Public Speaking

Women First: Everest & K2

Boston, MA
January 15, 2019
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SEARCHING FOR A SUMMIT, BUT FINDING PAKISTAN

“Vanessa’s inspirational talk went beyond her remarkable achievement in getting to the top of the mighty and terrifying K2 (and leading others to the summit as well) but also, and importantly, it told of her journey of discovery about K2’s guardians, the country and people of Pakistan, and of the sense of engagement and fulfilment that this gave to her awesome adventure.”

The Pakistan Society, London
November 20, 2018
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CEO CLUB PAKISTAN

“Vanessa simply stole the show at the Conference that attracted more than 100 top CEOs from the eading corporate organisations from Pakistan. She spoke about her unforgettable experience as the first British or American woman to conquer K2.  She shared how leadership is often a risky, lonely role, but how successful CEOs, like Expedition Leaders, succeed by recognizing and surviving the dangers that challenge them as they take themselves and their teams to higher levels.  Vanessa’s examples tested under the most brutal conditions on the most difficult summits, was an eye-opener and her talk remained the most discussed keynote of this high-profile event.”

Arif Anis Malik
Presenter, Author and Attendee
Source

CEO Club Pakistan’s 16th CEO Summit
Dec 11, 2017
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THE AMERICAN ALPINE CLUB

Each November since 1980, the New York Section of the American Alpine Club, has hosted an annual dinner with a notable speaker from the world of alpinism. Over the years, historic climbers such as Hillary, Messner and Houston, have kept members and guests enthralled with their exploits. Last night Vanessa O’Brien, only the third woman to speak at this event, kept the tradition alive with a captivating presentation revolving around her recent ascent of K-2. Vanessa became the first American woman to summit the most difficult and dangerous of the 8000 meter Himalayan giants in July of this year. In addition, as a holder of dual British-American passports, she also became the first British woman to summit and safely descend K-2, the “killer mountain”. As a speaker she speaks with energy, enthusiasm and humour. Her message, not only to female audiences, is that determination, persistence and enthusiasm can achieve great things.”

Philip Erard
Chairman American Alpine Club, New York Section (1980-2015)

Source

NYS American Alpine Club
Nov 11, 2017
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Jun 1st, 2013

WORLD CONGRESS OF OVERSEAS PAKISTANIS (WCOP)

“Vanessa touched hundreds of hearts when she spoke at Women Achievers Congress in Westminster, London in the presence of the British Home Secretary Rt Hon Theresa May and hundreds of high achiever women from various disciplines. The Congress brought together the most prominent women leaders from the UK in public sector, politics, policymaking, business, academia along with select leaders from government, media, sports & philanthropy. Vanessa talked about the central theme of the Congress “Leading with Purpose” and inspired the audience. The audience loved her analogy of conquering the mountain vis-e-vis scaling the corporate ladder. Her passion and enthusiasm were termed infectious.”

Arif Anis Malik
Executive Director, WCOP

Source

WCOP, London
Nov 29, 2015
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