports, Mountain Climbing, Outdoor Sports & Recreation and Travel.
Where does Cathy O'Dowd travel from?
Cathy O'Dowd generally travels from Andorra and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Cathy O'Dowd?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Cathy O'Dowd for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Cathy O'Dowd for your next private or corporate function.
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Cathy O'Dowd is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Inspirational, Adventure Speakers and Personal Growth. The estimated speaking fee range to book Cathy O'Dowd for live events is $10,000 - $20,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Cathy O'Dowd generally travels from Andorra and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Amelia Rose Earhart, Jim Davidson and Robyn Benincasa. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Cathy O'Dowd for an upcoming event.
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New England Federal Credit Union - Sep 17 2021
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