Jeannette McGill: Everest at 52, Leadership at Altitude & The Truth Above 8,000m

Jeannette McGill is a seasoned mountaineer and executive leader who, at 52, became the oldest South African woman to summit Everest in May 2025. With more than 30 years of global climbing experience—including leading expeditions across four continents—she knows deeply that the summit is never just about standing on top. 

Jeannette's journey is a testament to patience, resilience, and the quiet power of backing yourself, no matter how many setbacks you face. Beyond her personal achievements, she is passionate about demystifying the modern-day myths of Everest and advocates instead for the very real challenges mountain terrains face through climate change globally. Having been there herself, she brings an informed, honest perspective on what is truly happening above 8,000m. 

Today, Jeannette combines her love for high-altitude adventure with leadership on Boards and helping others explore their own limits. She also supports future generations through leading snow camps in the Victorian Alps and mountaineering scholarships, believing that mountains are powerful teachers of courage and humility. Her story is not just about conquering peaks but about becoming the kind of person who dares to try.

We first spoke with Jeannette on 7th January 2021 - Jeannette McGill - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world

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Show notes

• Who is Jeanette
• Corporate executive, board director and most importantly a mountaineer
• South African by origin, located in Melbourne and spending up to 5 months in Nepal
• TGP Episode - January 7th 2021 - - 1st South African woman to summit Manaslu, the 8th highest mountain in the world
• Her Mt. Everest dream 
• A one day - someday project…
• How climbing Mt. Everest came to the forefront of her mind
• To be a real mountaineer you needed to tick Mt. Everest off the list
• Deciding to go in a different direction in 1995 
• The pivotal moment - university and having a career or entering the climbing competition 
• Pursuing her career 
• Was Mt. Everest a realistic goal?
• Growing into the project
• Adding Mt. Everest to the bucket list after covid
• Going through a back surgery and perimenopause and deciding that 2023 would be her Mt. Everest year<