Mount Everest “Exit Strategy”
Updated: Jan 31, 2025
Peter Wilcock is a class-leading mentor and coach who combines ancient philosophical wisdom with modern strategic insight to mentor elite performers. As a former executive at Comcast UK, NTL, and Virgin Media, he was pivotal in the emergence of cable services, particularly Broadband across the UK.
In 1953, Edmund Hillary became the first person to climb Mount Everest successfully, the highest mountain in the world. However, almost 30 years earlier, a young climber called George Mallory attempted his final attempt to conquer the mountain, having failed twice before. Dressed in clothing that wouldn’t be out of place on a Sunday afternoon stroll, he set off to the summit in a confident mood.
The expedition had gone well, and he was last seen only 300 metres from the summit with his climbing partner Andrew Irvine as the mist descended around them. George and Andrew were not seen again, and the sad news spread they had both perished on the brutal mountain. Hillary’s successful climb was celebrated as a significant feat by a human and also highlighted the value of having a sherpa alongside when attempting such dangerous adventures.
In 2000, a team of climbers came across the frozen body of George Mallory, laid where he had fallen, the evidence of a broken leg suggesting he had perished from the fall and the subsequent injury. The debate then raged as Mallory and Irvine actually achieved their goal and climbed Everest, only to lose their lives on the way down.
A newspaper journalist contacted Edmund Hillary with the news of Mallory being found and the conjecture as to whether he had been the first to conquer Everest and not Hillary. When asked how he felt should that be the case, Hillary replied, “Well, I think a crucial element of climbing Everest is getting back down safely. So, in that sense, I guess I was still the first to climb Everest.”
We’ll never know whether Mallory did get to the summit, but either way, Hillary was right in his assertion that getting to the top is only part of the mission.
You’re probably asking what a story about mountaineering has to do with business.
Well, I’m currently in the middle of three separate fundraising projects, and it struck me that the subject of an exit strategy holds particular importance for potential investors. Every pitch deck must have a slide that explains how investors get their returns. Then, it occurred to me that this is exactly like Mallory vs. Hillary.
The investors are actually saying, “We’ll come on the journey, but show us we’ll get back safely.” The exit strategy seeks to give confidence the investor will not perish on the mountainside, frozen, brave, and a true pioneer but ultimately fail. This is why the pitch deck must show the strategy and the opportunity, as well as the quality of the team and how the project will be a success. “ Show me how we get out” is the number one question from the investor.
This story should resonate with entrepreneurs and investors alike. For the entrepreneur, use the example of Hillary to show that your mission will end successfully, not only by climbing the mountain but also by getting everyone back down safely. For the investor, make sure the team is not just brave like Mallory but will look after your investment and bring you home as Hillary did.
For every pitch deck, now ask, “Mallory or Hillary?”
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Peter Wilcock, Business Executive Mentor & Coach
Peter Wilcock is a leader in mindset calibration and an enabler for a high-performance culture that leads to personal and business growth. His best-selling book "Camel in the Tent" and unique 9-box formula have redefined how leaders approach success. Part business Sherpa, part strategist he guides extraordinary individuals to reshape their reality and become the best version of themselves.
