Tom French is a senior partner emeritus of McKinsey & Company and a lifelong mountaineer and cross-country skier. After four decades in the high-pressure corporate world, he retired at the end of 2019 and decided to take “gap years” to rediscover the passions of his youth.

What started as one year quickly turned into three extraordinary years of adventure and self-discovery. He rebuilt his athletic strength, competed in demanding cross-country ski marathons, and completed two epic expeditions to Mount Everest — one dramatically interrupted by a cyclone and a harrowing blizzard descent down the Lhotse Face, and another where he became the first climber ever to approach the mountain through the remote Makalu Barun region, summiting on a moonlit night.

In his inspiring new book, The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back, Tom shares a powerful story about the joy found in wild places, the power of endurance, and the profound renewal that comes from reconnecting with what truly lights you up — proving it’s never too late to step away from burnout and expectations to create a bold, purpose-filled next chapter. 

Learn more about the book here: https://brandeisuniversitypress.com/title/the-gap-years-climbing-skiing-and-the-journey-back/

Tom French is a senior partner emeritus of McKinsey &amp; Company and a lifelong mountaineer and cross-country skier. After four decades in the high-pressure corporate world, he retired at the end of 2019 and decided to take &ldquo;gap years&rdquo; to rediscover the passions of his youth.
What started as one year quickly turned into three extraordinary years of adventure and self-discovery. He rebuilt his athletic strength, competed in demanding cross-country ski marathons, and completed two epic expeditions to Mount Everest &mdash; one dramatically interrupted by a cyclone and a harrowing blizzard descent down the Lhotse Face, and another where he became the first climber ever to approach the mountain through the remote Makalu Barun region, summiting on a moonlit night.
In his inspiring new book, The Gap Years: Climbing, Skiing, and the Journey Back, Tom shares a powerful story about the joy found in wild places, the power of endurance, and the profound renewal that comes from reconnecting with what truly lights you up &mdash; proving it&rsquo;s never too late to step away from burnout and expectations to create a bold, purpose-filled next chapter.&nbsp;
Learn more about the book here:&nbsp;<a href="https://brandeisuniversitypress.com/title/the-gap-years-climbing-skiing-and-the-journey-back/">https://brandeisuniversitypress.com/title/the-gap-years-climbing-skiing-and-the-journey-back/</a>

"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast—it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.

From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah’s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests—celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

"I Am Refocused Radio" is more than just a podcast&mdash;it's a movement of purpose-driven storytelling that inspires, uplifts, and empowers. Hosted by Shemaiah A. Reed, a calm and thoughtful creative with a background in media, music, and the arts, the show dives deep into conversations that resonate.
From a humble start in a San Antonio barbershop, Shemaiah&rsquo;s journey has grown into a global platform featuring over 1,000 interviews with a diverse array of guests&mdash;celebrities, CEOs, community leaders, and everyday people with extraordinary stories. Each episode offers a blend of faith, personal growth, perseverance, and hope, fostering a space where listeners can find clarity and rediscover their purpose.
Whether you&rsquo;re seeking inspiration, innovative ideas, or a moment of peace in a busy world, "I Am Refocused Radio" invites you to refocus your mind and embrace a life aligned with meaning and authenticity. Tune in to join this global community and hear the stories that connect us all.

I Am Refocused Podcast

I Am Refocused Radio provides a space that welcomes people to speak freely about real life experiences through various platforms to engage and encourage those who are looking to find their purpose.