Story In Action Ep. 6 - Dean Cardinale

"There are two things the world can't give you, and that's trust and respect."

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to guide someone to the top of the world? In our latest episode of the Story in Action Podcast, host Brandon Flint sits down with Dean Cardinale, founder of Worldwide Trekking, to unpack the mindset, responsibility, and leadership required to guide climbers on some of the planet’s most demanding peaks.

Dean’s journey began in ski patrol, where he developed a deep respect for safety, preparation, and decision-making under pressure. Those early experiences laid the groundwork for what would become a career leading expeditions up mountains like Mount Everest and Mount Kilimanjaro. But as Dean explains, guiding isn’t just about logistics and route planning. It’s about trust. When clients put their lives in your hands at high altitude, technical expertise must be matched with empathy, communication, and the ability to read people just as carefully as you read the mountain.

In the episode, Dean also shares his pursuit of the Seven Summits and the unique dynamics that come with leading diverse groups across cultures and continents. High-altitude trekking is as much about managing expectations, building confidence, and fostering team unity as it is about physical endurance. From acclimatization strategies on Kilimanjaro to the layered complexity of Everest, Dean breaks down the behind-the-scenes leadership that most people never see.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that great leadership—whether in business, creative work, or on a mountain—comes down to preparation, integrity, and service. You can watch the full conversation on YouTube or listen on Spotify.