#045 Lessons from Everest | Jeannette McGill
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From the deepest mine to the highest mountain in the world.
This is the third episode of the Powerful Women series of On Change, where we celebrate trail-blazing and visionary women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied expectations, and have chosen to lead on their own terms.
In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks with Jeannette McGill, who in 2025 became the oldest South African woman to summit Mt. Everest. Having walked the Three Passes Trek with Jeannette in 2024, Petro had some insight into how Jeannette had been preparing herself physically, mentally, and emotionally for her summit.
Jeannette shares how she went from being a geologist working in the world's deepest mine to standing on the summit of the highest mountain
This conversation touches on building resilience and chasing goals both in the mountaineering and corporate world. Jeannette speaks about committing to goals, consistently putting the work in to achieve them, and then having the courage to follow through on your dreams.
This is the third episode of the Powerful Women series of On Change, where we celebrate trail-blazing and visionary women who have shattered glass ceilings, defied expectations, and have chosen to lead on their own terms.
In this episode, Petro du Pisani speaks with Jeannette McGill, who in 2025 became the oldest South African woman to summit Mt. Everest. Having walked the Three Passes Trek with Jeannette in 2024, Petro had some insight into how Jeannette had been preparing herself physically, mentally, and emotionally for her summit.
Jeannette shares how she went from being a geologist working in the world's deepest mine to standing on the summit of the highest mountain
This conversation touches on building resilience and chasing goals both in the mountaineering and corporate world. Jeannette speaks about committing to goals, consistently putting the work in to achieve them, and then having the courage to follow through on your dreams.
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction to Jeannette McGill
- 01:08 Childhood dreams and early mountain experiences
- 03:39 Career path from Geology to Mining
- 06:51 Gender barriers in mining and international work
- 08:29 The need to prove oneself and academic achievements
- 10:41 The 30-year journey to Everest
- 16:06 The reality of climbing Everest
- 17:42 Being the Oldest South African Woman to summit Everest
- 19:32 Life after summiting Everest
- 22:29 Advice for her younger self and legacy
- 25:36 Witnessing revolution in Nepal and final advice
