Juan Carlos Castaños

Job Title:
Product Helpdesk

Why do you want to climb Mt Kilimanjaro?
It is a great project to raise money for a good cause. The climb is also a physical challenge that involves a lot of preparation and training and it will be a big learning and development experience. I have never been to Africa and this is a perfect opportunity to do it.

What has been the most challenging thing about this initiative so far?
The preparation: you have to think on many things before the trip: vaccinations, visa, travel insurance, training, kit… Fortunately we had a few months to think about everything, but still lots of thing to do.

What is the most interesting thing you have learned about yourself so far?
I have learned that you need to leave your comfort zone and do new things. It is the best way to learn and grow.

How are you raising your UNICEF funds?
I am telling everyone I know about the challenge and I ask them to give some money for a good cause if they can. Also we organized in the office a few sweepstakes during the World Cup to raise money.

If there was going to be a Kilimanjaro playlist for your climb, what song would you choose?
She Taught Me How to Fly, by Noel Gallagher, it is a great song for working out.

What luxury are you planning on taking up the mountain with you?
A digital camera to take plenty of photos while climbing.

Is there anything you are ‘dreading’?
Nothing in particular: the physical challenge, the altitude, the cold weather… It’s better not to think about any of that.

What are you looking forward to most?
To reach the summit with all my teammates and take a group photo. I believe we can do it!