Show Notes:

Jo’s Links:

• Ladies Weekend Out (website)
• Golden State Guiding (website)
• Jo’s instagram : www.instagram.com/jessielyse
• Jo’s Jess of All Trades Instagram: www.instagram.com/madebyjessofalltrades

Episode Intro:

Dear listeners of the Female Guides Requested Podcast. Happy Wednesday. This is your host Ting Ting, and I have been teaching and guiding in Pacific Northwest for the past month. I know you all have been waiting for another episode and I finally had a few rest days to edit this one out and present it to you!

Today’s guest is Jessica Olson. She often goes by her initials Jo. Born and raised in Southern California, Jo grew up traveling with her family and growing an appreciation for the outdoors. She was introduced to climbing through some college friends, and has been growing in the industry for over a decade. In 2016, Jo took an SPI Course and became a Single Pitch Instructor, where she went to work a summer in Alaska before moving to the PNW to grow more as a Rock Guide. She is now based in Bishop, CA, is an Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide, and runs the Ladies Weekend Out programs, facilitated through Golden State Guiding. These programs focus on gathering like minded women to learn foundational skills in setting oneself up for the adventures ahead.

I met Jo when I worked with her at one of the Ladies Weekend Out events in Red Rock this past spring. I was impressed by her enthusiasm, the way she connected with the group of women, and her philosophy of giving climbing instruction! During the interview, I had so much fun. Jo was a good story teller and had a great sense of humor. She is also a handyperson, and runs a side gig called Jess of All Trades! Now please enjoy the show.

Things We Talked about:

• Jo’s backstories – managing horses, youth climbing coach, outdoor guides, handyperson
• Transition from gym to outdoors – the initial goal to becoming a guide
• Inspired by great mentors – learned the philosophy of climbing instruction
• Facing the reality, insurance?
• A summer in Alaska
• From CA to AK to PNW to van
• Ladies Weekend Out (LWO) programs and events
• Jo’s roles in LWO
• Why do many women keep coming back to LWO?
• Jo’s passion project – mentormovement
• What kind of mentorship ideas? Any structure?
• How to make passion projects sustainable to avoid burn-outs?
• Mentor Movement within LWO?
• Needed help and encouraged guides of LWO to collaborate organically.