Lola sits down with Saray Khumalo to discuss her extraordinary journey of becoming the first Black African woman to summit Mount Everest. Saray shares her inspiring story of perseverance through multiple attempts, the challenges she faced, and how she's using her mountaineering achievements to promote education and literacy in Africa.

In this episode, you will learn:

• How to turn personal setbacks into motivation
• How to persist in the face of failure
• How to balance ambition with responsibility
• How to find purpose beyond personal achievement
• How to embrace your unique potential

What We Discuss:

Saray's Background and Early Influences

00:00 - Introduction to Saray Khumalo 

01:26 - Saray's heritage and family background 

04:41 - Transition from corporate life to mountaineering

The Path to Everest

05:17 - Personal loss and life reflection 

07:26 - First climb of Kilimanjaro and fundraising efforts 

10:37 - Decision to climb the highest peaks on every continent

Everest Attempts and Challenges

14:44 - First Everest attempt in 2014

18:46 - 2015 Everest attempt and earthquake experience 

25:23 - 2016 cycling accident and recovery 

28:57 - 2017 Everest attempt and near-summit experience

Triumph on Everest

35:31 - Final successful Everest expedition in 2019 

41:31 - Summit experience and reflections

Going Beyond Everest

48:46 - Pursuing the Explorer Grand Slam challenge

52:07 - Summits with a Purpose initiative 

54:39 - Philosophy on being "uniquely extraordinary"

Life Lessons and Inspiration

56:44 - Lightning round questions 

1:02:02 - Where to learn more about Saray

Learn more about the Kadara Woman podcast.

Follow us on Instagram

Sign up for our mailing list. 

Connect With Saray Khumalo 

 Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Non-Profit - Summit With A Purpose

About The Podcast

The Kádàrá Woman Podcast is dedicated to amplifying the often-overlooked impact-driven stories of remarkable African women (and women of the diaspora) who pivoted into their purpose and became barrier breakers, status quo challengers and change makers around the world. This podcast spotlights the journeys of purpose-driven African women who are reshaping their lives through intentional living and powerful mindset shifts. 

While we spotlight African women's experiences, our universal stories resonate deeply with a global audience of ambitious, forward-thinking women seeking inspiration and practical insights.

Hosted by Lola Soyebo Harris, this inspiring series explores how impact-driven African women navigate self-doubt, embrace service, and master their purpose while making pivotal decisions in their careers and personal lives. This podcast is an essential resource for those interested in personal development, mindset transformation, African women's empowerment, and purpose-driven living. 

This podcast is a production of Kadara Media LLC. All rights reserved.