Climb in South America

At the end of February, the publication “Retirement Money” initiated an unprecedented project called “The Peak of Successful People” – where a team of top managers from some of Russia’s most successful companies summitted South America’s highest volcano, Iliniza Norte (5,126 meters) as well as visited the Galapagos Islands.

The press-release described the project as for being “for those who are ambitious, brave, self-confident; for those who make no distinction between their own success and the success of their company, for those ready to conquer a famous peak and plant their company’s flag at the top.” The group included some of Russia’s most distinguished – top management representing several Russian financial organizations, including me, the President of Alpari.

Having enjoyed the almost heavenly natural beauty and gotten to know ourselves in a new way, we departed Ecuador. The mountains are great though. It’s a really exhilarating experience and definitely tones you up. When you’re walking along a narrow, snow-covered path and to the left is a sheer cliff face and to the right a precipice, and the wind blows with a hint of death, a lot of things in life seem to come into focus. The complicated becomes simple, the unnoticed takes on new meaning. So if you feel like it’s time to really clear out your mind, welcome to Iliniza.