Explorer Mark Wood teams up with Acua

Explorer Mark Wood teams up with Acua
Business news

Thursday 20 September 2012

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press.mac@coventry.ac.uk


People development specialists Acua Limited are aiming to reach ‘new heights’ after teaming up on a mountainous challenge.

Acua Limited, the corporate training subsidiary of Coventry University, is teaming up with explorer and adventurer Mark Wood when he takes a team on a trek through the Himalayas.

The 45-year-old former firefighter, who was the first person to ski solo to the North and South Poles back-to-back, is trekking with a team up to Everest Base Camp and then making an ascent of Kala Patthar – reaching the summit of Island Peak at a height of 6,189m.

Acua Limited, which delivers leadership and management programmes for organisations across the UK, will be in contact with the explorer throughout the 23-day trek to draw from Mark’s experiences of leadership on the slopes.

Andrew Watkins, Business Coach at Acua Limited, said the chance to team up with the highly-regarded explorer and learn from the challenges faced along the journey was one not to be missed.

Mark is a remarkable man and an inspiration to a lot of people after everything he has achieved as an explorer since leaving the fire service,

 he said.

I’ve known him for quite a few years now and after speaking with him recently about his latest expedition and the challenges he’ll be facing it struck me how closely it can mirror the challenges we face day in and day out in a business environment.

The ability to lead a team whilst under pressure, to motivate, deal with adversity, and show resilience when it is needed most are all challenges Mark will be facing head on.

We’re delighted Mark has agreed to share his experiences with us and our team and our clients will be able to learn a lot from him.



Wood, who lives in Coventry, will capture his innermost thoughts and feelings during this expedition and share his experiences on his return to the UK.

Jeannine Mortlock, Managing Director at Acua Limited, added “It’s going to be really interesting to follow Mark’s progress throughout the duration of his expedition and we wish him and his team all the best.

We’ll be collating his thoughts and footage from the journey and are looking to host a business event with Mark on his return.