I had no doubts I could go to the pole. I may not be as strong, but I make up for physical strength in other areas, like steadiness and not panicking under stress.

A life lesson for me is, how do you muster the courage to take on a new risk? Whether it's starting up a business or taking on a new project or expedition. I think the risks that we take are all relative to the risk-taker.

It's really important that, as women, we tell our stories. That is what helps seed our imaginations.

Girls should go on thinking that there is a world out there and that it is theirs for the taking.

Getting through high school and college was one of my greatest achievements.

Skydiving is something I've never done! And I am very excited to take the leap with a community of like-minded courageous women.

The aim of Zen training is to attain the state of consciousness which occurs when the individual ego is emptied of itself and becomes identified with the infinite reality of all things.