About Me

A journey that started with choosing the less conventional path, leading to places I never imagined possible. From Arctic expeditions to transformative coaching, each step has been about understanding what happens when we dare to push beyond our perceived limits.

Finding Purpose in the Cold

The first time I set foot in Svalbard, something clicked. Twelve years later, that feeling hasn't diminished - if anything, it's grown stronger. The Arctic represents more than just adventure; it's become a proving ground for what's possible when we choose the harder path.

During Covid, while battling anxiety and depression, I discovered something crucial: you can't think your way out of mental challenges. Action is the only way forward. That first day on the ice in March 2024 brought clarity - having something challenging to pursue helps quiet the internal voices. This understanding now shapes my approach to mental health coaching and how I help others navigate their own internal terrain.

Beyond Adventure

Whether I'm guiding life strategy sessions, supporting mental health journeys, or unlocking creative potential, everything comes down to being present and doing the work now. I believe there are only two versions of ourselves we typically focus on - who we were and who we want to be. The real transformation happens in the space between, in the present moment where growth occurs.

Every role I've held has centered on adding value to others' journeys. Through three distinct pathways - strategic life coaching, mental wellbeing, and creative expression - I help people navigate their own challenging terrains. Yes, there are times to hustle, but equally important are the moments of stillness where real insight emerges.

Looking Forward

The Greenland expedition terrifies me, and that's exactly the point. People need something to believe in, stories to inspire their own journeys. We live vicariously through others' stories until something clicks and we find the courage to start our own.

Someone once told me I'm exactly the same person online as I am in real life. In a world that often rewards performance over authenticity, I believe being genuinely yourself is not just important - it's essential. Whether I'm training for Arctic expeditions, coaching clients, or guiding adventures, my goal remains constant: add value to every interaction and show others what's possible when we dare to chase extraordinary dreams.

Because sometimes the hardest path leads to the best views. 

Gerry van der Walt - Arctic Expedition - Mindset & Performance Coach

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology - RAU
  • New Insights Life Coaching Certificate - New Insights
  • Exercise Science Course - Institute of Fitness Professionals
  • Personal Fitness Consultant Institute of Fitness Professionals
  • Pilates Instructor- Institute of Fitness Professionals
 
  • Level 3 Trails Guide - FGASA
  • Wilderness First Aid Course - Systematic Medical and Response Training
  • Digital Photography Course - New York Institute of Photography
  • Wildlife Photography Course - Wildlife Campus

WORK WITH ME

Explore these pathways to transformation – each reflects my personalized approach to helping you build genuine capability through clarity and challenge.

 "Growth rarely follows our prescribed paths. The courage to acknowledge this - to let your journey be as complex as it needs to be - often marks the beginning of real transformation. Your challenges are unique. Your path forward should honor that truth.".

BOOK A FREE PATHFINDER SESSION

A focused 45-minute conversation to explore whether we're the right fit for working together.

Gerry's Insights

These writings capture what I've learned at the edges of human experience - from Arctic expeditions to coaching transformations. They're not polished theories but practical insights from territory where comfortable certainties dissolve. I document these observations because the most valuable lessons often emerge in that raw space between established maps and uncharted possibility. Each post reflects my commitment to honest exploration rather than comfortable answers. My hope is that something here might serve as a useful reference point for your own journey beyond perceived limitations.