High Aspirations
High Aspirations is a presentation based on Katja Staartjes’ climb of Mount Everest. Katja climbed Everest – at 8,848 m the highest mountain in the world – as a participant in a large international expedition in 1999. She was the first Dutch woman to set foot on the highest peak in the world.
“Everyone is familiar with all the famous names: the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Everest and K2. So I still get requests to talk about my climb to the top of Everest. It’s a wonderful story – after all, it is unique and a very attractive spot...
But frankly, my later climbs and expeditions are actually more inspiring. I see them as greater achievements, considering the difficulty of the climbs and the technical aspects. And they were also projects where I was the one to take the initiative, and was also the expedition leader,” says Katja.
You gain self-confidence through experience. In this sense, the organized climbs of Cho Oyu in 1998 and Mount Everest in 1999 were of priceless value for Katja Staartjes. Her account of the Everest expedition is described in her book High Stakes (available in Dutch only, under the title Hoog spel); an impressive personal report which has been published in six reprints.
Duration
The presentations given by Katja Staartjes usually last between 45 minutes and two hours. Longer sessions, incorporating more interaction with the participants, are also possible. Another option is to add additional meetings in which specific selected issues are the central focus, and Katja functions as the process leader in discussions. If desired, Katja can also offer tailor-made sessions together with other experienced management trainers with whom she works regularly.
Objectives
“My goal is to present an inspiring story that stimulates reflection and gets things moving. I want to have an impact on my audience. Frequently, my clients want to achieve something more than simply stimulating their employees, and there is a clear objective. For example, the presentation is embedded in a team meeting day, and is intended to stimulate deeper discussion about cooperation. In a case like this, I integrate questions that have been agreed with the client beforehand, so that an interactive discussion develops. It often works well to have people work in dyads or small groups. At the end of the discussion I tnen summarise the results, and continue with the presentation. I can work specific standpoints into the presentation, to make it easier to generate discussion. I look for quality in my life, and that includes my presentations. My ultimate aim is to have high customer satisfaction with every presentation.” Katja Staartjes.
What Katja Staartjes says about ...
Risk:
“You won’t reach the top without running into risks.”
“Many organizations avoid taking risks out of fear – but of what?”
“The art lies in taking calculated risks.”
Cooperation:
“The bottom line is cooperation: joint goals, and team members who are considerate to each other.”
“Don’t wait to have a party when you reach your final goal, remember to celebrate the milestones along the way.”
Inspiration:
“You have to put all you’ve got into a peak performance, but the key lies in being inspired.”
“Really wanting to achieve something is completely different from being contented for achievements to happen.”
Personal growth:
“It’s all about development and growth.”
“Development becomes possible when you’re open to innovation, and learn from every experience.”
For more information: see Portrait.
Practical matters
The impact of Katja’s presentations is highly dependent on the photographic material. It is therefore extremely important that they can be shown on a large projection screen; at least 3 metres wide. A screen of this format can be provided, if required. Rooms with a high ceiling are best, so that the screen can be high enough to allow everyone in the audience to see it clearly. The effect is also enhanced in rooms with good lighting, but direct sunlight is a major problem. It should be possible to darken the room to some extent.
Book Peak Performance
Katja Staartje’s second book was created as a result of her presentations. It is a practical reference book, with concise treatments of 60 different themes related to making dreams come true, meeting challenges, and delivering peak performances. Each theme is illustrated with a photograph, taken in the mountains where Katja continues to find her inspiration. The book, which is often ordered by clients as a gift for customers and business partners, costs € 19.95 (English translation, the original Dutch book Top-inspiratie costs € 17.50).
Interested?
Would you like to organize one of Katja’s inspiring presentations in your organization? Get in touch with Katja Staartjes Management Inspiration, by calling directly on: +31 570 550 343
or send an e-mail at: 
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