Orianne Aymard

About Orianne Aymard

In a gripping and inspiring keynote address, Orianne Aymard shares her remarkable journey of resilience and determination. At the young age of 25, in the remote corners of North India, Orianne’s life took an unexpected turn when she suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage. The medical prognosis was bleak, condemning her to a life devoid of the high altitudes and mountains she loved.

However, against all odds, Orianne embarked on a quest that would redefine the limits of human potential. With unwavering determination and a spirit unbroken by adversity, she not only defied medical predictions but also achieved the unimaginable. Orianne scaled the highest peaks on Earth, conquering Lhotse (8,516m) and standing atop the majestic Chomolungma, also known as Everest (8,848m) – the Mother Goddess of the world.

In her captivating keynote, Orianne shares her incredible journey with humility and authenticity, providing insights into her daring adventures, triumphant victories, and moments of doubt. Her story unfolds as she walks the audience through the pivotal milestones that led her to the summits of Lhotse and Everest. Her experiences offer profound lessons in the art of self-transcendence and the ability to confront crisis situations head-on. Moreover, Orianne’s narrative is a testament to the boundless capacity of the human spirit for resilience and leadership. Her extraordinary journey serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment, encouraging individuals to overcome their own challenges and reach for their dreams, regardless of the obstacles they may face.

Orianne Aymard is a highly accomplished and multifaceted individual with a diverse career that spans diplomacy, humanitarian work, academia, and adventure. She has made significant contributions in various domains, showcasing her determination, resilience, and passion for making a positive impact on the world.

In her professional life, Orianne has served as a humanitarian delegate, working primarily with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Her assignments have taken her to some of the world’s most challenging regions, especially in Africa, where she has worked tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of those affected by armed conflicts. Notably, she also played a crucial role in humanitarian efforts following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Furthermore, Orianne’s commitment to international affairs and diplomacy has been instrumental in addressing complex global issues. Her work with the French Ministry for Foreign Affairs focused on areas such as religious tensions, violent extremism, and human rights, where she has made valuable contributions to global discussions on these critical matters.

Orianne holds a Ph.D. (Religious Studies) from the Université of Québec in Montréal, as well as a MSc (Social Policy) from the London School of Economics (LSE). She was a Visiting Scholar at Columbia University and is the author of When a Goddess Dies (Oxford University Press, New York).

She now lives in Chamonix, in the French Alps, and has recently published another book Sous l’œil de la Déesse (Under the Eye of the Goddess) with Editions du Mont-Blanc, which is a story of sheer resilience as she recounts her ascent of Lhotse (8,516m).