About Hazel

Hazel Findlay has been climbing for 29 of her 35 years, and started out trad climbing on the limestone sea cliffs of Pembrokeshire, Wales. In her youth, she was a competitive climber - she was the British junior champion six times - but at age sixteen, she decided to give it up to focus on professional rock climbing.

Hazel was the first woman to climb a British trad route at E9 and the first British woman to sport climb 8c and free El Capitan in Yosemite, which she has now done four times. She has put up first ascents in many countries worldwide including big walls in Greenland. Hazel has also redpointed 9a (5.14d) sport and 14c/8c+/E10/11 trad, loves all types of climbing, from bouldering to alpine climbing and is especially interested in the mental challenge that climbing evokes.

This interest in psychology lead her to train as a coach so she could help others with their mindset and mental-management. Hazel specialises in helping people overcome fears and limitations so they can focus on the task at hand and perform at their best. In an effort to expand her coaching reach Hazel has started a company called Strong Mind which has three online courses and an online community along with other coaching/training products.

Hazel also works beyond the climbing community as a speaker and corporate coach/trainer. Hazel speaks and teaches on mindset, resilience, fear management and workplace flow at a broad range of workplaces in-person and online. She uses inspiring imagery from her climbing achievements and adventures, which makes her talks compelling and inspiring.

She also runs The Strong Mind Podcast and The Strong Mind Youtube Channel

Coaching AND ONLINE COURSES

Hazel has always been interested in the psychology of climbing: how climbing can affect our psychology and how our mindset affects climbing performance. She has started a company called Strong Mind which aims to help climbers and other performers build a strong mind for what they love most.

Corporate
Coaching

Hazel has noticed that all the tools she has learnt for managing her fears and performing at her best are transferable to any kind of performance or challenging situation. Many of us are challenged to perform at work - whether this is pitching an idea, giving a presentation or going for a job interview - and we could benefit from some tools and changes in mindset to be at our best in important moments.

Speaking

Hazel loves sharing stories from her adventures because they provide a unique opportunity to communicate important lessons regarding her favourite subject: psychology. Hazel does this through engaging, entertaining and thought provoking storytelling that leaves audiences excited and motivated to think about their own challenges differently.

SPONSORS

Hazel is proud to be supported by brands she trusts. Her main sponsors are Black Diamond and La Sportiva. Hazel is an ambassador for the charity Urban Uprising who empower at risk youth through climbing and Climb Aid.