Episode 51 - Jesse and Molly Dufton - Stars of the BBC documentary 'CLIMBING BLIND'

I was super excited when Jesse and Molly agreed to be the first couple on the podcast, this conversation really shows my passion to diversify the conversation about leadership and the opportunities to transfer learning from different situations and stories. Jesse and Molly recently appeared in a documentary called ‘Climbing Blind’ which was aired on the BBC (check it out on iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000jb7t/climbing-blind). A tenacious and resilient couple pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of rock climbing. A fascinating story of dedication, trust and shear determination to achieve the seemingly impossible. Jesse epitomises achievement and bravery in the face of adversity. Born severely sight impaired and now blind he was advised as a child he may never be able to read or write. However, through his attitude, determination and ingenuity he has become an elite rock climber. Best known as the first blind person to lead climb the Old Man of Hoy, which is the focus of Alastair Lee’s multi award winning documentary ‘Climbing Blind’, for conquering previously unclimbed peaks in Arctic Greenland and as a world class competition climber. He has also excelled in the academic and corporate spheres. He holds a doctorate in Materials Chemistry, is passionate about the environment and clean energy and holds a senior role in a global hydrogen fuel cell company enabling decarbonisation throughout society. Molly is the other half of this powerful climbing duo. She is a strong, experienced climber herself who takes on the extra responsibility of acting as Jesse's sight-guide and surrogate eyes. Unphased by the extreme nature and obvious danger of some of the locations the couple climb in, Molly is an un-flappable voice in Jesse's ear as he climbs, delivering crucial guidance interspersed with brutally deadpan humour. Molly’s engineering background shows itself in her innate problem-solving ability and creative thinking required to guide, coupled with the logistical prowess of a project manager she is a key force in the couples many adventures. Named 2017 Explorer of the Year by the Scientific Exploration Society Molly often seeks to avoid the limelight, preferring not to draw attention to her  cool adroit capability. Details of Jesse’s public speaking can be found on his website (https://jessedufton.com/) and on his profile with The Speakers Agency (https://thespeakersagency.com/speaker/jesse-dufton/). You can also keep up with his adventures on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JesseDuftonGBParaclimber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessedufton/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JesseDufton Linked In: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/jesse-dufton-b6045060 Basic format – 20 minutes to help you on your leadership journey PLEASE ENJOY Make sure you follow/subscribe to my social media platforms -   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/STARDevelopmentuk/  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-waddington-1882b4aa/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stuart_waddington/?hl=en  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LeadershipWhatsonyourmind  Spotify - #Leadership – What’s on your mind?  See you next week…..