From the company to the peaks of the Himalayas
I was not born a mountaineer, but I climbed the fourteen 8,000.
A course from 0 to 8000
Sophie Lavaud did not grow up with an ice ax in her hand. She started a career in hospitality, cosmetics and finance before changing course. In 2004, a simple challenge between friends brought him to the summit of Mont Blanc. It was the start of an unexpected passion for very high altitudes.
Ten years later, she embarked on a series of expeditions to the highest peaks on the planet. She will climb the 14 mountains of more than 8,000 meters, becoming the first woman to represent France, Switzerland and Canada on these mythical peaks.
Ten years later, she embarked on a series of expeditions to the highest peaks on the planet. She will climb the 14 mountains of more than 8,000 meters, becoming the first woman to represent France, Switzerland and Canada on these mythical peaks.
Key figures in my story
3 nationalities
Swiss, French, Canadian
5 documentaries & movies
as well as 2 published books
200+ conferences
business data
Himalayist, but not in the way you imagine.
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1968 - Birth
Sophie was born in Lausanne! From the age of 4, she glided on her skis, and a little later started on the cutting edge of classical dance, finally setting her sights on climbing shoes and mountaineering crampons.
1990 - The hotel industry
A start of career and an evolution from receptionist to reception manager in various hotels in Geneva and finally, Sales and Marketing Director in 5 stars in the place.
2000 - Luxury & Cosmetics
Thierry Mugler and Azzaro are the worlds Sophie worked with for several years attached to the export division of these brands.
2004 - First summit: Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc the trigger
2005 - The Jetfin company
The organization of events in the financial sector. With her brother, she co-runs Jetfin. For his part, Pierre brings his expertise in investment niches, the theme of conferences. Sophie is in charge of logistics and operations.
2007 - Aconcagua 6963m
We flirt with the 7000 meters of altitude
2008 - Economic crisis
Turning point of life
2012 - First 8000 in Tibet
1st 8000 - 1st conference
2013 - Executive support & business consulting
Before fully engaging in her project 14, Sophie stops by the Futura21 Institute, which supports executives and managers. There she leads seminars drawing the analogy between the experience at very high altitude and the experience of work. Following her first double expedition to Tibet in 2012, Sophie was asked to tell the story of her adventure in public. Over the years, these stories of rise will become professional in thematic conferences at the service of businesses.
2014 - The Top of the World
Everest summit: the roof of the world
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2015 - The big leap
Sophie leaves her last job to devote herself fully to this Himalayan Grand Slam. That year Sophie will be confronted with the terrible earthquake in Nepal. At the service of the NGO Norlha, she went on the ground.
2018 - The encounter
On the slopes of K2, Sophie meets and works with Dawa Sangay Sherpa. He will accompany her and become her expedition companion.
A professional himalayist, with Dawa Sangay Sherpa they will need another 12 expeditions to reach the Grail, the fourteen 8,000.
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2023 - The 14 peaks over 8,000 m
On June 26, 2023, Sophie reached the summit of Nanga Parbat, her fourteenth peak at over 8,000 meters. She became the first woman to represent three countries in this feat, without ever betraying her line: collective, lucid, human.
2024 - 2025 Recognition, rewards
Knight of the National Order of Merit, Swiss Who's Who Talent Award 2025 (jury prize), Alpine Merit 2024, Les Trophées de la Montagne (special mention 2024), Nuit du Sport Genevois (special jury prize)
Ambassador roles
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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 Himalayist who prefers the “us” to the “me”
Sophie Lavaud does not chase records or recognition. His approach is based on a human vision of the mountain. In a world often marked by individualism and the quest for performance, she prefers to talk about teams, strategic renunciation, patience and respect.
Her philosophy? At 8,000 meters, nothing can be done alone. Each success is collective. It is by valuing everyone's skills that an ascent becomes possible. She calls it followership: the art of knowing how to follow, of withdrawing, of cooperating. A posture that echoes team life in business.
my projectsHer philosophy? At 8,000 meters, nothing can be done alone. Each success is collective. It is by valuing everyone's skills that an ascent becomes possible. She calls it followership: the art of knowing how to follow, of withdrawing, of cooperating. A posture that echoes team life in business.
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