Leading Steep: Richard Bangs

In this episode, Barry sits down with author, TV host, and world traveler Richard Bangs. Once referred to as “Indiana Jones with a conscience” by Expedia.com founder Rich Barton, Richard fashioned a multifaceted, adventure-filled career spanning over 50 years promoting travel that positively impacts the world.

Listen in as Richard shares his journey from local river guide to internationally-renowned globe-trotting explorer.

He reflects on his interpretation of guide culture, which to him is a combination of openness and curiosity both to the world around you and toward your guests, and the collaboration between each and every member of the group you are traveling with.

Richard also shares his thoughts on risk, and how one tragic accident early in his career forced him to reevaluate everything he was taught as a guide.

Finally, Richard touches on his many TV projects and business ventures, both past and present.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

●      [3:26] Richard’s early days as a river guide

●      [6:29] Traveling internationally

●      [10:47] The most memorable of Richard’s 35 first raft descents

●      [14:20] Comparing outdoor adventures to the business world

●      [15:55] What guide ethos means to Richard

●      [20:55] The unique bond that every guide forms with their guests

●      [25:02] Traits that made certain guides stand out to Richard as great leaders

●      [27:37] Richard’s most challenging situations throughout his countless travels

●      [35:09] Working with various guides of various disciplines in many different countries

●      [36:46] Richard recalls his time rafting the Zambezi

●      [41:31] Of the 19 books Richard has written, which one would he recommend first?

●      [44:14] Richard’s involvement with MT Sobek and his various TV and business ventures

Key Quotes by Richard:

●      “The most apt comparison between [the adventure world and the business world] is being able to embrace the unknown, and actually finding an element of excitement and joy in chaos. [...] If you find meaning, purpose, and clarity in chaos, then you likely can find success.”

●      “I think that there are many important elements of ethos when it comes to the guide culture and what makes a successful guide. But there are two that come to mind. One is an innate curiosity. [...] The second one is teamwork.”

●      “If you can learn to face adversity in some manner, particularly in the wilderness, it will be something that becomes an ingrained lifelong process for dealing with issues through the rest of your life outside the wilderness.”

Resources Mentioned:

●      The Lost River by Richard Bangs
●      MT Sobek
●      Steller app

#guide #guiding #whitewater #river #rafting #climbing #mountaineering #guidelife #tripleadertuesday #sobek #mountaintravel