The First German Woman To Scale Everest & To Complete The Adventures Grand Slam & Former Fashion Editor for Vogue

Helga Hengge is an acclaimed mountaineer, author, and motivational keynote speaker, best known as the first German woman to successfully climb both Mount Everest and the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each continent. Her remarkable achievements on some of the world’s most dangerous and challenging terrains symbolise courage, resilience, and peak performance. Beyond her climbing triumphs, Helga has inspired thousands through her books and keynote speeches, where she translates the lessons of endurance, teamwork, and determination into powerful insights for personal and professional growth. She continues to be a globally respected voice on mental strength and achievement.

Helga began her career as a fashion journalist and later became an editor at Vogue, a role that gave her international exposure and experience in creative communication. From 1991 to 1995, she studied Film, Marketing and Philosophy at New York University, further developing the broad perspective that continues to inform her work today. Between 1991 and 2003, she worked successfully as a freelance writer, covering fashion, lifestyle and sports, which also sharpened her entrepreneurial and business skills.

In 1999, she became the first German woman to climb Mount Everest, and in 2004, she completed the Seven Summits, becoming the first German woman to achieve this distinction. Since 2000, she has been active on the professional speaking circuit, delivering keynote speeches to international companies including Airbus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, IBM, Siemens, McKinsey and Daimler. Her speeches focus on leadership, teamwork, resilience and performance, combining her experiences from mountaineering and business.

In 2018, she was appointed to the advisory board of Ms AI, an initiative supporting women in technology and artificial intelligence. Alongside her professional achievements, she has also contributed to social projects, including supporting the construction of a school in the remote Tibetan village of Tzombuk.

Helga is the author of ‘Mount Everest: Only The Sky Above’ and ‘Abenteuer Seven Summits’ (Adventure Seven Summits: Around the world over 7 mountains), both of which detail her gruelling yet rewarding journey of exploration. She has given interviews to various publications, news outlets, articles, and blogs, including Premium Medical Circle and AGEIST. Helga was also featured in Marc Cain’s 2019 ‘Mysterious Women’ campaign, championing confident, brave, and inspirational women in all fields.

Why Hire Helga Hengge?

Booking Helga for speaking engagements means securing an individual who will take audiences to those highest peaks, encouraging adventure and greatness in the face of challenges. Helga teaches listeners to trust their inner strength, overcome setbacks with enthusiasm, and keep climbing to the ascent. Drawing from her own experiences, she enlightens executives and senior leaders to the similarities between mountaineering and business management.

With talks delivered to a multitude of high-level organisations and conferences, including Adidas, WIN Conference, and the Bambi Awards, Helga is a master of inspirational speaking. Through her unique and exhilarating storytelling, she details the importance of fortitude, boldness, and bravery in both professional lives as well as personal endeavours.

To book Helga to speak at your event, call SpeakOut on +44 (0) 20 8914 8966. Alternatively, complete our contact form to begin your enquiry