In early 2023, I received a message from James Parker at Venari Partners, a global executive search firm based in London. We go way back, with James — inspired by my previous challenges, he invited me to speak to his employees about resilience in 2018. James had the wild idea to put together a one-of-a-kind CSR initiative to give back. Happy to share Venari Partners' successes, he wanted to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for deserving individuals to trek through the Jordanian desert while raising money for the charity of their choice. I was asked to be the Team Leader and to sit on the selection jury for the participants, and what a journey it was! All entries were profoundly moving, and the decision was tough, but the final seven participants were announced in early June. I assisted them through video chats and recordings to prepare for this challenge. Though it was a 'small' challenge for me, for some, it proved to be a difficult experience due to serious medical conditions.

After nearly a year of planning, the trip finally occurred in October 2023. Flying from London with WizzAir, the entire group arrived in Jordan on October 14 and set off on their trek the next day. Following part of the Jordan Trail and camping Bedouin-style under the stars, we reached the journey’s end five days later: the ancient Rose City of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. It was a spectacular conclusion to a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience.

A huge thank you to Venari Partners, JORAMCO and Wizz for organising and supporting this initiative! 

If you are interested, you can learn more about the Venari Partners Challenge, the amazing participants, and the charities they were fundraising for.