Martin Novak

Job Title:
Group Regional Managing Director

Why do you want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
It could be my prediction – especially in a year in which I celebrate both – my 50th birthday and my 30th Eurotax anniversary.

What has been the most challenging thing about this initiative so far?
I think I needed some time to get the attitude of a donation collector – to explain why and share details and confirm that the majority of the collected money will reach needy people. It is still challenging that Austrians use justgiving.com – this is not very common for AT people.

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself so far?
That Killi as a clear target motivates extremily to overcome the inner skunk (?). (to conquer one’s weaker self). So I go for a planned walk at almost every weather conditions. Even if it is dark already outside. This I would never do if it would not be the clear target to be in a best possible constitution without exceptions for three peaks and later for Kili.

How are you raising your UNICEF funds?
So far I collected at my celebrations this year – so in June at my birthday party. And in Austria when we celebrated my 30th anniversary with my colleagues and as well at our “office refurbishment house warming party” – where I prepared and sponsored completely (together with my wife Petra) Styrian specialities (ham and bacon) and a wooden barrel of beer.

If there was going to be a Kilimanjaro playlist for your climb, what song would you choose?
“Highway to hell” 🙂 – no this is a joke. But AC/DC is a favourite when I do fitness training. So perhaps: “It´s a long way to the top”.

What luxury are you planning on taking up the mountain with you?
Perhaps a book – “The Snows of Kilimanjaro” by Ernest Hemmingway – a birthday present of my dear friend Thomas Detela. 🙂

Is there anything you are ‘dreading’?
Not to much – but I have really respect of the cold in the higher regions of the mountain where we will spend the night in a tent.

What are you looking forward to most?
I am looking forward to reaching the top of Kili (Uhuru peak) and have a great view around during the sunrise.