What does it really mean to suffer with purpose? In this episode of On Adventure, I sit down with conservationist and ultra-endurance athlete Tom Hicks – a man whose journey is as layered as the landscapes he climbs. From leading anti-poaching efforts across Africa and Asia with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation to tackling brutal challenges like Ironman races and high-altitude expeditions, Tom’s life is defined by intentional hardship, deep introspection, and relentless forward motion.

We dive into the heart of resilience, why discomfort can be transformative, and how a former rugby coach found meaning in the mountains. Tom also shares his connection with previous On Adventure guest Holly Budge and his plans to lead a new team to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Whether you're an aspiring adventurer, a mindset junkie, or someone wrestling with self-doubt, this episode delivers a powerful reminder: growth is never linear, and purpose is often found in the pain.

Episode Highlights:

[3:00 ] – Fighting global wildlife crime: Tom’s work with the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation
[8:00 ] – The brutal truth about poaching, organized crime, and the risks of field conservation
[12:00 ] – From being told he’d never succeed to becoming a conservation leader
[18:00 ] – Mentoring the next generation: the importance of presence and vulnerability
[24:00 ] – The “circuit breaker” mindset tool to quiet negative inner voices
[29:00 ] – What drives us to endure suffering in pursuit of meaning
[38:00 ] – A life-or-death lesson on Lenin Peak – and why good decision-making matters
[45:00 ] – Remembering Dixie Dansercoer and how it reshaped Tom’s risk tolerance
[54:00 ] – Emotional regulation in chaos: the power of calm leadership
[59:00 ] – Balancing ambition, burnout, and building a team for Kilimanjaro

Links & Resources:

• David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation

• Learn more about snow leopard conservation

• Holly Budge’s Episode 52

• Osprey Packs

• In memory of polar explorer Dixie Dansercoer

Connect with Tom:
Have questions about conservation, endurance training, or joining the upcoming Kilimanjaro team? Reach out to Tom directly on LinkedIn or Instagram – he’s always happy to connect with fellow adventurers and curious minds.

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