Since my time at the Matuschka Group, I have been fascinated by entrepreneurship. As a marketing coach for an asset management company, I, Ullrich H. Angersbach, had the opportunity to meet Reinhold Messner personally. Messner may not be a classic entrepreneur, yet he embodies entrepreneurship in his own way: as an extreme sportsman, mountaineer, author, and visionary.

Reinhold Messner as the Entrepreneur of His Own Life

Messner financed all of his expeditions independently. To remain free, he wrote books, gave lectures, and transformed his experiences into inspiration for people worldwide. His philosophy: self-determination instead of dependency.

Biography: From Alpine Village Boy to Global Extreme Sportsman

Reinhold Messner was born in 1944 in Villnöß, South Tyrol. Growing up in the Dolomites, he was shaped by simplicity and nature.

Spectacular Achievements

• First solo ascent of Mount Everest
• All 14 eight-thousanders without supplemental oxygen
• Over 100 expeditions worldwide
• Crossing Antarctica via the South Pole
• 2,000 km desert trek through the Gobi

Social Engagement

• Founder of the Messner Mountain Museums in South Tyrol
• Established the Günther Mountain School in Pakistan
• Member of the European Parliament (1999–2004)
• Published more than 70 books

The Creed of an Extreme Sportsman: “Moving Mountains”

In his book “Moving Mountains”, Messner describes a philosophy relevant to managers and entrepreneurs alike:

• Create meaning – true motivation comes from purpose
• Minimalism – achieve more with less
• Focus – concentrate on a single clear goal
• Embrace failure – setbacks as opportunities

Success, Failure, and Resilience

Messner aborted twelve expeditions before completing all eight-thousanders. For him, failure was not defeat but valuable experience.

Avoiding Burnout – Reinvention as a Way of Life

After success, Messner often felt emptiness. His response was reinvention: from climber to high-altitude mountaineer, from desert wanderer to museum founder.

Small Teams, Big Impact – Agility in the Mountains and in Business

Unlike the large, cumbersome expeditions of the past, Messner pioneered the use of small, agile teams – faster, leaner, and more adaptable.

Motivation over Manipulation

Messner emphasizes: real motivation comes from within. External manipulation through pressure or reward is meaningless to him. His motto: “Viniciturus vincero – If you see yourself winning, you will win.”

Leadership at the Edge – Lessons for Managers

• Trust over hierarchy – teams thrive through cohesion
• Situational leadership – the “alpha role” shifts depending on conditions
• Leading by example – the true leader carries the heaviest load

Conclusion: Reinhold Messner as an Inspiration for Entrepreneurs

Reinhold Messner is more than an adventurer. He is an extreme sportsman bridging nature, entrepreneurship, and life philosophy. His lessons on resilience, motivation, minimalism, and leadership remain timeless and highly relevant to today’s entrepreneurs, managers, and innovators.