Adrian Hayes shares his motivations, challenges, and unique approach as he prepares for a second attempt at Mount Kanchenjunga.
Adrian Hayes is no stranger to challenging expeditions. In Spring 2025, he will embark on his second attempt to conquer Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak. Known for its technical difficulty and harsh conditions, this formidable mountain requires more than just physical strength, it demands meticulous preparation, mental resilience, and a passion for adventure. In this interview, Hayes discusses what drives him to try again, his thoughts on modern mountaineering, and how his experiences translate into leadership programs. His approach is one of authenticity, where personal growth and the pursuit of excellence outweigh fleeting fame.
Saudi Projects: Adrian, you’re gearing up for your second attempt to summit the world’s highest mountain, Mount Kanchenjunga, in Spring 2025. What drives you to tackle this formidable peak again, especially after the challenges you faced in 2024 and especially as already having summited Everest and K2?
Adrian Hayes: There are two main reasons. First, Kanchenjunga holds a special place in my heart. It’s located on the eastern border of Nepal with Sikkim, India; eastern Neoal being the recruitment area for my former Gurkha regiment. I first saw this mountain decades ago as a Gurkha officer, and it’s always been on my list to climb. The mountain represents a deep personal connection, almost like coming full circle with my past. The second reason is more personal, it’s about pursuing a goal for myself. This attempt isn’t about social media, fame, or recognition, it’s about my journey towards excellence and growth.
Saudi Projects: Unlike Mount Everest and K2, Kanchenjunga is less known but equally challenging. How are you and your team preparing for its unique obstacles?
Adrian Hayes: The short answer is better preparation. Kanchenjunga is extremely remote. There’s no phone or WiFi signal, no easy helicopter access, it’s a raw, isolated climb. Last time, we faced issues due to missteps in timing and resources. This year, I’ve worked closely with the teams involved, stressing the need for improved organization. From getting the right ropes in place to refining logistics, we are aiming for a smoother climb. Personally, I’ll be better prepared, knowing how vast and unforgiving the mountain can be. It’s not a quick ascent but rather a long, gruelling process that demands resilience.
Saudi Projects: If successful, this summit would place you among a rare group who have conquered the three highest peaks in the world. What does this accomplishment mean to you, personally and professionally?
Adrian Hayes: Honestly, not much. The pursuit of records has become almost meaningless; there are no major ‘firsts’ left, only convenient ones. These days, the drive to claim some sort of record, whether it’s being the fastest, longest, most, hardest, youngest, or spurious ‘firsts’ detracts from the authenticity of the climb. For me, it’s not about records or fleeting fame. It’s about pursuing excellence, setting personal goals, and challenging myself. This climb isn’t about social media or recognition, it’s about the internal journey.
Leadership is a skill everyone can develop
Saudi Projects: The expedition coincides with the 70th anniversary of Kanchenjunga’s first ascent in 1955. How does this milestone add to the significance of your attempt?
Adrian Hayes: While anniversaries can sometimes be used for promotional purposes, I see this as an opportunity to pay homage to the pioneers who climbed it first. Back then, they ventured into the unknown without the advanced equipment, weather forecasting, or communications we have today. Their achievement was pure adventure. It’s a chance to honor their legacy and remind people of the courage it took to be the first. The British team who first ascended Kanchenjunga did something incredible, and it’s a privilege to reflect on their legacy as I make my own attempt.
Saudi Projects: You’ve been on expeditions to some of the world’s most challenging terrains. What lessons from Everest and K2 will you bring to this climb on Kanchenjunga?
Adrian Hayes: Experience is invaluable. Every expedition is different, the conditions, the teammates, everything changes. For me, one key lesson is recognizing that I don’t handle heat well, so I’ll plan my climbs to avoid the hottest times. I’m also incorporating more breathing exercises, training with restricted airflow, and even working out in altitude gyms to prepare for the oxygen deprivation. From my previous attempt on Kanchenjunga, I know how high the base camp is, and the toll it takes on your body. Finding ways to descend to lower altitudes and recover before making the summit push is also part of our plan.
It’s about pursuing excellence, not fleeting fame
Saudi Projects: Sponsorship is a key element of your upcoming climb. Can you share what opportunities are involved, and how they can benefit from supporting this expedition?
Adrian Hayes: Beyond branding and product placement, my sponsors will get access to a comprehensive development package. I focus on more than just placing a logo; I bring real, tangible benefits. For sponsoring companies, I offer leadership development, team coaching programs, executive coaching, and even a personal development trek to Everest Base Camp. The value goes far beyond mere exposure; it’s about offering companies the skills and experiences they can pass on to their teams.
Saudi Projects: Tell us more about the leadership, team and executive coaching programs you are offering as part of the sponsorship package. What can participants expect to learn?
Adrian Hayes: Leadership isn’t just for CEOs or managers, it’s a skill everyone can develop. When I coach, I emphasize that leadership is about awareness, skills, and techniques. For team coaching, having led or been part of military, sporting, corporate, and expedition teams, I understand what makes a high-performing team and my ‘Winning team’ programmes are unique and change inducing. We are offering various deys’ workshops as part f the sponsorship packages, as well as a programme of executive coaching for individuals.
Away from distractions, participants can truly focus and grow
Saudi Projects: You are also leading an Everest Base Camp leadership and personal development trek. What inspired you to combine the journey with coaching in this unique program?
Adrian Hayes: I’ve led similar programs before, and the main advantage of doing them in such environments is the absence of daily distractions. Away from social media, information overload, and the usual noise, participants can focus on the core lessons. Coaching on a trek allows for immediate application of skills. For example, if we’re discussing goal-setting, they’ll apply it as they push toward the base camp. There’s something about nature that enhances retention and makes the lessons stick.
Saudi Projects: What subjects will you be coaching and mentoring on during the Everest Base Camp trip, and what valuable lessons can business leaders expect to take away?
Adrian Hayes: We’ll cover topics like goal-setting, overcoming challenges, leveraging strengths, communication, teamwork, leadership, and stepping out of comfort zones. These are tools I’ve developed over nearly two decades of coaching. The goal is to empower participants to maximize their potential, whether they’re leading a team at work or setting personal goals.
Saudi Projects: As you prepare for this next great adventure, what message would you like to send to potential sponsors and supporters about the journey ahead?
Adrian Hayes: My message is simple: this is an authentic, ethical goal I’m pursuing. There are no gimmicks, no shortcuts. It’s about setting an example of pursuing excellence and offering genuine value to sponsoring companies. Through my experiences, I can provide unique skills and insights that enhance performance and growth, far beyond just branding opportunities. I’m looking forward to building long-term relationships that bring mutual benefits.