The Summit Within

“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” Sir Edmund Hillary (Mt Everest Pioneer)

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The Summit Within weaves humor, heart, and high-altitude adventure into a story for all ages.

High in the peaks of Mexico lies Izta Volcano—but for Maria, the real mountain she must conquer lives within her heart.

As she steps into her first leadership role at New Horizons, Maria believes mastering new skills will be enough. But when her team’s training takes them to the snow-packed summit of Izta, 17,160 feet closer to the stars, she discovers that authentic leadership begins where her carefully constructed identity ends.

Between thin air and thinner margins for error, Maria confronts the hidden heart struggles she’s been avoiding: self-doubt, shame, and the constant whisper that she’s not enough. As unexpected storms gather and team conflicts surge, she faces a choice—keep trying to prove herself or embrace the grace of being perfectly imperfect.

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What Others Are Saying About The Summit Within:

A powerful, insightful, captivating, informative, and accessible leadership story
The heart of leadership is a leader’s heart. Steve tells that story well.
Each chapter of The Summit Within made me want to keep reading! I was sad when the book ended.
Leaders of all kinds will find opportunities to reflect as they read, discovering deeper self-awareness and powerful skills for influencing and leading. More than anything, they will find hope—the hope of life-changing growth and positive contributions that can result from their unique gifts.
The characters and their real-life dilemmas ring true for anyone leading a team.
“The Summit Within” is a masterful work of storytelling that brings vivid landscapes and richly developed characters to life. Steve’s evocative descriptions create a world that feels deeply familiar, yet layered with profound and impactful themes. The book takes readers on a dynamic journey—it’s lighthearted and humorous, sparking laughter; it’s colorful and creative, igniting the imagination; and it’s deeply moving, inspiring moments of introspection and personal growth. This is a story that will entertain, uplift, and leave a lasting impression.