In this episode of The Imaginals, world champion climber and author Sasha DiGiulian joins host Ashley Wick for a candid conversation about identity, ambition, and the challenges of forging her own path in a male-dominated sport — all in the public eye.

From the outside, Sasha’s achievements are staggering: world titles, groundbreaking climbs, and over 30 first female ascents around the globe. But as she reveals in her memoir Take The Lead, another story was unfolding beneath the surface — quiet battles with body dysmorphia, the hunger for belonging, and the reckoning that came after being cyber-bullied by a fellow climber.

Sasha reflects on how her drive to discover what she was capable of fueled her early rise — and how that same fire, at times, left her burned out and at odds with herself. Today, she’s balancing an audacious new climbing goal in Yosemite with her role as founder and CEO of Send Bars.

She speaks to the tightrope so many women walk: wanting to go big, but feeling the pressure to play small and be likable — and how the right people around you can make all the difference.

In the wake of eating disorders, injury, and abusive online harassment, Sasha shares how she continues to find her way back to herself — on and off the rock.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Imaginal Cells and Podcast Purpose
• 01:17 Guest Introduction: Sasha DiGiulian's Climbing Achievements
• 01:47 Sasha's Personal Struggles and Triumphs
• 03:46 Balancing Climbing and Entrepreneurship
• 05:49 Challenges and Growth in Climbing and Business
• 14:02 Overcoming Cyberbullying and Finding Inner Peace
• 26:15 Empowering Women and Building a Supportive Community
• 33:12 Launching Send Bars and Future Goals
• 46:20 Closing Thoughts and Inspirational Advice
• 48:43 Conclusion and Sponsor Message

Links:

Sasha DiGuilian

Sasha DiGuilian Instagram

Take The Lead Book

Here to Climb Documentary

Send Bars

Books by Jim Collins

Why by Simon Sinek

Ashley Links:

Finding The Current Within Retreat: https://peggymarkel.com/adventures/finding-the-current-within/

Ashley Wick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleywick

The Ingenius Life Workshop: https://www.ingenius.life

Take The Leap Course: https://www.taketheleapwomen.com/

Sign up for Ashley’s newsletter for free coaching reflections, tools and news: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/643399411150f24bd562b5f5

Podcast artwork by George Bangs. Photography by Cary Jobe

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