[SPECIAL TEAM FEATURE] From Local Ground to the Wilderness: Our Head of Outdoors and Expedition Leader Trainee take on Beyond Limits for the first time
Hey Adventure Enthusiasts!
Hold onto your compasses because we're about to take you behind the scenes at Beyond Expeditions for a bit before the actual interview itself!
So, besides our game-changing Beyond Limits initiative, did you know that we've got TWO other action-packed arms of Beyond Expeditions too? Picture this: Scott and Fiza rocking the outbound expeditions scene, leading us to uncharted territories, while ground control in Singapore is managed by a dream team led by Shah, our Head of Outdoor Education. This team runs wild outdoor survival skills workshops, camps for international school students, corporate team-building shenanigans, and the occasional public run for the thrill-seekers!
Now, drumroll, please!
This recent charity expedition was EXTRA special because, for the first time ever, our Head of Outdoor Education, Shah, stepped into the role of an expedition leader instead of his usual ‘Head of Outdoors’! And guess what? Fiza, our fresh face in the Outdoor Education & Expedition Leader trainee squad, joined the party too!
So, strap in for a wild ride as we dive into Shah's unique perspective from the 'local ground' and witness Fiza's debut in the recent run of Beyond Limits expeditions (BL6). It's a blog interview like never before – double the departments, double the fun!
Let's get you reading Shah and Fiza’s transformation in BL6.
Let’s first get to know both of them better, shall we?
1.What is your role in Beyond Expeditions? Share more about what you do for your work.
Meet Shah, our Outdoor Maestro and Head of Wild Adventures at Beyond Expeditions. This guy practically runs the show for all things local – from recruiting and training our awesome crew to planning programs that'll make your school days jealous. He's the mastermind behind scouting out cool new campsites and dreaming up exciting new programs for the ultimate adventure.
But wait, there's more! Shah's not just your typical outdoorsy boss; he ‘moonlights’ as our local tour guide, showing you hidden gems like the Marsiling bunkers and the legendary Fort Serapong. And if that's not thrilling enough, he's also the guru behind our local survival courses. Because who wouldn't want to learn survival tips from the guy who can turn a stroll in the woods into an epic journey?
Fiza is also on the wild side of things here at Beyond Expeditions, donning two exciting hats – Outdoor Education (Junior Position) and Expedition Leader in training. She’s right there in the action with the main team when it comes to Outdoor Education facilitation too, alongside three fantastic trainers - Wani, Shah, and Maya.
Under the expert wing of Shah, Fiza is not just here as a ‘shadow’; she’s practically his sidekick in courses like 'Survival Skills Level 1/2/3', 'Marsiling Bunkers Tour', 'Serapong Tour', and family-focused events like 'Survivor Squad'. The goal? To prepare herself to lead these adventures with the same standards and ‘swag’ as Shah.
But that's not all – Fiza is also Scott's right-hand person, learning the ropes of being an Expedition Leader. From expedition planning brainstorms to getting her hands dirty in the actual expeditions (e.g this recent run of Beyond Limits!), Fiza’s soaking in every detail to better support Scott in the entire planning and execution process. So, whether it's mastering the art of Outdoor Ed or gearing up for the next big expedition, here’s Fiza, ready to make every adventure a memorable one!
2.Prior to BL6, what did you know about Beyond Limits expeditions?
Shah: “Honestly I didn't know much about the Beyond Limits expeditions before this run… This was not my area of specialization. I did help to conduct some training for previous participants and also joined in for the briefing etc. but that’s it.
So when I learned that I would be joining Beyond Limits 6, I read up a little more on Beyond Limits and found the entire expedition concept very interesting. The idea of raising awareness for different charity organisations by going on these expeditions sounded very meaningful to me.
It felt like a unique way of giving back to the community, not just by learning about their experiences but also by pushing beyond our human limits on these extraordinary trips. It's not just an adventure; it's a journey that goes beyond, both in the terrain we cover and the impact we create.”
Fiza: “Before the expedition (BL6) kicked off, my knowledge was purely from the articles written on the Beyond Expeditions ‘Blog’ page. I practically devoured every BL article I could find and binge-watched most of the BL IG Highlights too! Scott's updates and insights also played a crucial role in getting me mentally prepped. All these helped me a lot when I was curating the BL 6 Group Training Plan and Scenario-based activities.”
Now, let’s hear about how these two Outdoor experts experienced the trip.
3.What was one significant moment you had during this expedition?
Shah: “This is a more personal one for me.
We had just ended the 3rd day of the trek, and I was helping out with participants’ luggage, dinner, and several other tasks. I was then going from one Ger to another to disseminate crucial information for our morning plans. Once everything was done for the night, it was close to midnight. I stood outside my Ger and looked up; the stars were just… amazing.
Nothing quite like what i have ever seen in all my travels. Everything was perfect.
We may not have a shot of the exact night sky Shah is referring to, but here’s a shot of how the scene could have looked like.
It was pitch black (my torch wasn’t on), it was snowing lightly, the cold winds were blowing, and silence was everywhere. I was just looking up and around and was just thinking about how perfect this world and life are. All my problems just went away and it felt peaceful. Until I realized I was freezing and I hadn’t put my gloves on, so I had to run back into the Ger and warm myself up.
The funny part? The cold didn't faze me one bit in that moment, even though it was a freezing -32°C. I found myself wishing I had pulled up a chair and stayed there a bit longer. I'd gladly hop in a time machine just to revisit that moment – a freezing night, a chair, and me soaking it all in.”
Fiza: “For me, my significant moment was when I was badly shivering from the cold on Day 1 of the trek.
The weather was extremely cold and it was our first day trekking out, far from our warm cabins or gers. I remember shivering so badly in the support van that I couldn’t even stop myself from shivering! I couldn’t feel any of my toes or fingers even after trying to wiggle them constantly for more than 5 minutes! The fear of losing them was intense but all I could think about was to quickly warm myself up and rejoin the group! Our Mongolian driver was so helpful in keeping me warm in the van and I experienced a roller coaster of emotions at that moment; an immense sense of gratitude, fear, and strength all at once.
I remember telling myself, ‘... this is how children cancer patients feel. And this is nothing compared to what the children battling cancer feel every day. No excuses for me to wallow in my misery with the cold! This is how I will push my limits; I have to warm myself up and continue trekking.’
As a trainee Expedition Leader, ensuring everyone's safety was a top priority for me too. Feeling the bite of that piercing cold did trigger a moment of self-doubt, but I shook off that negativity almost instantly to focus on taking care of everyone on the team.
This expedition is like hitting the 'Flight or Fright' button; it tests your limits and pushes you to face challenges head-on."
4.was the greatest challenge for you on this trip? How did you end up overcoming it?
Shah: “The biggest challenge for me? Simple; the cold.
I have never been to a place colder than 15°C. I don’t fancy the cold. In fact, I even sleep with the fan off at home. I'm too used to the heat, especially in Singapore… And honestly, I don't just mind the heat, I love it! I even bask in the sun sometimes.
So going somewhere that is between -20°C to -45°C is really crazy for me. I actually overpacked; extra thermals, socks, and winter wear. I was surprised that I managed to adapt and even find comfort in the cold after some time. I guess my mindset about the cold was all just a mental game; it's all in the mind, how I can change the way my body adjusts to the cold by changing the thoughts I have about the cold.
I held my breath every time I had to go out into the cold; just a little something I did to prepare myself mentally and somewhat physically too.”
And it looks like Fiza shared a similar challenge too.
Fiza: “Greatest challenge for me… Definitely the cold! I was prepared for the mental and physical demands of a 3-day trek but nothing in Singapore can really prepare you for the -40°C weather. Wait till the wind hits you! It is the most painful feeling ever!
The views all around us were absolutely magical, but we were literally trying our best not to turn into iced mannequins out there… so it was pretty challenging to fully enjoy the views while trekking. My plans to take pretty landscape photos and videos all went down the drain when my fingers felt the piercing numbness without my gloves on for just 10 seconds. Managed to take a few shaky photos… and that was it.
The cold was brutal. “
Shah and Fiza taking on the cold during BL6. You can’t even find Shah’s eyes!
5.How has this expedition experience changed you as a person?
Shah: “One thing that surprised me is that I was able to adapt to the extreme cold, which is something that I wasn't comfortable with to begin with. It made me realise that I can overcome anything.
It's all in the mind, it's about the beliefs I choose to put energy into, it’s about how I keep pushing on when challenge arise. I was actually sick on some of the days during the expedition, but life goes on.
As an expedition leader, I chose to put up a strong front and still continued the journey. I have always been an open-minded and flexible person, but this trip was a big test me. There were many obstacles and changes along the way, things that I didn’t foresee would happen. So this expedition changed me in the way where, I realise I need to learn more and prepare even more so that I can be even more ready to take on any kind of challenges that come my way.”
Fiza: “I always travel solo, rarely in a big group. If I ever travel with anyone, it is with just one friend; we are so close that we know each other’s traveling patterns and preferences by now.
This expedition, however, was with a big group of strangers. The group training sessions were not enough to really get to know everyone deeply… and overall, we didn’t have that much time together before the expedition itself.
So BL6 taught me a lot about adaptability, tolerance, and communication. As an Expedition Leader, I learnt how crucial it is to communicate effectively with one another. It makes a great difference in the overall experience for the team.
This expedition also gave me opportunities to bond with not only the fellow Expedition Leaders, but also with the participants! I witnessed firsthand how building strong connections between leaders and participants turned every challenge in Mongolia into something not just bearable but also super fun! It's amazing what a strong connection can do to turn challenges into shared adventures.”
A warm hug shared between Fiza and Unuruu, the team’s Mongolian expedition guide!
Fiza leading the pack.
6.In what ways has going for BL6 changed your understanding of Beyond Expeditions?
Shah: “To me, an expedition is not just about walking or covering great distances, it's not about the destination. It's about the journey. The journey we take with new people, with people of similar passion for the outdoors. It is about the growth and development we gain, which can be intrapersonal or interpersonal.
Going for BL6 showed me how our Outbound team creates opportunities for people to not only show support for people with illness, but also the strength that they have mustered to overcome it. It’s incredible.”
Shah smiling happily with two other members of BL6.
Fiza: “BL 6 gave me a clear lens on the genuine purpose behind all Beyond Expeditions adventures. It's not just about snagging aesthetic photos or earning bragging rights for venturing into remote and raw beautiful places. It's about transformation – participants coming back as an elevated version of themselves, armed with strength and adaptability for the everyday grind beyond 'vacation days.'
BL 6 specifically hammered home the wisdom that 'Change is the only constant,' and I can proudly say I embrace it better now.”
A heartfelt salute to the incredible trio of expedition leaders—Fiza, Shah, and Scott—who orchestrated the seamless operation of BL6, ensuring every moment unfolded with precision and care.
Truly, an amazing trio indeed.
7.After experiencing this edition of Beyond Limits, do share with me the biggest feelings and thoughts you have, with regards to your experience of one of Beyond Expeditions’ core ‘pillars’?
Core ‘pillar’s of BE = Outdoor Ed Camps, Beyond Limits, Outbound Expeditions
Shah: “While I haven't embarked on outbound trips yet, I imagine they'll be somewhat like Beyond Limits, minus the intense expedition. I can see how Beyond Expeditions provides a holistic approach to adventuring in the outdoors; participants can take up our offered survival courses in Singapore first, and our offered outbound expeditions then allow participants to apply those skills when they go on our expeditions to places like Mongolia.
My take? Beyond Limits is a must-try for adventure enthusiasts. It takes you where few dare to venture, it tests your mettle and pushes you to your limits.
The key is having the right mindset; with that, it's not just challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Beyond Limits isn't just about travel; it's a journey with a purpose – promoting charity for the less fortunate. It's about achieving a goal, and that's what sets it apart from trips offered by your average tour company.”
Fiza: “I've learned that approaching anything with the right mindset and purpose transforms the game entirely. What may seem daunting becomes achievable when you align your mindset and purpose, and I can see now how Beyond Limits expeditions help people to practice that for themselves.
Now, whenever I myself feel overwhelmed, I hit the mental ‘reset’ button by recalling the purpose behind why I’m doing what I’m doing. This, I believe, is the key to propelling forward in anything.
I encourage everyone to give Beyond Limits a shot at least once in their lives. It might unveil something different for each person, but it will undoubtedly awaken something powerful within you!”
It was heartening for me to work on this article, featuring two members of the Beyond Expeditions team themselves. As much as Beyond Expeditions focuses on creating transformative journeys for external participants, it’s powerful to see our own team members, who are often working hard to build other areas of work in the team, experiencing transformation for themselves too as they experience Beyond Limits for the first time.
Maybe Beyond Limits is your opportunity for a moment of growth too.
Maybe Beyond Limits will trigger a realisation you didn’t know you needed.
Maybe Beyond Limits is the catalyst for a personal breakthrough that you need in this chapter of your life.
We wouldn’t be able to predict what will come for you when you come onboard our next charity expedition, but after so many interviews with previous participants, I just know you WILL experience growth in a beautiful and life-changing way.
Here are some other interviews we’ve done for participants of Beyond Limits 6, for you to continue connecting with the magic of this charity expedition:
Jiaying, a daughter and also caretaker for three of her closest loved ones, will inspire you with her tenacity and grit.
Julia and Remus, parents of five children, have insights that will leave you in admiration of their growth as individuals and as a couple through this trip.
And here are a couple of interviews that will bring you back into the heart of our earlier charity expeditions:
Wei Ling, a loving mother to her autistic son and participant of BL5, will show you the power of motherly love and a gentle reminder that as long as you’ve done your best, it’s already enough.
Zoe, a cancer survivor, will show you what it means to navigate life’s twists and turns with fun and embrace.
I’ll see you soon!
Article written by: Valerie
Valerie, a freelance writer with a quirky infatuation with steamed buns and slightly bizarre food combinations.
(“Try soft-boiled eggs and hot milo!”)
She wishes to keep writing stories that bypass typical food reviews and appreciation of scenery, stories that inspire readers to pursue curious conversations about the unique cultures and lifestyles of every country.
