On May 20, 2026, Mike Harker became the first American diplomat to stand atop Mount Everest. In this conversation, he shares the story behind the summit—the months of preparation, the dangers of the Death Zone, the indispensable role of his Sherpa team, and the mindset that carried him to the top of the world. He recounts a near-fatal encounter at the Hillary Step and the grueling descent that ultimately proved more dangerous than the climb itself. Mike also reflects on how climbing Lobuche Peak prepared him for Everest, and how these experiences transformed his understanding of leadership, humility, and purpose.
