Episode 292 Deep Dive: Mark Squirrell | From Arafat to Everest

In this episode, we sit down with Mark “Squiz” Squirrell, keynote speaker from Global Frontline, as he shares insights from his journey from Arafat to Everest. Mark emphasizes the importance of making early decisions and being flexible when dealing with unforeseen variables. He discusses the critical role of soft skills in building effective relationships, both within and outside organizations, to mitigate crises. Mark also highlights how training and preparation under simulated pressures can enhance decision-making abilities and resilience. He delves into managing stress in high-pressure situations, advocating for recognizing stress levels and ensuring time for recovery.

From car bombings, the Ebola Outbreak to meeting Yasser Arafat and making it to the summit of Mount Everest, Mark ‘Squiz’ Squirrell OAM has experienced more than many can dream about.

Squiz was awarded the coveted “Green Beret” whilst serving with the Australian Commando’s. His tenure with the military provided him with the skills and courage to succeed amongst adversity and turmoil. It was the perfect grounding for a career as an International Aid Worker.

Squiz escorted food convoys through the Gaza Strip, negotiated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamel Eelam (Tamil Tigers) and brokered deals with Somali Clansmen to ensure the safe delivery of United Nations food aid. In doing so, he has mastered the challenges of performing under pressure, communicating effectively and building relationships.

In addition to this, Squiz has taken the concept of being motivated at work to an all new high. He was inspired by his organisation, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and the impoverished people that it feeds, to climb to the top of the world to help raise awareness of the global hunger crisis. After a gruelling six week ordeal, Squiz raised the WFP flag on the summit of Mount Everest. The inspiring and thrilling recount across glaciers and up exposed cliffs reveal the motivation, habits and adversity skills that facilitated his success.

Squiz has a Bachelor of Business (HRM) and has published a memoire titled From Arafat to Everest. In 2019 Squiz was recognised in the Australia Day Honours List with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for “service to the international community through humanitarian aid”. He continues to deploy on short term assignments to emergency zones, such as the Ebola Outbreak in West Africa and Nepal Earthquake.

Now based out of Melbourne, Squiz provides keynotes, workshops and team building activities to develop workplace performance.