ABOUT CHUCK GARCIA
Author. Speaker. Professor. Mountaineer. Guide for the Climb Within.
Chuck is a best-selling author, Columbia University professor, mountaineer, and life elevation coach committed to helping people rise—personally and professionally. A leading expert in emotional intelligence and transformational leadership, Chuck’s books, keynotes, and workshops have empowered global executives, emerging professionals, and creative minds alike to communicate with purpose, lead with confidence, and reach new heights in work and life.
Trusted Voice. Proven Impact. Elevated Leadership.
With a distinguished career on Wall Street and a life shaped by the mountains, Chuck Garcia blends emotional intelligence, executive presence, Stoic philosophy, and nature’s wisdom to guide transformational growth. As the founder of Climb Leadership International, he has coached Fortune 500 executives, entrepreneurs, and rising leaders in high-stakes industries—helping them communicate with purpose, lead with confidence, and elevate their impact.
Chuck serves as a professor of Leadership Communication at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Engineering, where he bridges theory and practice to develop the next generation of purpose-driven innovators.
A 25-year veteran of Wall Street, he held senior leadership roles at Bloomberg, BlackRock Solutions, and Citadel. Today, Chuck brings the same focus and resilience to the world’s tallest peaks—having summited Kilimanjaro, Elbrus, the Matterhorn, and mountains across Alaska and the Andes. His mission is clear: to help others rise with clarity, courage, and conviction—both on the world’s peaks and the mountain within.
The second I heard Chuck speak, I knew I wanted to be wherever he was. He spoke articulately and with such passion that it inspired me to achieve things I never thought possible, including, but not limited to, landing a job at Google! Chuck helped me believe in myself; but not only me, I've witnessed Chuck inspire a wide diversity of people through his love and passion. Regardless of the subject matter, when you hear Chuck speak you can't help but be inspired - I challenge you to try not to be.