The Gap Years: From McKinsey Boardroom to Everest Summit – Tom French

In this powerful episode of I Am Refocused Radio, host Shamaya Reid sits down with Tom French, a former McKinsey executive who chose to redefine retirement by embarking on a transformative 'gap year' at age 60. Instead of settling into traditional post-career pursuits, Tom traded boardrooms for the Himalayas, spending three years climbing Everest twice, skiing across remote terrains, and reconnecting with lifelong passions like mountaineering and cross-country racing. The journey was not just physical but deeply emotional and philosophical—marked by profound personal growth, the loss of a close friend on Everest, and a deeply moving experience climbing with his adult daughter. Tom reflects on the mental resilience required to navigate extreme environments, unpredictable weather, and the constant uncertainty of high-altitude climbing. He shares how this adventure redefined his sense of purpose, leading him to write a book that donates 100% of proceeds to the Himalayan Trust, supporting education and healthcare in Nepal. The episode underscores the enduring power of revisiting past passions, even in later life, and how such journeys can deliver profound fulfillment, connection, and meaning.