Lisa Thompson is a mountaineer, cancer survivor, and sought-after speaker and coach. Growing up in the flat, humid farmlands of Illinois, she relied on adventure as a distraction, always knowing that she’d someday leave her hometown for something bigger. She soon became the first person in her extended family to graduate from college. She worked for twenty-five years as an engineer and in leadership roles at technology companies. Since she began climbing in 2008, Lisa has summited some of the most challenging mountains in the world, including Everest. She has completed the Seven Summits, reaching the top of the highest peak of each of the seven continents. Through her company, Alpine Athletics, and other platforms, Lisa shares her message of strength and resilience with corporate and private groups worldwide. She lives in Seattle with her golden retriever, Chevy, who loves the mountains almost as much as she does. You can learn more about Lisa at www.lisaclimbs.com.
Beautifully written, Lisa Thompson's Finding Elevation takes us through her story arc that anyone climbing a physical or proverbial mountain can relate to. From frustration to despondency, leading to hope, exploration, and self-discovery, Lisa inspires us not to give in to our doubts. With every step, deep breath, and occasional fall, she motivates us with the tools to push past our limits and find the courage to decide who we want to be despite the challenges and obstacles so prevalent in our lives. -Chuck Garcia, CEO of Climb Leadership International, adjunct professor at Columbia University, and amateur mountaineer An honest and gripping look at the world of high-altitude mountaineering by one of America's finest alpinists. -Johanna Garton, author of Edge of the Map Thompson gives readers an intimate view into the world of high-altitude mountaineering. She writes honestly about struggling to balance fear while exploring her own limits. -Garrett Madison, world's premier Everest guide and expedition leader Lisa's brutal honesty makes this much more than just another climbing book. It is an absorbing autobiography peppered with interesting and sometimes frustrating characters. It is the story of a young woman facing and overcoming glass ceilings both externally and internally. It is the story of a rare determination and focus. Not only an absorbing read but also inspirational. -Victor Saunders, author, mountain guide, and past president of The Alpine Club