No one embraces the spirit of adventure quite like Julie Lewis! Jules is the founder and director of Mountain High, a company that organises global expeditions, retreats and coaching services. She is a five-time arctic explorer, mountain climber and seasoned adventurer, and is deeply passionate about empowering women to take charge of their health and transform their lives. Tempo caught up with her in between her many expeditions…
How do you define the Jules ‘Brand’?
The Jules / Mountain High brand is all about leading with courage and confidence in whatever you do (personally or professionally). It is based on what I call “MAD LOVE: Making a Difference through Lots of Valuable Experiences and on living life by the Mountain High Power of Three philosophy – that is to do something every day that involves: Freeing Your Mind, Energizing Your Body, and Nurturing Your Spirit of Adventure. In a nutshell, it’s about being the highest and healthiest version of your true self!
What are the influences that have shaped your life?
There are so many….I start with my parents and a very supportive family (two sisters and a brother) and many diverse friends. I am lucky to have been able to play out in the fields where we lived as a child and throughout my life and to spend quality time in nature -I am a great believer that much of today’s stress in life is caused as a result of our separation from nature.
Going to boarding school at the tender age of eleven has made me become independent at a very early age. I studied sports science at university and was always fascinated by the capabilities of the human body and the powers of the mind. Leaving the UK to work in the Middle East when I was 27 gave me the opportunity to work with and get to know a very diverse group of people and to learn so much from them. And then, of course falling in love with Calin, my husband – a man who wants to climb mountains with me!
Any profound experiences that changed your perspective?
Experiencing the death of a loved one, and using that sadness to honour a life well lived and being grateful for the gift of life itself. I was also intimately touched by holding my brother’s baby daughter in my arms just after she was born – what joy !
What do you see as your true calling?
I was born on World Health Day ( 7th April ) so you can say it’s my Dharma/ mission to share the message of the importance of health and well being, and to make everyone I meet feel like a million dollars ! I believe my calling is to impact peoples’ lives by what I say and do – inspiring them to take charge of their health , to be happy, to do the things they think they cannot do… and to have fun in the process ! I see myself as a catalyst in people’s lives for positive change.
How can a person can achieve balance and purpose in life?
Where do I begin? Life the Mountain High philosophy. Apart from that, drink lots of water, laugh and smile more, be kind to every living thing, be true to yourself, follow your passion and dreams. Balance time between work, family, friends, home life, and personal quiet time alone – to just “be” with no distractions. Never stop learning! Feel the fear and do it anyway. Be curious – ask lots of questions! Make a difference to the lives of others by what you say and do.
Stand for something and live by your values. Talk long walks alone and take them often. Go to the mountains, swim in the ocean, and sit round a fire and tell stories.
Spend time with kids as they have a lot to teach us.
What do you see the future holding for you?
I see lots of mountains to climb. In fact Calin and I have signed up to do the Seven Summits over the next three years, and we start with Mt Elbrus in Russia this July. I’m also running a trek in Bhutan this October!
I will continuing to lead teams around the globe as part of their personal development programme – especially teams of women – the world needs more female explorers!
I hope to run adventure/ wellness retreats in Sri Lanka, Nepal and Ethiopia, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to take time out, refresh, recharge, learn, grow and go back home as an even better version of themselves !
I’m planning to write books and photographic journals – as we have so many amazing pictures and stories to share from around the globe – it’s Mountain High’s 10th Anniversary this year so there’s lots to celebrate !
I’m working on becoming a world class speaker whose words change lives and inspire people to get into action.
I’m looking forward to having a gorgeous cabin in the mountains with Calin, along with huskies, horses, and lots of friends and family members around us – with TEMPO always welcome!
Find out more about Julie Lewis and Mountain High: www.mountainhighme.com
By Ajir Shujahi
