In 2001, I had the extraordinary privilege to be part of the first expedition of indigenous women to reach the summit of Cotopaxi—the highest active volcano in the world, standing just shy of 20,000 feet. This historic climb brought together four Andean women (Warmis) and two American women in a powerful celebration of women’s strength and resilience worldwide.

Living alongside these courageous women for over two years in a remote village in the northern Andes shaped my deepest understanding of leadership: that mental toughness, community, and purpose can move mountains—literally and figuratively. My leadership journey truly began there, working closely with the Warmis on girls’ and women’s leadership initiatives. Immersed in their culture, I witnessed firsthand the profound duality of powerlessness and empowerment.

Together, we navigated cultural, social, and personal barriers—learning that when women unite with clarity, courage, and grit, they can break through ceilings that once seemed insurmountable.

Leadership Rooted in Self-Mastery and Resilience

The lessons I learned from these “toughest women on the planet” became the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy, which is deeply rooted in Self-Leadership Is the Starting Line. Leadership begins within—with clarity, courage, and deep self-awareness—and this inner strength becomes the foundation for transformative action.

Inspired by my experience with the Warmis and my passion for endurance sports, I also came to understand Rooted Resilience as a lifestyle. Resilience is not about avoiding failure but learning to fail forward, adapt, and rise stronger every time. This grounded, adaptive strength is a guiding force in how I lead and coach today.

The Warmi Project: Practical Tools for Radical Growth

Through The Warmi Project, a leadership movement I founded, I help women access Practical Tools for Radical Growth—moving beyond inspiration to execution with goal-setting, time mastery, and communication strategies embedded in coaching, retreats, and workshops.

At the heart of this work is Empowerment Through Embodiment, integrating the discipline, mindset, and grit of endurance athletics with leadership development. Leadership lives in both mind and body, and I use physical practice and breathwork as powerful tools to cultivate inner warrior strength.

Living in The Courage Zone

Finally, I encourage women to live in The Courage Zone—a reframe of the comfort zone where growth begins and fear ends. This is a call to stretch, speak up, and step into bold leadership that catalyzes impact.

Partnering for Impact

Today, I bring these pillars from Dana Platin Leadership Consulting, partnering with leaders and organizations across sectors to cultivate resilience, increase self-awareness, and unlock authentic leadership power. My approach integrates coaching, strategic guidance, and endurance mindset practices to help clients lead with courage, clarity, and lasting impact.