Paige Finn DohertyFounding Partner, Behind Genius · Founding Partner at Behind Genius Ventures

What sparks joy for M13 Investing Partner Anna Barber?

7 May 2023 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:50

In this interview excerpt, M13 investing partner Anna Barber explains that being outdoors is what truly sparks joy for her. She recounts a transformative 96‑day National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) program she completed in her 20s across Wyoming and Utah, which included 30 days sleeping in an igloo and 60 days in the desert with food airdropped by helicopter. The experience led her to briefly consider leaving the corporate world to become a rock‑climbing instructor or camp counselor. Ultimately she stayed in her career, but she continues to find happiness by spending time on trails and in nature.

Chapters

Whether this is like in your role or just like in your life, what is sparking joy for you?
Well, the thing that sparks joy for me, honestly, is being outdoors. When I was in my 20s, I almost dropped out of life. I did a 96-day National Outdoor Leadership School course in Wyoming and Utah. I spent 30 days sleeping in an igloo. So cool. And 60 days out in the desert. You know, we had food airdropped into us on a helicopter. I mean, we were really out there. And I gave some thought to not reentering the work world and going and being a rock climbing instructor or a camp counselor or something. So obviously I didn't take that path. But, you know, what really brings me joy is just being outdoors, being out on the trail, especially now. It's so beautiful.