In this episode of The extra-Ordinary Leader, I’m joined by the incredible Cathy O'Dowd – the first woman to climb Mount Everest from both the north and south sides. But this conversation isn’t just about physical mountains; it’s about the emotional and professional peaks we all face.

Cathy’s story is one of grit, humility and mindset, and I couldn’t have been more inspired by the way she talks about doing extra-Ordinary things by simply taking the next right step. Whether it’s writing a book, leading a business, or learning to kitesurf at 42 (yes, I really did that), this conversation is a reminder that success is not about fairy dust – it’s about steady, consistent, powerful choices.

We spoke about what happens when life feels like a cul-de-sac, when perfectionism gets in the way of progress, and how sometimes saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities is the very thing that takes you to the next level. Cathy shares how she navigated being parachuted onto the first South African Everest team – as the only woman – and how she’s learned to let go of the “token” label and find confidence through action.

We also dove into the power of physical challenge – why sports like climbing or kitesurfing can be an antidote to rumination, stress, and even imposter syndrome. Cathy had so much wisdom to share about how we lead ourselves and others, how we perform under pressure, and why empathy isn’t a gift – it’s a tool.

This one will stick with me for a long time, and I hope it stays with you too.

Inside this episode:

• What extra-Ordinary leadership really means
• Why we need to let go of perfectionism
• How to reframe tokenism and self-doubt
• The difference between stress responses – and how to manage them
• Why physical adventure can transform your mindset
• How to use empathy as a tool – especially in high-stakes leadership
• The 'STOP' technique Cathy uses in moments of pressure
• The surprising link between coffee, presence, and performance

Mentions & Links:

• Learn more about Cathy: https://www.cathyodowd.com
• Book Cathy to speak: https://www.cathyodowd.com/keynote-speaking/
• My book The extra-Ordinary Leader: https://www.dollywaddell.com/store/p/the-extra-ordinary-leader