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Coaching for Life’s Mountains

SMALL 181125 Alex Staniforth Podda and Wren-43

I help introverts and young professionals build the confidence and resilience to navigate challenges and reach the next level.

From surviving two disasters on Mount Everest, breaking endurance records, becoming an international motivational speaker (despite a lifelong stammer), to founding a leading UK wellbeing charity in my twenties – I know what it takes to overcome challenges, get my voice heard and achieve the seemingly impossible.

All of us have the potential to achieve our own definition of success – whether in work, adventure, charity, or elsewhere. But setbacks, fear, confidence or unhelpful mindsets often hold us back.

As a Resilience and Performance Coach, I help aspiring leaders, athletes and introverts build the resilience, mindset and confidence to get their voice heard and achieve more than they believed was possible.

Performance coaching should not be reserved for elite athletes or top executives. Drawing from my own experience, successes and failures; I can become the accountability partner you need to take the first step forward – and keep going. Why settle for Base Camp?

Who's in your corner?

At 30 years old I’m not your typical coach. But I believe that growth has no expiry date. It’s not how old we are; but how alive we are!

Maybe you’re as uncomfortable as me when it comes to singing your own praises… But a near-death experience on Mount Everest at just 19 years old gave me a truly unique perspective on life, which has driven my purpose to push my limits and help others do the same.

I’m the first and only person to climb all 446 mountains within England & Wales by human power: running and cycling over 3,000km in just 45 days. I’ve been on five expeditions in the Himalayas, published two books (Icefall and Another Peak) and founded an award-winning mental health charity, Mind Over Mountains. Despite being a lifelong introvert with a stammer, I’m also an international keynote speaker working with global brands including Samsung, Kelloggs, Heineken, Rolls-Royce and the NHS. I’ve raised over £150,000 for charity, and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Chester for services to young people’s mental health.

But my biggest challenges have been much closer to home: having battled anxiety, bullying, epilepsy, a stammer and depression since childhood. I know how it feels to be a failure, overwhelmed, or like an imposter.

However big or small your challenge feels right now: I look forward to helping you reach the next peak.

❌ Coaching is not about advice or quick fixes. It’s about questions and holding the space to increase awareness, clarity and challenge the beliefs or behaviours that might be sabotaging you. This requires inner work from you: with the support of a coach alongside.

Mentoring is about guiding and sharing personal experience. A mentor has been there and done it.

As an ICF-trained coach and mentor, I often work with: 

✅ aspiring leaders and changemakers

✅ introverts who struggle to get their voice heard

✅ young professionals finding their way

✅ adventurers and athletes with huge ambitions

We can work together towards a specific goal or ongoing challenge; or maybe you don’t know where to start, but simply know that something needs to change. Our initial chat can determine the best approach for you.

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH ALEX

Client feedback

“With careful and active listening, Alex constructively challenged me on my thinking and deeply held views I’ve carried for a long time, in a kind and patient way. Having focused time to reflect and move forward on my mindset to try to be more kind to myself (my goal) in doing what I have capacity for, while negotiating competing priorities left me feeling more in control, more at peace and with some steps to take to make small and focused improvements for myself. I’m so grateful for those hours to help me build a sustainable foundation for not only surviving but thriving as much as possible too”

Fiona

“Since working with Alex, he has provided exceptional guidance and encouragement. What began as an initial block of sessions has since evolved into nearly twelve months of consistent coaching, during which he has supported me through the professional challenges I anticipated—and many I hadn’t expected. His thoughtful, honest approach and steady positivity have made a significant difference.”

Andrew

“Alex has helped me think through my mindset around my big adventures, including the Winter Spine. His coaching style is very focused on the individual and what they need rather than taking a one size fits all approach. He got real insights that helped my resilience in the face of successes and failures and I would absolutely recommend him for those challenging their limits and wanting to be thoughtful about that.”

Alice

“I started working with Alex earlier this year, and his coaching has been incredibly impactful. His coaching style is really intuitive, I feel like he always knows how to meet me where I am. Because of that, I’ve already achieved so much more than I expected in this time. The fact that he is also a really nice guy with a wealth of experience in the very fields I’m pursuing (mountaineering and long-distance running), is a great bonus. Alex can always relate to my pain points, from injuries to loss of motivation to life getting in the way – which makes me feel that whatever stage I’m at is valid and normal.”

Sandra Kaulfuss

What's holding you back?

MINDSET

Have a dream goal but life keeps getting in the way? Lacking the confidence to step up, or is the imposter voice in charge?

Maybe you don’t need motivation: perhaps you need accountability and a different way of thinking. We don’t set SMART goals, we set courageous goals – and together we can build a plan to get you there.

RESILIENCE

Being tested by the times? Navigating a major life milestone, change or challenge?

Being challenged in life is inevitable. Resilience isn’t about pushing through alone. We can build the mindset and tools you need to adapt, overcome and even thrive in the face of adversity.

WELLBEING

Feeling burnt out, anxious or stressed? Want to feel happier, energized and back in control?

It’s easy for leaders to blur the boundaries, where everything becomes a priority. But high performance isn’t sustainable without looking after our wellbeing first. Together we can explore the habits and behaviours to restore balance and prevent burnout.

Something else? I coach the person, not the problem – and I’d love to help you.

What do you need?

The Base Camp

Begin to recognise your barriers and priorities with greater clarity and awareness.

This is an intensive session: ideal if you’re new to coaching, facing an immediate challenge or feeling stuck.

A 90 minute session with follow-up sessions at a discounted rate.

The Summit Journey

A deeper dive into goals, challenges or transitions you’re navigating.

This process allows us to create real momentum, explore bigger issues and embed lasting change.

4, 6 or 8 sessions (60 mins) dependent on your goal.

The Long Game

Accelerate your progress and create accountability towards long-term goals, visions and change.

WhatsApp support between sessions: I’ll be in your corner throughout.

2 x 60-minute sessions per month (for min. 4 months)

 

My coaching is delivered 1:1 online, in person or outdoors in the Lake District National Park, within 40 minutes of Kendal.

Typically, coaching is a journey and it requires commitment to see lasting results (much like going to the gym!) but I offer a number of packages to suit you and your needs.

Not sure where to start? Like running shoes, coaching works best with the right fit!

I offer a free chemistry call for a relaxed, no-obligation conversation to explore your goals, what you’d like to get from coaching — and check we’re the right match to work together.

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH ALEX

What challenges are you facing?

Alex would love to help you take that first step.

Contact Alex
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