Tough Girl Challenges is all about motivating and inspiring women and girls. In this episode I interview Ann Daniels a record breaking polar explorer. Described by the Times as "living proof that humans really can reach new peaks". In 2002, Ann became the first woman in history to ski to the North and South Poles as part of all women teams. She has sledge-hauled over 4000 miles, completing over 10 polar expeditions and surviving over 400 days on the ice. During this podcast Ann talks about how she took her first steps to becoming a polar explorer. At thirty years old she'd never done anything like this before. She was going through a tough divorce and she had just given birth to triplets! Ann decided she needed to follow her dreams and she wasn't going to let anything or anyone stop her. She applied for a relay expedition to the North Pole in 1997. She was not one of the strongest candidates, with her limited knowledge and experience. But she made up for this with her work ethic and drive. She set her goal and she went for it, she kept on learning and she kept on adapting. She faced huge challenges in one of the most inhospitable environments on the planet and that's were she learnt the most about herself and what she could achieve. She built her own self confidence; she overcame monumental physical and mental challenges and became stronger and tougher because of it. She developed a mindset where she would not give up. On this podcast you can listen to Ann in her own words as she explains in detail how she coped with serious setbacks in the Arctic. How she honed her leadership skills and empowered herself and others along the way. Ann provides tips and advice and is passionate about what she does. She also talks about a future challenge that's going to take place in April 2017. Her eyes were opened to the difficulties that young people face in terms of dealing with mental illnesses and the stigma that surrounds it. It was brought closer to home when her eighteen year old daughter was take ill. Ann will lead an expedition of six young people on a journey to the Arctic that they will never forget and in the process raise £3 million pounds for charity. To learn more about Ann and her challenges please visit her website www.anndaniels.com. This podcast will inspire you, and get you to think about what you've always wanted to do? What chances do you need to take to go after your dreams? What's really stopping you? What excuses are you telling yourself? Ann will encourage you to believe in yourself and believe in the opportunities that are coming available to you. Listen to Ann and go for it. Give it a go and see what happens. No matter what, you will learn more about yourself by saying yes, than you ever will by saying no. Ann Daniels is on twitter @AnnDanielsGB I'm also on twitter @_TOUGH_GIRL. If you've enjoyed this episode lets us know and send us a tweet! It would be great to hear from you. Please checkout the website - ToughGirlChallenges.com and subscribe to the newsletter to be kept updated of future Tough Girl podcasts and challenges. "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."

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