Adventure guide.(UNCOMMON IE)

THE TASK AT HAND: Not many individuals, let alone entire companies, can say that they've taken the challenge of climbing snow-covered mountains in Nepal, Tibet, Ecuador or Peru. However, if you cross Alex Villarreal's path, that just might change. Having directed 15 international expeditions as an organization development master for Universidad de Monterrey, Villarreal is determined to teach the corporate world how to enact its goals and play well with others through entering a zone where team development and strategic communication meet nature and adventure. More than 150 companies have participated in Villarreal's expeditions.

EVER THE IE: Logistics, time management and safety are key to a successful climb, says Villarreal. "My job and passion in life is to take people out of the comfort zone. Out there is where the big 'aha's' happen. It is great to hear leaders express what they learned from these experiences--many times in ways that I could have never imagined," he says. As Villarreal proclaims, learning and changing behavior is a lot more than moving in a straight line from A to B, and effectiveness in the workplace cannot be compromised by not following through with a promise or process. "Climbing to the top of Mount Everest was quite a challenge for me, but Mount Everest is just a pile of rocks and ice," adds Villarreal. "Organizations are people. People and their journey to their best is now the best challenge of my life."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

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