FEATURED SEPTEMBER 2009 GUEST: Stephanie Graham

Founder and Director of the Mt. Everest Mind Camp

If your actions inspire others to dream more,

learn more, do more and become more,

you are a leader.

- John Quincy Adams

©Stephanie Graham

This month Stephanie Graham, founder and director of the Mt. Everest Mind Camp takes a much needed break from her busy schedule to answer a few questions from our readers.

Q: What gave you the idea for the Mt. Everest Mind Camp?

A: In the beginning the site was to be primarily focused on Nepal and a philanthropic project I had become involved with after my first trip to Mt. Everest in 2006. I wanted to combine my photography and my journey in the Himalayas with an upcoming fundraising event I was hosting for the Magic Yeti Children's Library Project.

I had already registered the domain name, Mt. Everest Mind Camp, and had a pretty good idea of the elements I wanted within the content of the site. However it was not until I went through a comprehensive consultation with Kellie Day of Dayzign Graphics, that a much bigger vision came into play. Her questions and professional guidance made all the difference in the world.

She really showed me how to weave together my fascination with self development, my passion for adventure in the mountains, and my desire to help others achieve their goals to create a site that would reflect the personal elements from my own life experience.

One year after the site launched, I relied on Kellie once again last May to take the site to the next level with upgraded design features and a more streamlined foundation to meet a growing audience.

Q: How did you come up with the name of your site?

A: My oldest sister and I were throwing around names and none of them were feeling "right". One day I was on the Stepmill (A.K.A. Machine from Hell). I was stepping and sweating away thinking about my vision for the site and out of the blue it popped into my head. I knew immediately it was the right name. I felt super excited, stopped the machine and grabbed a pen to write it down.

I have learned "feeling something is right", is much better than choosing something that sounds right based on the opinion of other people.

I will certainly admit (the) Mt. Everest Mind Camp is a mouthful and I do get some raised eyebrows when I say the name. But thankfully most people respond with "that sounds really interesting. What is that?" When I explain the vision, they love it and become regular visitors and supporters.

Q: In your bio, it says you have traveled all over the world. Where have you been and where would you still like to go?

A: This is always a fun question to answer. So far I have visited 25 countries, many of them multiple times and for extended periods. It won't be in alphabetical order, but here is my list so far.

Australia, Austria, Canada, Belgium, Columbia, Denmark, China, New Zealand (north island), Japan, Nepal, Taiwan, Italy, Hungary, Germany, France, England, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, Thailand, South Africa, Mexico.

As for the second part of your question. I have plans to visit Iceland, Chile, and Greece. There are other places I am interested in, however these three are the top hot spots on my list for now.

I only have four states to go, before crossing all 50 US States off the list. Alaska, Rhode Island, Maine and Louisiana.

©Stephanie Graham, Nepal 2006 (Cholatse in the background)

Q:  How do you choose the people you have as guests?

A: I choose people based on how I feel their contribution will enhance the lives of my readers. I am interested in covering three categories. Philanthropy, Self Development, and Mountaineering/Adventure. The guest must have significant life experience and a professional background in at least one of these categories.

Some guests are people I know and have either personal or professional experience with, like Jack Canfield, Peter Athans, Dr. Shanna Teel, and Jim Bunch. Other guests, I may have met them at an event, heard them give a talk or read their book if they are an author.

Guests are also suggested to me through people who visit the site. It's great when someone sends me a name or a link to someone who might make for a good interview. It fun for me to do the research and learn about other people and their projects.

It is also crucial for me that I respect and admire the person I am interviewing. If they have a questionable reputation or their ego is out of control, I don't even consider them as a guest.

I have learned personally the hard way, that just because someone has accomplished something noteworthy in the public eye, it does not necessarily mean they are a decent human being on the inside.

I also do my best to alternate between men and women. My interview this month is the first time I have deviated from this pattern.

Q: Do you have a favorite guest?

A: Each guest is so unique and special it would be hard to choose.

I will say however that Jack Canfield has made the most lasting and profound impact on my life. He is a true master of transformational development. Of course you can read books and attend seminars and never really change your life if you don't take action. And Jack makes it easy to choose a better way of life and keep choosing it!

I HIGHLY recommend his book The Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be.

Q: What keeps you motivated and energized?

A: One word: HOPE

I have a lot of hope for the next experience headed my way. Who I might meet, what opportunity might present itself through a phone call, event, or even just reading a magazine article. Even through the toughest times in life, I have been blessed with a deep curiosity and a faith that something exciting, fun or interesting will eventually come around.

I admit in my own development I have not always been grateful for that built in attitude. It keeps you going when sometimes you would rather just check out and pull the covers over your head! But it's there for that very reason and I am glad it gets me out of bed!

I also have 8 cats. Yes EIGHT. They make me laugh every day no matter what is going on. I marvel at their flexibility, playfulness and love for one another. They are teaching me a great deal about healthy relationships!

Q: What are some goals you are currently focused on for yourself?

A: I have a list of 100 life goals, that I review each year. So I always have plenty to work with, but here is a current list I am actively working on.

• Becoming proficient in solo ocean sailing.
• Climb Mt. Rainier (planned for summer 2010)
• Design and build my own straw bale sustainable "off the grid" home.
• Earn my motorcycle license and purchase my own Harley Davidson
• Complete the P90X program and meet Tony Horton
• Retiring in Colorado while continuing to enjoy some of my favorite places like Australia, Nepal and Europe.

Q: Do you actually read the books you recommend and what are you currently reading?

A: Yes! I definitely read a book before I recommend it.

There are two books that I refer to on a daily basis. So much so the covers are starting to come off. The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill and Deep Survival by Lawrence Gonzales. Especially Deep Survival. The poor thing has dribbles of hot chocolate dotting the pages and smudgy fingerprints that were covered with goat cheese and juice from pickles while trying eat and read in bed at the same time. I really love this book!

Then there are two that I am reading for pure pleasure and disengagement from my day. The Outlander by Gil Adamson and Horses Like Lightning by Sienna Craig. Both authors write so beautifully, they make you happy you can read!

Q: When will you go back to Nepal?

A: I am headed back to Nepal in October 2010. This time my oldest sister is joining me! I am so thrilled she is going and looking forward to sharing the journey to Everest Base Camp with her. We will go with an organized group guided by Backwoods Adventures, the same company I first traveled to Nepal with in 2006. This will be my third trip to Nepal. I can't wait!

©Stephanie Graham (in the green jacket) Everest Base Camp 2006

I want to thank everyone for your questions! I know there were more than I addressed here today, so keep your eyes peeled. I promise I will get to all of them as the months unfold!

In the meantime stay motivated and keep working towards what you desire!

Cheers!

Stephanie

©Stephanie Graham