From the Corporate World to the Peaks of the Himalayas
I wasn’t born a mountaineer, but I climbed all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks.
A Journey from Zero to 8,000
Sophie Lavaud did not grow up with an ice axe in her hand. She began her career in hospitality, cosmetics, and finance before changing course. In 2004, a simple challenge among friends took her to the summit of Mont Blanc—marking the start of an unexpected passion for extreme altitude.
Ten years later, she embarked on a series of expeditions to the world’s highest peaks. She went on to summit all fourteen mountains over 8,000 meters, becoming the first woman to represent France, Switzerland, and Canada on these iconic summits.
Ten years later, she embarked on a series of expeditions to the world’s highest peaks. She went on to summit all fourteen mountains over 8,000 meters, becoming the first woman to represent France, Switzerland, and Canada on these iconic summits.
Key Figures from My Journey
3 nationalities
Swiss, French, Canadian
5 documentaries & films
and 2 published books
200+ keynotes
delivered for corporate audiences
Himalayan mountaineer,
but not as you imagine.
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1968 - Birth
Sophie was born in Lausanne. From the age of four, she was already gliding on skis, later dancing en pointe in classical ballet—before eventually choosing climbing shoes and mountaineering crampons.
1990 - The hotel industry
She began her career in hospitality, progressing from receptionist to head of reception in several Geneva hotels, before becoming Sales & Marketing Director in leading five-star establishments.
2000 - Luxury & Cosmetics
Thierry Mugler and Azzaro were among the worlds Sophie worked in for several years, as part of the export divisions of these iconic brands.
2004 - First summit : Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc 4,810 m, the highest peak in the Alps : the turning point.
2005 - Co-founded Jetfin
She is also involved in event organization within the financial sector. Together with her brother, she co-manages Jetfin. Pierre brings his expertise in niche investment strategies - the focus of the conferences - while Sophie oversees logistics and operations.
2007 - Aconcagua 6,967 m
Reaching the edge of 7,000 meters.
2008 - Economic crisis
A turning point in life
2012 - First 8,000-meter peak in Tibet
First 8,000 m summit · First public talk
2013 - Executive coaching and corporate consulting
Before fully committing to her 14×8,000 project, Sophie spent time at the Futura21 Institute, which supports executives and senior leaders. There, she led seminars drawing parallels between extreme high-altitude experiences and the realities of professional life.
Following her first double expedition to Tibet in 2012, Sophie was invited to share her adventure publicly. Over the years, these ascent stories evolved into structured, thematic keynotes designed to serve organizations and businesses.
2014 - The Roof of the World
Summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m) : the highest point on Earth.
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2015 - The big leap
Sophie left her last position to fully commit to her Himalayan Grand Slam. That same year, she faced the devastating Nepal earthquake and went into the field in support of the NGO Norlha.
2018 - The encounter
On the slopes of K2, Sophie met and began working with Dawa Sangay Sherpa. He would go on to accompany her and become her long-term climbing partner.
Now a professional Himalayan mountaineer, it would take Sophie and Dawa Sangay Sherpa 12 more expeditions to reach the ultimate goal: summiting all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks.
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2023 - All fourteen 8,000-meter peaks
On June 26, 2023, Sophie reached the summit of Nanga Parbat, her fourteenth 8,000-meter peak. She became the first woman to represent three countries in this achievement—true to her values of collective effort, clarity, and humanity.
2024–2025 - Recognition & Awards
Knight of the French National Order of Merit, Swiss Who’s Who Talent Award 2025 (Jury Prize), Alpine Merit Award 2024, Mountain Trophies (Special Mention 2024), Geneva Sports Night (Special Jury Prize).
Ambassador roles
Experience the summits differently
Movies, books and always the same desire: to share what you can't see 8,000 meters away. These stories show behind the scenes, the faces, the choices. They show what an image does not always say: effort, doubt, raw beauty.
A Himalayan Mountaineer
Who Chooses “We” Over “I”
Who Chooses “We” Over “I”
Sophie Lavaud does not chase records or recognition. Her approach is rooted in a deeply human vision of the mountains. In a world often driven by individualism and performance, she chooses instead to speak about teamwork, strategic renunciation, patience, and respect.
Her philosophy? At 8,000 meters, nothing is done alone. Every success is collective. By valuing each person’s skills, an ascent becomes possible. She calls this followership—the art of knowing how to follow, to step back, and to cooperate. A mindset that strongly resonates with teamwork in the corporate world.
my projects
Her philosophy? At 8,000 meters, nothing is done alone. Every success is collective. By valuing each person’s skills, an ascent becomes possible. She calls this followership—the art of knowing how to follow, to step back, and to cooperate. A mindset that strongly resonates with teamwork in the corporate world.
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