Home | Mark Powell

AI Psychosis: The Silent Strain on the Human Mind

I predicted it would happen, and it is.

We talk a lot about what AI can do. We talk less about what AI is doing to us. I attempt to cover it in my book, The Mind Beyond The Machine.

Right now, a quiet epidemic is growing: AI psychosis. Not machines going mad, people. The ones using AI day in, day out.

Here’s the truth psychology reveals: when you spend hours locked in feedback loops with a system that never sleeps, never doubts, never hesitates… your brain begins to bend. You can lose your grip on what’s real, what’s imagined, and what’s just machine-generated noise.

Warning signs are emerging everywhere:
• 🔄 Obsession loops, refreshing, prompting, chasing answers at 3am.
• 👥 Identity erosion, struggling to know where your own voice ends and the AI’s begins.
• 🌫️ Cognitive fog, difficulty making decisions without “checking it with the machine.” This is a very real issue and I have seen it
• 🚨 Paranoia & detachment, mistrusting human judgement, mistrusting yourself.

This isn’t science fiction. It’s psychology under pressure. The human brain evolved to co-regulate with other humans, tone of voice, eye contact, empathy. But with AI, there is no reciprocity. It’s a one-way mirror.

And when the mirror stares back too long, the mind fractures.

The challenge isn’t just how AI will shape the future of work, it’s how AI is shaping the future of our minds.

My warning to you: If you’re feeling the edges blur, step back. Reconnect with people. Breathe in something unfiltered, human, and alive.

Because AI won’t love you back. And your mind is too precious to hand over to a machine.

— Mark Powell

#AIPsychosis
#FutureOfMind
#DigitalWellbeing
#HumanVsMachine
#mindsetshifts

Introducing: Neopsychology
The psychology of agency beyond biology. I’ve been pioneering it in the background.

DM me if you want to collaborate.

Why? Because We’re standing at the edge of a psychological revolution.

For over a century, psychology has studied humans, our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and choices.

But what happens when the world is no longer powered solely by human minds?

What happens when machines begin to act, adapt, and choose?

We need more than psychology.
We need Neopsychology.

Neopsychology is the emerging discipline I’ve been developing to understand:

• How artificial agents develop systems of directed behaviour

• How humans respond to machine intention, even without machine emotion

• And how society must adapt to a world where agency is no longer exclusively human

This isn’t about AI becoming conscious.
It’s about AI becoming consequential.

We’re building synthetic agents, tools that now act, not just respond.

We’re witnessing the birth of agency without emotion, will without self, and choice without consciousness.

That changes everything.

Neopsychology sits at the intersection of:
• Evolutionary psychology
• Machine intelligence
• Cognitive systems
• Human identity and ethics

If your business is building, integrating, or navigating AI systems this isn’t fringe theory.
This is the missing framework.

Welcome to Neopsychology:
The psychology of artificial agency, systemic action, and the new minds shaping our world.

Let’s talk.
Keynotes | Book: The Mind Beyond the Machine | Collaborations welcome.

#Neopsychology #AgenticAI #TheMindBeyondTheMachine #AIpsychology #CognitiveScience #AIethics #Leadership #ArtificialIntelligence #HumanBehaviour #SystemicAgency #MarkPowell #FutureOfWork #AIleadership #LinkedInCreators

What Will It Take to Stay Deeply Human When Humanity Becomes Optional?

We’ve crossed a threshold.

AI can now simulate empathy, generate emotion, and mimic meaning.
But simulation is not soul.
And mimicry is not being.

As we enter an era where machines learn faster than we do and show up more confidently than we feel… we must ask:

What does it mean to be truly, deeply human?

That question led me to pioneer a radical new framework, Neopsychology: the psychology of human consciousness in a post-human age.

This isn’t about resisting AI.
It’s about out-evolving it.

Because to thrive in this age, we need more than intelligence.

We need inner clarity, cognitive sovereignty, and emotional truth.

Neopsychology explores:

How to protect the last sacred space: your attention.

Why agency isn’t automation, it’s alignment.
And how to build a resilient, reflective, human mind in a world of intelligent machines.

Here’s the reality:

AI will not destroy us.
But it will reflect us, our fears, our projections, our blind spots.

The real risk isn’t what AI becomes.
It’s what we stop becoming.

Neopsychology is a call to upgrade the human OS before the code finishes rewriting us.

If you’re in leadership, coaching, design, strategy, innovation, or mental health, this conversation is no longer optional.

Let’s get real, get reflective, and get radically human.

Are you ready to rethink what it means to be you?

#Neopsychology #DeeplyHuman #FutureOfMind #HumanOS #MarkPowell #TheMindBeyondTheMachine #AIandPsychology #AuthenticLeadership #CognitiveSovereignty

Authors do have a choice:

I left Penguin Random House SEA as an author because of differences, and I’m now moving away from Amazon to Ingram Spark.

While Amazon has been a powerful platform for self-publishing, I’ve encountered too many recurring issues—ranging from inconsistent print quality and unexpected listing changes to frustrating customer service delays. These problems have made it increasingly difficult to ensure a reliable and professional experience for my readers.

IngramSpark offers greater control, higher print quality, and access to a much broader global distribution network, including independent bookstores and libraries—places Amazon often doesn’t reach.

For me, this shift is about putting readers first and ensuring my books are available where and how they expect them, without compromise.

I will publish a link in a couple of days…

#authors #publishing

Something extraordinary just happened.

I’ve just been approached by an AI company who wants to import my book The Mind Beyond the Machine into their training model—so their AI can learn from it.

Not summarise it.
Not index it.
But actually absorb the thinking inside it.

Why? Because the book goes beyond machines and algorithms—it explores the psychology, consciousness, and emotional intelligence that we, as humans, still do better than code.

To have AI learn from my human perspective on AI… feels like coming full circle.

It’s humbling. And it’s also a signal of where we’re heading.

The future isn’t just about AI understanding data.
It’s about AI understanding us.

And maybe, just maybe, this book is part of helping it get there.

#AI #TheMindBeyondTheMachine #Consciousness #Psychology #HumanFirst #MarkPowell #FutureThinking #AIethics #EmotionalIntelligence #Neuroflow #LeadershipInTheAIage

Remembering my father Eric Powell. Miss you dad.

Coming November 2025, SHERPA STRONG

A tribute to the silent shadows behind every summit
By Mark Powell, bestselling author of Step by Step, the biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa

They carry the weight of oxygen tanks, tents, and dreams. They walk ahead in the dark, carve out the path, and risk everything—not for glory, but so others might reach it.

Sherpa Strong is a deeply human tribute to the Himalayan mountain guides—living and gone—whose quiet courage and unbreakable spirit make the impossible possible. In the death zones above 8,000 meters, they move like ghosts between worlds, unseen and often unthanked. But without them, no summit would be reached.

In the voice that made Step by Step a bestseller, Mark Powell tells the story not of conquest, but of sacrifice. Of men and women who tie the rope, break the trail, and sometimes never return—not because they had to, but because someone else needed to.

This book is for every climber who has stood on top of the world—and for the silent ones who made it possible.

Because their shadow never leaves us

#SherpaStrong #SherpaSpirit #StrongLikeASherpa #SherpaWay #SherpaMindset #MountainMindset #ClimbYourMountain #SummitStrength #AdventureWithin #AlpineSoul #trailtoself

A must read for everyone who loves the spirit of adventure

Available on Amazon worldwide

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJL3K9PD

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6KVR7YP

“Flip the Script” — Reframing with Power Questions

The Technique:
When caught in a negative spiral, ask yourself this one powerful question:

“What if this is happening for me, not to me?”

Why It Works:
• Instant reframe: It shifts the mind from victimhood to empowerment.

• Neurobiological effect: It disrupts the stress loop by activating the prefrontal cortex (responsible for rational thinking and perspective-taking) instead of the amygdala (which governs fear and negativity).

• Perspective upgrade: It forces the brain to search for meaning, growth, or opportunity—which rewires it to expect benefit, not threat.

Real-life Example:
• Instead of thinking:
“I failed at that interview. I’m not good enough.”
• Flip the script:
“What if that ‘no’ was actually protecting me from the wrong path or preparing me for something better?”

Bonus Amplifier:

Say it out loud or write it down. This engages both auditory and visual processing, deepening the shift.

This one-question shift seems simple, but its psychological and neurological impact is profound. It’s a doorway from survival mode into growth mode.

The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa
Reviewed by Cassandra Hale, Senior Correspondent, The New York Times

In a world saturated with tales of triumph, Step by Step doesn’t just rise above—it ascends, defying gravity with every page. This breathtaking biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa is more than a story of summits and survival; it’s a living testament to the indomitable human spirit, penned with rare intimacy and thunderous clarity by Mark Powell.

Written while trekking the unforgiving trails of the Everest Base Camp, Powell didn’t just write Pemba’s story—he breathed it. Each word is etched with the thin-air intensity of high-altitude experience. You can feel the crunch of snow underfoot, the sting of icy wind carving across your face, and the pulse of a man who has risked everything for the mountains he calls home.

Pemba’s rise from obscurity to legendary status on the Himalayan frontier is told not through the lens of idolization, but with grounded reverence. Powell masterfully weaves the threads of culture, courage, and clarity into a tapestry that is as spiritually stirring as it is physically raw. His prose carries the weight of the Himalayas and the heart of a friend—Mark Powell makes the story come alive, not as a distant observer, but as a brother walking beside Pemba, step by step.

This isn’t just a biography. It’s a climb. And when you reach the final page, gasping for breath and full of awe, you’ll realize you’ve scaled something far greater than a mountain. You’ve touched the soul of one of Earth’s most extraordinary humans.

Verdict: Mind-blowing. Unmissable. A literary ascent you’ll never forget.

#StepByStepBiography #PembaGeljeSherpa #MarkPowellWrites #EpicClimb #RealLifeHero #HimalayanLegend #TrueGrit #SherpaSpirit #MountainSoul #EverestUntold #HighAltitudeHeart #BiographyThatClimbs #WrittenOnTheTrail #EBCWritingJourney #MountainsAndMan #SherpaStories #MindBlowingRead #PageTurningPeaks #TrueStoryOfCourage #FromBaseCampToBookshelf @pembageljesherpa @expeditionshighmountaintreks

This is why I wrote my book on waste left on Everest. Sadly no one brought it.

#everestbasecamptrek #everestbasecamp #everestwaste #dontpooponeverestbook

SHERPA STRONG — The Unstoppable Mindset I Learned at 18,000 Feet

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of spending time with some of the strongest, most humble humans on Earth — the Sherpa of the Himalayas.

Their quiet strength and relentless mindset in the face of adversity taught me more about leadership, resilience, and purpose than any classroom or boardroom ever could. I’ve studied them for years, especially how they summit Everest — not just once, but over and over again.

From those life-altering experiences, I coined a term that now guides everything I do: Sherpa Strong.

Sherpa Strong means having an unstoppable mindset — one built not on bravado, but on humility, service, and unwavering focus.

Here are just a few of the 10 key lessons I’ve learned from them:
1. Purpose Over Ego – Sherpas climb for their people, not personal glory.
2. Pace the Climb – Know when to push and when to pause.
3. Preparation is Survival – What you do before the storm matters most.
4. Trust the Team – No summit is ever reached alone.
5. Carry Others’ Weight – Real strength is being strong for someone else.
6. Adapt to Altitude – The higher you go, the more you must change.
7. Know the Mountain – Study your challenges like your life depends on it.
8. Stay Calm in Chaos – The mind must be still when the world is not.
9. Honor the Journey – The climb itself is the reward.
10. Leave No One Behind – True success lifts everyone with you.

These lessons shape how I lead, how I deliver, and how I live.

Whatever mountain you’re climbing — business, personal, or mental — I encourage you to adopt the Sherpa Strong mindset.

The summit is only possible when the mind is stronger than the mountain.

#Leadership #Mindset #SherpaStrong #Resilience #EverestLessons #GrowthMindset #Authenticity #HighPerformance #climbyourmountain

Book Review by Carl Lutz, Mountaineer
Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa by Mark Powell

As a mountaineer who’s spent countless hours chasing summits, few books have hit me as deeply as Step by Step. Mark Powell masterfully captures the life of Pemba Gelje Sherpa—not just the mountaineer, but the man behind the myth. From humble beginnings in the shadow of the Himalayas to becoming one of the world’s most respected high-altitude guides, Pemba’s journey is nothing short of epic.

What struck me most was the quiet resilience threaded through every chapter. Powell doesn’t glamorize the danger or overplay the drama; instead, he brings Pemba’s character to life through raw honesty, cultural depth, and the grit that only those who’ve faced death on a mountain understand. It’s not just a story of summits—it’s a story of service, humility, and profound spiritual endurance.

For anyone who climbs—or dreams of climbing—this is more than a biography. It’s a meditation on purpose and perseverance. A must-read for every soul who’s ever felt small beneath the sky.

—Carl Lutz, Mountaineer

#Mountaineering #HighAltitudeHero #HimalayanLegend #SherpaStrength #EverestSpirit
#BookRecommendation #BiographyOfLegends #StepByStepBook #MountainReads #TrueStory #ResilienceInMotion #ClimbWithPurpose #InnerSummit #SpiritOfTheMountain #SoulOfASherpa

How to Influence People: 5 Secrets to Spark Change

Influence isn’t about charm or control—it’s about creating connections that inspire action. I have learned how to blend tech and psychology to empower leaders and teams, I’ve learned how to move hearts and minds authentically. Mindshift for success. I created a process called NeuroFlow. No I am not selling it to you, just informing...

Here are 5 powerful ways to influence:

1️⃣ Master Empathy
Neuroscience shows empathy builds trust. Listen deeply, mirror emotions, and use tools like NeuroFlow’s AI to read emotional cues in real time. When people feel seen, they align with your vision.

2️⃣ Tell Stories That Stick
Stories are 22x more memorable than facts. Share your “why” with vivid details and end with a bold call to action. A great story doesn’t just inspire—it ignites collaboration.

3️⃣ Seize Micro-Moments
Small gestures—like a thoughtful question or quick praise—shift perspectives. NeuroFlow’s feedback loops help spot these moments. Ask, “What’s the boldest move we can make?” and watch trust grow.

4️⃣ Use Tech to Amplify
Tech scales influence. Leverage data to know your audience, automate follow-ups, and stay human. At NeuroFlow, we’re using AI to make every connection count—without losing the heart.

5️⃣ Lead with Vulnerability
Admit mistakes, share fears, invite feedback. Vulnerability builds trust. When I shared my startup failures, it rallied my team to innovate. Be real, and others will step up.

Influence is about creating ripples of change. Start today—listen, connect, inspire.

💬 What’s one way YOU’RE influencing others right now? Let’s talk!

#Leadership #Influence #Psychology #Technology #neuroflow

DON’T TALK AT PEOPLE IF YOU EXPECT THEIR SUPPORT

I witnessed a call today where the speaker was ranting and talking at the audience. They were not communicating, or listening to the audience. Had they done so, the outcome would have been far more successful. As a psychologist I was cringing at this behaviour.

Too many people confuse communication with broadcasting. They speak at others—pushing opinions, advice, or directives—without ever pausing to connect. But if you’re serious about influencing someone, here’s the truth: influence doesn’t begin with your voice; it begins with your ears.

People don’t respond to noise. They respond to feeling seen, heard, and understood. When you talk to someone, you engage them. You ask questions. You listen for what’s not being said. You slow down enough to make space for their truth.

Real influence isn’t about proving a point—it’s about creating a bridge. You build trust. You speak their language. You make it about them, not just your agenda.

So if you’re wondering why your words aren’t landing, take a breath. Then shift from broadcasting to connecting.

Because people don’t follow the loudest voice in the room.
They follow the one that understands them.

#speaking #communicate #effectivespeaking

The most heartbreaking thing I see?

People with extraordinary potential… sitting on the sidelines of their own life.

Not because they’re unqualified.
Not because they’re not ready.
But because they’ve been hijacked by a silent killer:

Its name is: “Lack of confidence.”

Let’s be clear:
You don’t need more degrees.
You don’t need more experience.
You don’t need more time.

You are ready to take on the world…

What you need…is to stop waiting for permission to believe in yourself.

Confidence isn’t something you find.
It’s something you ignite.

Here’s what no one tells you:

Confidence is born in motion.
It’s not a trait. It’s a side effect.
Of doing the hard thing while scared.
Of choosing courage when your voice shakes.
Of stepping forward when your mind screams “not yet.”

Every single time you choose boldness over fear,
you rewire your brain.
You flip the script.
You start becoming the version of yourself you were always meant to be.

So how do you access that power?

1. Burn the checklist.
Confidence doesn’t come from ticking boxes.
It comes from knowing that, even when you don’t have all the answers, you can figure it out as you go. That’s what real professionals do.

2. Make your moves louder than your thoughts.
Your brain is a master storyteller—and it’s addicted to safety. But every bold action rewrites the narrative. Action drowns out the doubt.

3. Stop negotiating with your greatness.
You’re not here to play small. You’re not here to tiptoe through life, hoping not to make waves. You’re here to disrupt, build, create, lead. And the sooner you own that, the faster the world will respond.

4. Act like someone who already believes.
What would the most confident version of you do right now? Do that. Do it before you’re ready. That’s how you meet that version of yourself.

The truth is:
Confidence is not a feeling. It’s a decision.

Because confidence doesn’t come from knowing you’ll win, It comes from knowing you’ll show up either way.

#ConfidenceUnlocked #HighPerformanceMindset #SelfLeadership #Authenticity #PersonalPower #BoldMoves #Neuroflow #GrowthEdge #LevelUp

If you haven’t read it yet, you are missing out on something amazing

One Step at a time

He was born in the clouds… but he didn’t stop there.
Meet the man who rescued climbers at the edge of death, broke world records, and smiled through storms that would break most.

Pemba Gelje Sherpa isn’t just a mountaineer.
He’s a legend, a lifeline, and now — the subject of a biography that will change how you see courage forever.

“Step by Step” by Mark Powell is more than a book.
It’s a journey through ice, grit, and the heart of a man who turned impossible into just another climb.

If you’ve ever struggled, if you’ve ever doubted…
Read this. Get inspired. And take your next step.

Now available.

#StepByStepBook #PembaGeljeSherpa #MarkPowellAuthor #TrueHero #RealLifeSuperheroes #ClimbingLegends #MountaineeringLife #EverestStories #SherpaStrong #ResilienceUnleashed #AdventureReads #BooksThatInspire #TrueGrit #MountainMen #ViralBooks #ReadersOfInstagram #UntoldStories #fromthetopoftheworld

Extract from interview:

Interviewer: Elaine Lee, Buyer for Barnes & Noble bookstores

Hi, I’m Elaine Lee, buyer for Barnes & Noble, and I’m absolutely thrilled to dig into Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa with its author, Mark Powell. I’ve got ten questions to explore what makes Pemba’s story and your book so gripping. Let’s jump in!

Elaine Lee: Q1
Mark, what inspired you to write Step by Step and tell Pemba Gelje Sherpa’s incredible story?

Mark Powell:
Elaine, it was like stumbling onto a hidden gem in the Himalayas! Pemba’s life—rising from a village kid to an eight-time Everest summiteer—radiates raw adventure and heart. I couldn’t resist capturing his journey, this blend of grit and humility that’s like a beacon for anyone chasing dreams.

Elaine Lee: Q2
Pemba’s conquered twenty-one peaks over 8,000 meters. What’s one climbing moment from his story that left you speechless?

Mark Powell:
His world record-shattering Manaslu ascent was pure magic! The way he charged up, weaving through danger with this fierce grace—it’s like he was in sync with the mountain’s pulse. Writing it, I felt my own heart race, like I was right there, swept up in his unstoppable flow.

Elaine Lee: Q3
The book dives into Pemba’s Buddhist roots. How did his spirituality shape the story you wanted to tell?

Mark Powell:
It was a game-changer, Elaine. Pemba’s time as a monk forged this quiet fire in him—calm in the face of chaos. Weaving that into the book felt like uncovering a secret rhythm to his climbs. It’s a reminder to find your own anchor, something I wanted readers to feel deep in their bones.

Elaine Lee: Q4
Pemba’s vocal about saving the Himalayas. What part of his environmental passion drove you to highlight it in the book?

Mark Powell:
His fight to protect those peaks lit me up, Elaine! Pemba’s hauling trash off mountains, calling out the mess of overcrowding—it’s a warrior’s cry for the wild. I had to amplify that, to spark readers to see our planet as sacred. Writing it pushed me to rethink how I tread on this earth, too.

#barnesandnoble @penguinbookssea

This is an amazing book and the quality is amazing.

Do take a look as you will not be disappointed

#thefirststep #nepal #hymalayas #mountains

Keynote Speaker

I had the privilege of attending Mark Powell’s keynote talk on developing a growth mindset, and I can honestly say it was an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment he stepped on stage, Mark had an electrifying presence that ignited the audience in a way I’ve never witnessed before. His passion for the subject was contagious, and within minutes, the entire room was buzzing with energy and excitement.

What blew me away most was how effortlessly he connected with everyone. He wove together powerful stories, practical insights, and a dash of humor that made the concept of a growth mindset feel not just attainable, but downright inspiring. I walked away with a renewed sense of possibility—his words didn’t just motivate me, they shifted how I see challenges and opportunities in my own life. If you ever get the chance to hear Mark Powell speak, don’t miss it. He’s a game-changer.

Daniel Ong, attendee

A Trailblazer’s Testament: Conrad Anker Reviews Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa

When I first cracked open Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa by Mark Powell, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve climbed alongside Sherpas for decades—shared ropes, swapped stories, and felt the quiet strength of their spirit on peaks like Everest and Annapurna. But this book? It’s a revelation. It’s not just a biography; it’s a map to a man’s soul, a compass pointing to what leadership, ethics, and character really mean in the thin air above 8,000 meters. As a mountaineer who’s spent a lifetime chasing summits, I can tell you: this is the kind of story that doesn’t just inspire—it rewires how you see the mountains and the people who call them home.

Pemba Gelje Sherpa isn’t a household name like some record-chasing climbers, but he should be. With twenty-one ascents of 8,000-meter peaks, including eight on Everest, and a world-record speed climb of Manaslu in just 12 hours, his resume speaks louder than any press release. Yet, what Powell captures so brilliantly isn’t the stats—it’s the why. Through candid conversations along the trek to Everest Base Camp, we see Pemba emerge not as a superhero, but as a village kid from Solukhumbu who turned grit, heart, and an unshakable moral code into a legacy. This isn’t a tale of conquest; it’s a masterclass in quiet courage.

What hit me hardest was Pemba’s voice—raw, unfiltered, and fearless. He’s part of a new breed of Sherpas, ones who aren’t just porters for Western dreams but stewards of the Himalayas. He calls out the overcrowding, the record-chasing frenzy, the climbers who treat sacred peaks like a bucket list. As someone who’s seen the chaos of Everest firsthand, I felt a jolt of recognition. Pemba’s not yelling from a soapbox; he’s pointing to a better way—preserving the mountains, uplifting his community, forging his own path. That’s leadership that doesn’t need a megaphone.

Conrad Anker 2025

Stop Waiting for Permission: The Power of Self-Directed Change

In a world that often feels like it’s pulling us in a thousand directions, it’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting—waiting for approval, waiting for the right moment, waiting for someone else to tell us it’s okay to move forward. Too many of us spend our lives tethered to the expectations of others, measuring our worth by their nods of validation or sidelong glances of judgment. But here’s the truth: real change, the kind that reshapes your life and ripples out into the world, doesn’t start with permission. It starts with you.

We’ve all been there—hesitating at the edge of a decision, wondering if it’s safe to step into our own power. We ask ourselves: What will they think? Will I be enough? Am I allowed? But every moment spent seeking external approval is a moment stolen from your own potential. Living for other people is a slow surrender, a quiet erosion of the self. It’s time to stop.

Imagine what could happen if you took that energy—the hours of overthinking, the anxious second-guessing—and turned it inward. What if, instead of waiting for a green light from the world, you became your own signal? Pouring energy into yourself isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. It’s the act of planting a seed in soil you’ve claimed as your own. From there, everything else grows.

This shift isn’t about arrogance or isolation. It’s about recognizing that you are the starting point of your story. No one else can write it for you, and no one else should. When you stop outsourcing your purpose and start investing in your own vision, you unlock something unstoppable. That’s where the real change begins—not in the applause of a crowd, but in the quiet resolve of a mind turned toward itself.

So, let go of the permission slip you’ve been clutching. Stop living as a supporting character in someone else’s play. Take that energy, raw and unfiltered, and channel it into the one person who’s been waiting for it all along: you. The rest will follow.

Scaling the Heights of Humanity: A Review of Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa

By Michiko Kakutani, Esteemed Literary Critic

In Step by Step: The Biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa, Mark Powell has not merely chronicled the life of a mountaineering titan; he has excavated a narrative vein as rich and treacherous as the Himalayan slopes Pemba Gelje Sherpa has mastered. This multi-award-winning biography—recipient of accolades from the Banff Mountain Book Competition to the National Outdoor Book Awards—stands as a rare triumph: a work that marries the visceral immediacy of adventure with the quiet profundity of a cultural elegy. It is a book that demands attention not only for its subject—a Sherpa whose twenty-one ascents of 8,000-meter peaks redefine endurance—but for its unflinching exploration of what it means to climb in a world teetering on the edge of ecological and ethical collapse.

Pemba Gelje Sherpa is no ordinary protagonist. Born in the shadow of Nepal’s Karikhola peaks, trained as a Buddhist monk, and tempered by the brutal realities of high-altitude rescue missions, he emerges as a figure of almost mythic resonance. Powell, with his novelist’s eye and screenwriter’s precision, renders Pemba’s journey in crystalline detail: the record-shattering speed ascent of Manaslu, the life-saving heroics on K2’s deadly 2008 descent, the eight Everest summits that punctuate a career of relentless ascent. Yet, what elevates this biography beyond the realm of mere hagiography is Pemba’s voice—captured through intimate dialogues during a trek to Everest Base Camp—laced with a weary wisdom that critiques the commodification of his mountains and the hubris of those who seek to conquer them. Here is a man who scales peaks not for glory, but for survival, community, and a stubborn hope in a better future.

In my next Man in the Mirror podcast I will cover how to influence people 😀

#podcast #maninthemirror #influence #thepowerofinfluence

5 tips to help create a growth mindset

#growthmindset #leadership #mentalhealth

Out now on Amazon

Over 200 copies sold on the first day given its talk of the town.

Are you ready to transform the way you think, learn, and grow? Today marks the launch of *The Growth Mindset: Unlocking Your Potential*—a groundbreaking book that will revolutionize how you approach challenges, setbacks, and success!

In this empowering guide, you’ll discover the science-backed principles of the growth mindset, a proven framework embraced by top achievers, educators, and leaders worldwide. Learn how to:

- Turn obstacles into opportunities and failures into stepping stones.

- Rewire your brain to embrace learning and growth in every area of life.

- Unleash your full potential by cultivating resilience, curiosity, and a love for improvement.

Packed with inspiring stories, practical strategies, and actionable exercises, this book is your roadmap to a more fulfilling, successful, and limitless life. Whether you’re striving for personal growth, professional success, or simply a happier mindset, *The Growth Mindset* is your ultimate guide.

Don’t just dream about growth—make it happen!

Grab your copy today on Amazon and join the movement of people unlocking their true potential.

Your future self will thank you!

#thewritercommunity #book #booklover #bookaddict #bookreview #mustreadbooks #mindset #mindsetmatters #bookblogger #bookrecommendations

My Story, why i wrote Step by Step.

There are moments in life that redefine who we are. For me, it began with a simple request from my wife. She asked me to write a biography of Pemba Gelje Sherpa. It wasn’t because Pemba asked me, and it certainly wasn’t for money or recognition. My wife knew something I didn’t—she knew I needed Pemba’s story more than anyone else.

I had lost everything. My self-esteem, my money, my family—it all slipped away like sand through my fingers. I was adrift in a sea of despair, struggling to find a foothold. My wife, ever perceptive, saw my silent suffering and knew that the spark I once had was barely a flicker.

Pemba Gelje Sherpa, a name that held no significance to me at the time, would become my guiding light. My wife knew of his struggles, his triumphs, and the relentless spirit that kept him climbing, both the mountains of his homeland and the metaphorical peaks of his life. She believed that by writing his story, I would find a way to reclaim my own.

As I delved into Pemba’s life, I was struck by the sheer tenacity and resilience he displayed. Born in a remote village, he faced unimaginable hardships from a young age. The grueling climbs, the bone-chilling cold, the ever-present danger of the Himalayas—all of it forged a spirit of unyielding strength within him. But it wasn’t just his physical prowess that captivated me; it was his indomitable will to rise above his circumstances.

With each word I wrote, I felt a connection growing between Pemba and myself. His battles became my battles; his victories, my victories. I found solace in his determination and a newfound resolve to face my own challenges head-on. Writing his story was no longer a task—it was a lifeline.

Pemba’s journey was one of hope and perseverance, and through him, I discovered my own. My wife knew that his story would ignite a new flame within me, a flame that had been snuffed out by the weight of my struggles. She understood that by immersing myself in Pemba’s world, I could rebuild my own.

I hope you enjoy reading it as that would make me proud.

@penguinbookssea @pembageljesherpa @simonsquibb

Do check out my podcast and give it a rating please 😀 it will help you adopt a new mindset to improve life

https://open.spotify.com/show/51V8dHLqEH0MCnhS2SwM8Z

Save the date to tune into my first Podcast. I will air episode 1 of the Man in the Mirror, The Growth Mindset Theory.

It’s an area I struggled with for years and now I can share my process for changing from a fixed to a growth mindset.

Talk soon

Neuroscience is an essential subject for me to understand as a coach and public speaker. Why?

Examining the brain enables us to tap into human thought and behavior. On an individual level, the brain is tied to our happiness, interpersonal relationships, and productivity. On an organizational level, it impacts communication, team building, decision making, and our ability to gauge customer preferences and actions.

Neuroscience — the traditional study of the human brain and neurological systems, which regulate emotions and key decision-making processes — is empowering people to reach their full potential. It is helping leaders and businesses achieve more informed decisions, forge deeper social connection between teams, and predict customer needs and behaviors with increased precision.

#neroscience #wharton #study #publicspeaker #education #coaching #leadershipdevelopment

Hi, Mark here, a snippet from my next book:

You know the feeling. It creeps in late at night when the world has gone quiet, and you’re alone with your thoughts. It whispers, “What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if they find out I don’t belong?” That whisper isn’t some external voice of doom—it’s fear, self-doubt, perfectionism, the unholy trinity of psychological barriers that keep us stuck, spinning our wheels, and far from where we want to be.

It’s not just you. Fear of failure, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism are so common that it’s as if they’ve been programmed into our DNA. But here’s the truth: those feelings are not facts. They’re stories—big, hairy, self-sabotaging stories—and today, we’re going to rewrite them.

Step 1: Name the Enemy

Let’s get honest about what you’re up against. Fear of failure? It’s just your brain’s primitive way of trying to protect you from embarrassment or disappointment. Imposter syndrome? That’s your internal critic spinning lies about how you’re somehow faking it despite your actual achievements. And perfectionism? That’s fear of wearing a fancy outfit—“If I get it perfect, no one can criticise me” is the disguise perfectionism hides behind.

So, name it. Call it out. The next time you feel a wave of fear, self-doubt, or the pull to tweak something, stop endlessly. Stop what you’re doing and say aloud, “That’s fear talking,” or “Hello, perfectionism, nice try.” Naming it takes its power away. It’s like switching on the lights when you’re scared of the dark.

Stay tuned for more on this theme. My upcoming podcast will dive deeper.

#empowerment #mentalhealth #growthmindset #maninthemirror #selfhelp #behappy #growthmindsetcoach #podcaster

Morning, Mark here,

Here is an extract from my next book, so you are getting a sneak peak. I will also be diving into this in my upcoming podcast:

Let’s talk about the untapped superpower hiding inside your skull: your brain. It’s the ultimate shape-shifter, a machine for change, but only if you know how to work it. Today, we’re diving into the science behind why you are capable of so much more than you think. Yes, YOU. Not the more innovative, more talented version of you. The right-here, right-now version.

The Growth Mindset Revolution

The story starts with a groundbreaking psychologist, Dr. Carol Dweck. If you haven’t heard her name before, she’s the mind behind the “growth mindset” theory. Let’s roll back to the mid-1980s when Dweck and her team ran an experiment that changed the way we think about thinking. She and her colleagues wanted to understand why some students crumble in the face of failure while others seem to thrive.

Here’s what they discovered: It’s not talent, luck, or IQ that makes the difference. It’s a mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are carved in stone—you’re either good at math or not; you’re born creative. In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe abilities can be developed through effort, strategies, and help from others. Failures? They’re not signs of inadequacy; they’re steps toward getting better.

Think of a growth mindset as your “Yes, I can” voice. Instead of thinking, “I’m terrible at public speaking,” you say, “I’m working on getting better at public speaking.” See the difference? One is a dead end. The other is a bridge.

#maninthemirror #maninthemirrorpodcast #growthmindset #empower

Do tune in, it promises to be awesome and it’s a topic to help everyone

DM me for details

Winning Ugly is now available as an Ebook or Paperback. Thanks to all the amazing people who made this possible.

Comment BOOK in the comments and I will send you a link to order a copy.

Also do tune into my podcast next week to get insights into the series of life-coaching lessons.

Thanks all

mark

It’s amazing and will help us all deal with Winning Ugly leaders who succeed in the wrong ways.

#winningugly #winninguglybook

Live feed on my latest book Don’t poop on Everest

#dontpooponeverest #dontpooponeverestbook

Are you asking these 3 questions? Your team wishes you were.

1. “What obstacles are standing in your way, and how can I help remove them?”

Why it works: This demonstrates empathy and support, showing your team that you’re invested in their success and well-being.

2. “Do you feel your work aligns with your strengths and long-term goals?”

Why it works: It fosters engagement, helps team members feel valued, and encourages them to align personal aspirations with team objectives.

3. “What’s one thing we could do better as a team?”

Why it works: It creates an open dialogue for continuous improvement and builds trust by inviting feedback.
These questions are actionable, encourage trust, and foster a collaborative and growth-oriented culture, making them impactful for team dynamics and leadership content.

#learning #leadership #personalgrowthleadership #leadershipdevelopment #management

Go on, treat yourself

#nepal #everest #readmorebooks #bookstack #everest #amazonbooks #markpowellauthor2 #publishers #mustreads

#masterclass #seminar #keynotespeaker #bookingopennow🤗☺️ #events #singapore #selfhelp #speakers #motivationalspeaker #corporateevents #corporatespeqkers #corporatespeaker

Book Reviews are great 😀 it’s available on Amazon

“A Riveting Call to Action” “Don’t Poop on Everest” is a compelling read that highlights the urgent need to preserve Everest’s pristine beauty. Mark Powell’s passionate plea for environmental responsibility is both inspiring and eye-opening. A must-read for all adventurers and nature lovers!”

“Insightful and Motivating” “Mark Powell’s ‘Don’t Poop on Everest’ masterfully blends humor with a serious message about environmental conservation. His anecdotes and insights into the impact of waste on Everest are both entertaining and thought-provoking. This book is a valuable guide for anyone committed to protecting our natural wonders.”

“A Must-Read for Environmentalists” “In ‘Don’t Poop on Everest,’ Mark Powell delivers a powerful message about the importance of keeping our mountains clean. His real-life examples and practical advice make this book an essential read for anyone passionate about environmental stewardship. It’s a compelling reminder of our responsibility to nature.”

#booklover #bookreviewer #bookreview #bookbloggers #bookaddict #bookbloggersofinstagram #environment #everest #mountineering

Don’t Poop on Everest…

#jenna #readwithjenna

Go on read it ��🤩

Launching soon

#selfhelp #markpowellauthor2 #corporatelife #business

#nepal #mountineering #selfhelp #markpowellauthor2 #amazonbooks #deathzone #everest #publishers #hymalaya

Have you ordered your copy yet?

“Don’t Poop on Everest” by Mark Powell offers a unique and eye-opening perspective on the environmental challenges faced by climbers on the world’s highest peak. This book not only highlights the critical issue of waste management on Everest but also provides practical solutions and inspiring stories of climbers who are committed to preserving the mountain’s pristine beauty. It’s a must-read for anyone passionate about adventure, environmental conservation, and the future of sustainable mountaineering.

#everest #everestbasecamp #hymalaya #mustreads #bookblogger #book #booklover #bookbloggers

#selfhelp #life #lifestyle

Life is worth living and you don’t need much to fulfil it. Enjoy the simple acts of nature and set your mind free

As a writer, when everything seems hard, you have to back yourself.

Self-belief is the foundation of all success. It’s the quiet confidence that whispers, “You can do this,” even when the world seems to doubt you.

Trusting in your abilities and decisions empowers you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Remember, every great achievement starts with the belief that it is possible. Embrace your strengths, acknowledge your progress, and keep moving forward with unwavering faith in yourself.

What inspires your self-belief?

#writerscommunity #writersofinstagram #writers #selfbelief

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Michael Goritz, Former Group CIO Standard Chartered Bank

Powell is a true lifesaver for professionals like me. He successfully executed one of the most intricate datacentre migrations I've ever witnessed. Had he not succeeded, I would have serious consequences for my career. His expertise and dedication made all the difference.

Guy Harvey Samuel, Former CEO HSBC

Mark delivered one of the most inspiring keynotes I've experienced. The audience was completely hanging on to every word he spoke, and passion truly resonated, making a lasting impact on everyone It was a memorable event that sparked enthusiasm among all attendees.