BC: Julie Lewis

In 1998, Julie Lewis’ life took a devastating turn when her 41-year-old husband, a professional squash player, collapsed and passed away suddenly from a heart aneurysm.

“One moment he was playing a league match, and the next, he was gone,” she says.

The loss left her shattered. She stayed in her job for a year, and then took a sabbatical, working part-time and traveling. In 2002, she marked her 40th birthday by climbing Mount Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia.

“On the summit, I experienced a ‘soul tap’—a moment of clarity,” she says. It was then she realized her calling: to connect with nature, explore the world, and inspire other women to challenge themselves in the outdoors.

In 2003, Julie launched Mountain High, the first adventure travel company for women in the UAE

Over the past 21 years, she has organized more than 70 global expeditions, including 10 to the Arctic and three to Antarctica. “The journey started with the heartache of grief which then led to growth and eventually joy,” she says, adding, “I turned tragedy into a fulfilling career, combining my love for adventure with a strong desire to help others.”

Her path wasn’t easy. “Leaving a stable job to start something new was daunting,” she says. But with the support from mentors, she turned her passion into a viable business. “Success relies on your mind state, perseverance, creativity, and building a strong network. I invested time in learning about personal branding, leveraging my experience as an explorer, and surrounding myself with like-minded individuals.”

Her advice for those considering a career shift is to follow their passion and plan strategically. “Know your ‘why,’ and be willing to embrace uncertainty,” she says.

A lesson she wishes she’d learned earlier is the power of delegation. “I used to think I had to do everything myself, however building a reliable support team is key to growth.”

Julie has stayed true to her purpose: connecting people to nature and personal growth. Today, her expeditions enjoy global recognition; she has published two best-selling books, Moving Mountains and Uncharted Waters; and is a keynote speaker. In fact, a couple of days ago, Julie was presenting at a ‘Meet The Author’ book event in Dubai.

Despite a busy schedule, she makes time for family and personal wellbeing, balancing “physical, mental, social, and emotional aspects”.

From Yorkshire to the Middle East, her journey has taken her across continents and beyond the limits of what she once thought possible. “It all began with a single step,” she says, quoting Lao Tzu, “and there are still many more steps to take.”