Ambitious businesspeople want to climb the ladder of success.

Arlene Blum climbs mountains.

She has made more than 300 successful ascents, conquering some of the world's most challenging peaks.

She took part in the first all-woman climb to the top of Denali, was on the American Bicentennial Everest Expedition, and went on a 2,400-mile trek across Bhutan, Nepal, and India.

Her most dramatic challenge was leading the first all-woman expedition up the slopes of Annapurna (the world's 10th-highest peak).

What separates people who make it to the top from those who don't?

"The dividing line is passion," says Blum.

"As long as you believe that what you're doing is meaningful, you can cut through fear and exhaustion and take the next step."

Arlene has has taught at Stanford University, Wellesley College, and U.C. Berkeley.

Her articles and photographs have appeared in publications including National Geographic, Smithsonian, and Science magazines.

Her leadership seminars take participants on an expedition of discovery of their own leadership skills and team-building abilities.

Visit Arlene's web space http://www.arleneblum.com
Read the Fast Company article "Here's How To Make It To The Top".