Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Rachael Crewesmith, an extraordinary mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, and mountain bike guide. Discover how Rachael fearlessly defies boundaries in a male-dominated industry, taking on epic challenges and inspiring others along the way. Rachael in her own words:  “I’m a mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, mountain biker and occasional paddler. I divide my time between the sprawling Scottish Highlands and the compact but wild mountains of Snowdonia where I work as a mountaineering instructor and mountain bike guide. I have ridden my bike across Nepal, round and round the Strathpuffer 24 hr endurance course and down the twisty, rooty trails of the forests of the Highlands. I have climbed up 100 Munroes (and counting), El Capitan in Yosemite, to 6000m in the Himalaya and up the north face of Ben Nevis. My favourite day out ever was climbing The Original Route on The Old Man of Hoy, on Orkney.  I’ve also spent time just travelling for travelling sake, especially in Asia. I visited Burma (Myanmar) at the same time as President Obama and witnessed the carnival of the first US state visit ever. I have walked across the living root bridges of Cherrapungee in north-eastern India and ridden the Darjeeling steam train. I have had dinner with the Nepali Army in Bhojpur and breakfast with the monks of north-eastern Thailand. I love coming home to the UK and realising just how amazing our diverse country is. From laverbread in South Wales to fresh mussels cooked in a jetboil on a Hebridean island, I love our country and all it has to offer.”   Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.  Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!   Show notes Who is Rachael Working as an outdoor professional  Living in Llanberis in North Wales Where her love of the mountains comes from  Being obsessed with hockey from a young age Being inspired by her mum - who has previously swum the English Channel! Having a year out between school and university  Spending time in Nepal and going to Everest Base Camp at 18 Meeting a boy who was into climbing Joining the mountaineering club at Nottingham University  Why climbing didn’t come naturally to her Studying archeology at university  Working as a hockey coach Leaving university and getting a job at a climbing wall Not having a plan in her career Not knowing what she wanted to do  Becoming a Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)  Following up and doing her Mountaineering Climbing Instructor (MCI)  Becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) and doing 40 qualifying days  Loving the variety of what she can do with her qualifications  The challenges of working in the outdoor industry Making the transition to becoming a freelancer Why it’s important to build connections and networks Getting work  The advantages of being a women in the outdoors Elitism in the industry Observing other women working in the industry Working with certain choice companies and what she’s looking for Pay in the industry as a mountaineering instructor and mountain leader Asking for more money and being paid what your worth Favourite type of work to get  Remaining positive when dealing with miserable weather while out working Professional enthusiasm! Winter Mountain Leader Qualification  10% of Winter ML holders are female Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) Women in Mountain Training Conference 2022 The importance of networking  Proximal Role Models - Rebecca Williams  Women’s Trad Festival  Irish Women’s Rock Festival  Advice for women who want to gain more qualifications Dr. Will Hardy - completion rates of Mountain Leader Qualification  Bangor University and Mou