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Share # 193 Redefining Possible: Spencer West on Kindness, Courage, and Walking Mt. Kilimanjaro on his Hands - Spencer West, President, Motivational Speaker and Author
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# 193 Redefining Possible: Spencer West on Kindness, Courage, and Walking Mt. Kilimanjaro on his Hands - Spencer West, President, Motivational Speaker and Author
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Bart Berkey sits down with global speaker, activist, and content creator Spencer West — known for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and redefining what's possible. He is more than a gentleman without legs; he is a human being with heart.
Together, they explore what it means to be kind to yourself, how to ask for help, and why we must create space for others while owning our story. From his viral TikToks to his upcoming book Breaking Free, Spencer shares lessons on resilience, identity, burnout, leadership, and the power of showing up authentically.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
- Start With You: Kindness Begins Internally
Leaders and changemakers often overlook self-kindness. Spencer reminds us: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Start by being gentle with yourself, especially in moments of stress or uncertainty.
- Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Spencer shares moving stories—from climbing Indian temples to emotional breakdowns—that prove the most powerful leaders are the ones willing to be vulnerable and ask for help.
- Your Platform Is a Privilege—Use It to Uplift
As a queer, disabled individual, Spencer chooses to speak out—not for attention, but to educate, advocate, and help others feel seen. “I could stay silent. But I won’t.”
- Redefine Possible (Literally)
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands wasn’t just symbolic—it raised over half a million dollars to provide clean water for 12,500 people for LIFE. Purpose turns pain into impact.
- Burnout Is Real—Even When You Love the Mission
While working for a nonprofit, Spencer traveled over 100 days a year and realized hustle culture had taken over. The pandemic forced a reset, teaching him to prioritize therapy, rest, and joy.
- Offer Help—But Always Listen First
Help should be consensual. A well-meaning stranger once lifted Spencer’s wheelchair into a car without asking—violating trust and autonomy. Spencer’s advice: Offer. Pause. Respect the answer.
- Leadership During Difficult Times Requires Honesty
In hard times, don’t rush to solutions. Acknowledge what’s difficult. Sit in discomfort. Then gather your people and move forward together.
- Representation Matters—and So Does Balance
Spencer balances speaking, social media, and activism with family, fun, and fulfillment. He urges others to explore what they want and need—then pursue it unapologetically.
- Most People Don’t… Stop to Ask What They Truly Want or Need
Spencer’s answer to Bart’s signature question hits home: “Most people don’t take the time to figure out what they want and need.” The first step toward fulfillment is pausing long enough to reflect.
Memorable Quotes
- “Just hang on until the scenery changes. Because it always does.”
- “I want to use whatever platform I have to raise awareness—and infuse it with heart, humor, and honesty.”
- “Helping without listening first can do more harm than good.”
- “Being kind to yourself is learning to ask for help.”
- “Leadership isn’t having all the answers. It’s creating space for the truth.”
Why It Matters / How to Use It:
This episode is a guide for anyone navigating leadership, identity, burnout, or uncertainty. Spencer teaches us that real strength lies in vulnerability, listening, and authenticity. Whether you're managing a team, raising a family, or simply trying to make it through the day—Spencer’s story will move you to pause, reflect, and lead with heart.
Instagram - @spencer2thewest
TikTok - @spencer2thewest
Facebook - Spencer West (page)
Linktree - “spencer2thewest”
Website - Spencer2thewest.com
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
View all episodes
By Bart Berkey
5
1717 ratings
In this deeply personal and powerful conversation, Bart Berkey sits down with global speaker, activist, and content creator Spencer West — known for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and redefining what's possible. He is more than a gentleman without legs; he is a human being with heart.
Together, they explore what it means to be kind to yourself, how to ask for help, and why we must create space for others while owning our story. From his viral TikToks to his upcoming book Breaking Free, Spencer shares lessons on resilience, identity, burnout, leadership, and the power of showing up authentically.
Major Takeaways / Learnings
- Start With You: Kindness Begins Internally
Leaders and changemakers often overlook self-kindness. Spencer reminds us: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Start by being gentle with yourself, especially in moments of stress or uncertainty.
- Asking for Help Is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Spencer shares moving stories—from climbing Indian temples to emotional breakdowns—that prove the most powerful leaders are the ones willing to be vulnerable and ask for help.
- Your Platform Is a Privilege—Use It to Uplift
As a queer, disabled individual, Spencer chooses to speak out—not for attention, but to educate, advocate, and help others feel seen. “I could stay silent. But I won’t.”
- Redefine Possible (Literally)
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands wasn’t just symbolic—it raised over half a million dollars to provide clean water for 12,500 people for LIFE. Purpose turns pain into impact.
- Burnout Is Real—Even When You Love the Mission
While working for a nonprofit, Spencer traveled over 100 days a year and realized hustle culture had taken over. The pandemic forced a reset, teaching him to prioritize therapy, rest, and joy.
- Offer Help—But Always Listen First
Help should be consensual. A well-meaning stranger once lifted Spencer’s wheelchair into a car without asking—violating trust and autonomy. Spencer’s advice: Offer. Pause. Respect the answer.
- Leadership During Difficult Times Requires Honesty
In hard times, don’t rush to solutions. Acknowledge what’s difficult. Sit in discomfort. Then gather your people and move forward together.
- Representation Matters—and So Does Balance
Spencer balances speaking, social media, and activism with family, fun, and fulfillment. He urges others to explore what they want and need—then pursue it unapologetically.
- Most People Don’t… Stop to Ask What They Truly Want or Need
Spencer’s answer to Bart’s signature question hits home: “Most people don’t take the time to figure out what they want and need.” The first step toward fulfillment is pausing long enough to reflect.
Memorable Quotes
- “Just hang on until the scenery changes. Because it always does.”
- “I want to use whatever platform I have to raise awareness—and infuse it with heart, humor, and honesty.”
- “Helping without listening first can do more harm than good.”
- “Being kind to yourself is learning to ask for help.”
- “Leadership isn’t having all the answers. It’s creating space for the truth.”
Why It Matters / How to Use It:
This episode is a guide for anyone navigating leadership, identity, burnout, or uncertainty. Spencer teaches us that real strength lies in vulnerability, listening, and authenticity. Whether you're managing a team, raising a family, or simply trying to make it through the day—Spencer’s story will move you to pause, reflect, and lead with heart.
Instagram - @spencer2thewest
TikTok - @spencer2thewest
Facebook - Spencer West (page)
Linktree - “spencer2thewest”
Website - Spencer2thewest.com
Bart Berkey: MostPeopleDont.com | LinkedIn
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