
41. All 7 Summits and North and South Poles - Lei Wang
12/15/24 • 49 min
Lei Wang is a distinguished mountaineer, polar explorer, and a symbol of resilience and determination. She holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Chinese woman and the first Asian American to complete the Explorers Grand Slam—an extraordinary feat that includes climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent, and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
In this episode, Lei Wang, is an extraordinary adventurer, speaker, and the first Asian and Asian-American woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam. Lei shares her incredible journey of climbing the tallest peaks on every continent, skiing to the North and South Poles, and the life lessons she learned along the way.
Discover the power of facing fears, learning from failure, and finding meaning beyond the summit. Lei opens up about her mental and physical challenges, the dangers of "summit fever," and how mentors and gratitude played a pivotal role in her success. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next adventure or navigating your own challenges, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow.
Listen now and be inspired by Lei's resilience, wisdom, and passion for personal growth.
Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Who is Lei Wang?
03:00 - Challenges of Preparation and Mental Strength
05:50 - Facing Fears and Personal Growth
10:04 - Learning to Fail
14:00 - Understanding the dangers of summit fever and how to overcome it
16:05 - The Summit Is Only Halfway
17:54 - Connecting Goals with Purpose
21:05 - Finding Long-Term Meaning
25:43 - Lessons from Mountaineering
28:42 - Making Peace with Boredom
34:59 - The Importance of Mentors
37:15 - Mentorship and Coaching
39:38 - Being Lost on Shishapangma
44:35 - Gratitude for Challenges
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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com
Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
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Lei Wang is a distinguished mountaineer, polar explorer, and a symbol of resilience and determination. She holds the remarkable distinction of being the first Chinese woman and the first Asian American to complete the Explorers Grand Slam—an extraordinary feat that includes climbing the Seven Summits, the highest peak on each continent, and skiing to both the North and South Poles.
In this episode, Lei Wang, is an extraordinary adventurer, speaker, and the first Asian and Asian-American woman to complete the Explorer's Grand Slam. Lei shares her incredible journey of climbing the tallest peaks on every continent, skiing to the North and South Poles, and the life lessons she learned along the way.
Discover the power of facing fears, learning from failure, and finding meaning beyond the summit. Lei opens up about her mental and physical challenges, the dangers of "summit fever," and how mentors and gratitude played a pivotal role in her success. Whether you're seeking inspiration for your next adventure or navigating your own challenges, this conversation is packed with insights to help you grow.
Listen now and be inspired by Lei's resilience, wisdom, and passion for personal growth.
Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
01:00 - Who is Lei Wang?
03:00 - Challenges of Preparation and Mental Strength
05:50 - Facing Fears and Personal Growth
10:04 - Learning to Fail
14:00 - Understanding the dangers of summit fever and how to overcome it
16:05 - The Summit Is Only Halfway
17:54 - Connecting Goals with Purpose
21:05 - Finding Long-Term Meaning
25:43 - Lessons from Mountaineering
28:42 - Making Peace with Boredom
34:59 - The Importance of Mentors
37:15 - Mentorship and Coaching
39:38 - Being Lost on Shishapangma
44:35 - Gratitude for Challenges
Follow Sparks of Gratitude:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com
Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
[email protected]
Previous Episode

40. Catching Whimsy: 365 Days of Possibility - Bob Goff
Don’t miss this uplifting conversation and insights from Bob Goff’s new book, "Catching Whimsy".
Bob Goff is the author of several New York Times bestsellers, including Undistracted, Love Does, Everybody Always, and Dream Big. He is the founder of Love Does, a nonprofit human rights organization making a global impact in countries such as India, Uganda, Nepal, Somalia, Afghanistan, the USA, Congo, and the Dominican Republic. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, Bob is a fan of balloons, and cake pops, and encourages others to chase their big dreams.
In this heartwarming episode of Sparks of Gratitude Podcast, we welcome again the bestselling author and speaker Bob Goff. Together, we explore the power of whimsy, gratitude, and living intentionally. Bob shares inspiring stories, including the creation of a Ugandan university with a giraffe sanctuary, and offers practical tips to rediscover joy and purpose in daily life.
Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
02:27 - Mention of his new book Catching Whimsy, launching December 2024
07:53: Bob explains strategy on whimsy and the importance of remembering simplicity
8:56: Reclaiming a childlike sense of faith and joy.
12:36 - The concept of air-gapping negativity
15:21 - Tips on surrounding yourself with safe and uplifting people
19:07 - Gratitude as a strategy for navigating tough situations
22:25 - Integrating whimsy and intentionality into big projects.
26:37 - Get Catching Whimsy for daily inspiration
29:00 - Encouraging listeners to take seven minutes to start something whimsical.
Follow Sparks of Gratitude:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com
Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
[email protected]
Next Episode

42. Gamification expert on what’s Better than Habits to reach goals - Caitlin Johnson
Caitlin Johnson is a Master Certified Performance Coach with 15 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She specializes in leadership development, change management, and gamification design and has coached over 72,000 global leaders. Recognized as a top performer at a Fortune 200 company, Caitlin lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her husband, two daughters, and their standard poodle.
In this episode, Caitlin shares how to use game design strategies to set and achieve meaningful goals, conquer imposter syndrome, and create lasting habits through the power of streaks. Learn how to break down your "epic mission" into actionable 90-day quests and discover how gamification can transform your personal and professional life. Whether you're tackling New Year’s resolutions or seeking fresh inspiration, this episode is packed with tools to help you stay motivated and grow with purpose.
🎧 Listen now and start your journey to a more intentional and fulfilling life!
Chapter:
00:00 - Introduction
02:10 - Caitlin’s Journey
06:45 - The Power of Gamification
10:06 - Gamifying Goal Setting
12:09 - Breaking Goals Into 90-Day Quests
12:48 - Laugh Once a Day
16:43 - The Importance of Streaks
18:00 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
22:40 - Finding Purpose with Ikigai
25:48 - Bold Bird Consulting
33:27 - Adopting a Gamer’s Mindset
36:08 - Personality Types in Gamification
42:05 - Caitlin’s Upcoming Book
Follow Sparks of Gratitude:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sparksofgratitude/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sparksofgratitude
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sparksofgratitude
Website: https://www.sparksofgratitude.com
Do you know someone who we should have on the show? Email us:
[email protected]
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