When motivational speaker and expert climber Manley Feinberg sat down with Henry DeVries for UC San Diego’s Osher Author Talk, he brought more than tales of adventure—he brought a message about leadership, responsibility, and what it means to be truly anchored in life. In the conversation, Feinberg recounts a pivotal climb in 2022 on Yosemite’s El Capitan, where what began as a high-stakes challenge with his son and a friend turned into a life-or-death crisis on the face of the mountain.
Feinberg describes the scene vividly: “You are 1,000 feet up in the air, and you’re going to spend the night on the edge of the cliff.” That night, a fellow climber became dangerously hypothermic, and the trio had to act quickly to save his life. Suspended on a portaledge thousands of feet above ground, Feinberg and his son relied not only on their equipment but on years of trust, training, and teamwork. “When anchors fail, people die,” he said, explaining that this is true both in climbing and in life.
This dramatic moment is just one example of how Feinberg uses mountain climbing as a metaphor for personal and professional development. From his corporate roots at Build-A-Bear Workshop to his career as a speaker and author of Reaching Your Next Summit, Feinberg encourages people to “lead with courage” and build “belaytionships”—a term he coined to describe the deep connections and mutual support that mirror the climbing technique of belaying.
Throughout the interview, Feinberg shares how the lessons from climbing—risk assessment, clear communication, and anchored relationships—can empower individuals and teams to thrive under pressure. His story is a reminder that we all face cliffs in life, and having the right anchors—people, principles, and preparation—can make the difference between falling and reaching the summit.
Whether you’re scaling a rock face or navigating everyday challenges, Feinberg’s experience offers a compelling perspective: life’s most transformative moments often occur on the edge. And with the right mindset, even the most daunting ascents become opportunities for growth and connection.