Culture & Education | Wednesday 13 July, 2016 4:56 pm |

Omar Samra is a father, adventurer, mountaineer, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and future astronaut. He is the first Egyptian to climb Mount Everest, the 7 Summits and ski to both the Geographic South and North Pole.

 

In 2009, he left behind a corporate career in finance and founded Wild Guanabana, an award-winning travel company that helps reconnect people with nature through wild and wonderful adventures across the globe. This entrepreneurial journey would also see him meet his wife, business partner and soul mate Marwa Fayed.

 

But when tragedy struck, Omar quickly discovered that the mountains he had climbed were never meant to be his biggest challenge.  “I came to realise the answers to life’s most important question exists in the depths of loss, vulnerability and learning to let go,” he said. 

 

In his latest TED talk Omar overcomes every fearful instinct to stand on stage and honour his family's story in its rawest form.

 

“My hope is that this talk will speak to peoples’ hearts and souls, and bring light to others during their darkest hour.”

 

Omar’s talk was given at a TEDx event in Bend, Oregon.