When Chicke first encountered Joan O’Sullivan Wright, it was because she had read her statement about how climbing Kilimanjaro can change your life and was fascinated to learn more about her experience.  A decade ago, Chicke had a mentor and business partner that had climbed both Kilimanjaro and Everest.  She was the inspiration for Catherine’s climb in the Game Changer.

From Joan’s fictional mentoring in the story, Catherine learned the value of allies, and expert guidance, in the pursuit of significance in her own life.  She also learned to appreciate the brilliant guidance provided by the leaders in her life, and how to tap the support that “climbers” provide to each other.

The story of Catherine, a frustrated mother who has clawed her way to Vice President despite long odds and heavy cynicism, is transformed by mentoring from Joan O. Wright.  Joan inspires Catherine to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro.  That summit represents much more than a physical challenge.  It propels Catherine to where she wants to go professionally and personally.