đ April is Earth Month and there is no one more fitting than our latest guest on 1% Better Podcast to represent it - Polar Explorer, Educator and Environmental Ambassador, Will Steger. â A name synonymous with daring and endurance, Will shares shares insight from his record-setting expeditions, including the first confirmed dogsled journey to the North Pole without resupply and the monumental traverse of Antarctica. Learn how his impactful adventures have not only pushed human boundaries, but also shaped global environmental policies.
Host Craig Thielen talks with Will about leadership and resilience under extreme conditions. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone passionate about environmental conservation, Will's stories of perseverance and commitment to the planet are sure to inspire!
đŁThere will never be another Will Steger - this is a DON'T MISS episode - Listen or watch now to get inspired and learn how one man's passion for exploration has ignited a larger fight to protect our planet. Don't forget to share your thoughts and join the conversation!
Watch trailer for Willâs documentary, After Antarctica
Learn about the expeditions and accolades of Will Steger
Learn more about the Steger Center
Learn more about Climate Generation
Will Stegerâs five books: North to the Pole, Saving the Earth, Crossing Antarctica, Over the Top of the World, The Steger Homestead Kitchen
Connect with Craig Thielen on LinkedIn
Key Takeaways
- Purpose-Driven Exploration:Â Will Stegerâs expeditions, particularly the Antarctic traverse, were not just feats of endurance but platforms for environmental education and crucial policy changes. His adventures were intricately linked to global efforts for preserving sensitive ecosystems, showcasing how daring explorations can double as powerful campaigns for conservation. This highlights the significance of having a purpose greater than the adventure itself.
- Innovative Problem Solving Under Extreme Conditions:Â Stegerâs expeditions faced enormous physical and logistical challenges, from severe weather to navigating without GPS across vast unknown terrains. The solutionsâlike creating snow cairns for aerial navigationâemphasize creativity in problem-solving under pressure. Stegerâs approach to dealing with unknowns and managing supplies strategically under extreme conditions provides profound lessons in crisis management and operational strategy.
- Leadership and Team Dynamics:Â Effective leadership, according to Steger, is predominantly democratic, harnessing the collective skills and strengths of the team rather than adhering to a command-and-control model. His leadership style during critical momentsâemphasizing group consensus and individual empowermentâoffers valuable insights into managing high-stakes projects and fostering teamwork in diverse settings.
- Environmental Advocacy Through Direct Action:Â Stegerâs narrative reinforces the impact of direct, action-based advocacy in environmental issues. His firsthand experiences with climate change and his efforts to influence policy through expeditions underline the importance of active participation in ecological conservation and policy-making, demonstrating the power of dedicated individuals or groups to effect significant environmental policies.
- The Power of Education and Public Engagement:Â Throughout his career, Steger has used his expeditions to educate the public and world leaders about environmental issues. His strategic use of media to amplify the message and engage global audiences showcases the critical role of education and public awareness in environmental advocacy. His efforts exemplify how targeted educational initiatives can mobilize public opinion and lead to policy changes.
