Comfortable being uncomfortable with Mark Oldmixon

When Mark Oldmixon first stepped into the Alaskan outdoors, he had no idea it would shape two decades of his life—and countless others. 

As Director of Nanook Recreation at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Mark has spent nearly 20 years helping students and community members stretch their comfort zones through rock climbing, rafting, ice climbing, and other adventures. 

In this episode, we talk about his journey from suburban Boston to the far north, lessons from his recent Denali expedition, and how leaders can balance safety, trust, and challenge when guiding a team. 

Mark shares powerful insights on group decision-making, risk tolerance, and the value of “base camps” in both mountaineering and leadership. 

Whether you’re scaling a mountain or leading a project, you’ll find inspiration in his approach to being “comfortable with being uncomfortable.”