THE BOOK
LINK TO PURCHASE WILL BE AVAILABLE MARCH 10!
Praise for LESSONS FROM THE WALL:
This book offers a rare combination of personal story and practical leadership insight. Matthew shows how pushing your limits can clarify your purpose, elevate your character, and strengthen how you lead.
—Mark Breitbard, President and CEO, Global Gap Brand
Lessons from the Wall is a masterclass in learning the right lessons from hard things. Matthew distills big-mountain experience into sharp, unexpected insights about leadership, resilience, and judgment under pressure. He brings this all to life with his warm and encouraging style that I admire so much. It’s not about conquering the Wall—it’s about how struggle rewires the way you lead and live!
—Amy Hayes, VP of People Development, Meta
Matthew knows how to inspire! This book combines edge-of-your-seat storytelling with leadership insights and practical tips that show you the path to growth. Matthew is walking the walk, pushing himself to the limit and showing all of us how we can do that, too. This book will make you want to push yourself, as a leader and a human.
—Tom Batchelder, author of Selling 180: A Different Approach to New Business Development
Lessons from the Wall overflows with practical advice and deep wisdom, expertly delivered within Matthew's own compelling and relatable personal narrative. “The Wall”—what it is, what makes it a challenge worth confronting, how to approach it mentally, physically, emotionally, and, perhaps most importantly, how to use the whole experience to tap into hidden and trapped potential in all aspects of your life—is a source of inspiration you will read and then keep at your elbow as a reference. I'm already eager for the next collection of lessons!
—Kevin M. Zielke, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, AF Group
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Matthew since 2017 in multiple capacities, collaborating on leadership initiatives and observing his impact firsthand. This book reflects what I’ve experienced—blending deliberately hard challenges with practical, deeply human lessons about leadership, resilience, and growth. It’s a compelling reminder that leadership isn’t shaped by titles but by the choices we make when the climb gets difficult.
—Suki Gill, cofounder of Mirrorbox Leadership Lab
Lessons from the Wall brings leadership lessons vividly to life by grounding them in a real, demanding challenge rather than abstract theory. Through Matthew’s Everesting journey, leadership is revealed in action—in the daily choices, setbacks, and moments of doubt that test character and commitment. The result is an authentic, memorable exploration of leadership that feels earned, practical, and immediately applicable to real life. Matthew tells his story in a way that makes you feel as though you’re on the climb with him, bringing each lesson to life and allowing you to connect with it in a deeper and more meaningful way.
—Nick Shaw, author of My Teacher, My Son: Lessons on Life, Loss, and Love
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Matthew and witnessing firsthand the integrity and heart he brings to leadership. In Lessons from the Wall, he offers a compelling, honest exploration of challenge, identity, and growth that will inspire readers to step boldly into their own potential. This is the kind of book that changes how you show up—for yourself and for others.
—Michelle Williamson, VP of Human Resources, Levi Strauss & Co.
Matthew has crafted a steadying and deeply relevant work that mirrors back the realities of life with remarkable clarity. His insights are both realistic and thought-provoking, offering readers a grounding perspective in our rapidly changing world. For leaders navigating today's complex challenges, this book provides essential wisdom that translates directly to better decision making, more authentic leadership and compass for success. Matthew doesn't just observe our current moment—he helps us lead through it with honesty, purpose, and resilience. What makes this work exceptional is his riveting storytelling that transforms complexity into compelling narratives that stay with you long after you have turned the final page.
—Orlaith Murphy, VP, Global Safety and Security, Salesforce
I was fortunate to meet Matthew through 29029 on training hikes that consistently spotlighted his optimism, disarming and encouraging leadership style, and belief in the importance of formulating a plan and sticking to it. This book highlights the power of leaning into community, the importance of modeling positive behavior, and the tremendous value in leveraging your strengths when the path unexpectedly shifts. It’s an inspiring call to conquer the Wall—literal and figurative—by pushing yourself to your limit…and then digging even deeper and going so much further than you thought you ever could.
—Brady Binstadt, CEO, Geographic Expeditions and two-time 29029 finisher
In the 25 years that I have known Matthew, I have been the beneficiary of his lessons, teachings, and advice when I needed it most. From the start of my career as an individual contributor to leading organizations, Matthew has been a trusted advisor, helping me focus on the things that I can control and take the action necessary to make meaningful change, even if, and especially when, it’s been hard. I was excited for him but not surprised when he took on the 29029 Everesting challenge. And now I'm even more excited that he's codified what he learned through this experience and throughout his career into this book: these 15 lessons will help anyone, no matter what Wall you are climbing!
—Jason Pitts, Retail Executive and Founder, Uncle J's Sourdough
I've hiked 29029 with Matthew—36 hours of climbing the equivalent of Everest—and watched him lead the same way on the mountain as off it: focused, supportive, never satisfied with standing still. Lessons from the Wall shows how choosing hard things shapes who you become as a leader. It's a book for anyone willing to step into discomfort to become better—personally and professionally.
—Peter Hammond, Executive Director, JPMorgan Chase, and proud father of two amazing children