In this episode we explore the remarkable journey of Michelle McLean, whose rise from Miss Universe 1992 to Namibia's Goodwill Ambassador has defined a life of purpose and lasting impact. Michelle's dedication to children's rights, women's empowerment, and conservation has led her to become a visionary leader on the global stage, championing causes that uplift communities and inspire change worldwide.

Michelle's story is deeply rooted in the landscapes and people of Namibia, where she founded the Michelle McLean Children Trust in 1992. Over the years, her tireless advocacy has raised millions, launched hundreds of projects, and empowered generations of Namibian youth through education, scholarships, and community development. Her legacy is evident in her partnerships with global icons, landmark initiatives, and her commitment to advancing gender and wealth equality.

Join us as we delve into Michelle's extraordinary life as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother. Discover how her unwavering vision and leadership continue to shape conversations on social justice and sustainable development, positioning Namibia as a beacon of progress and hope. Michelle McLean's journey is an inspiring testament to what it means to live a life in full—creating waves of positive change for generations to come.

From Swiss Banking to Indian Orphanages—One Woman's Relentless Pursuit of Justice. What does it take to dismantle systems of injustice while building hope—one child, one case, one project at a time? Meet Noëlle Demole, born in Geneva, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree who juggles fighting white-collar crime at Julius Baer Bank, running a groundbreaking NGO for India's most vulnerable youth, and pursuing a PhD in criminology at Cambridge. Her secret? Relentless planning, radical self-organization, and a vision that ties every facet of her life together.

Noëlle's journey began at 18, when a single month volunteering in an Indian orphanage gave her life new meaning and ignited her mission to uplift children cast aside by society. That spark grew into Shere Khan Youth Protection—an NGO now supporting over 500 young people to break cycles of poverty and crime through education. But Noëlle didn't stop there. She's also tackling period poverty with her start-up Egidays, producing eye-opening documentaries, and speaking on global stages from TEDx to the Forbes Money Summit.

How does she keep all the plates spinning? And what drives her to tackle some of the world's most urgent humanitarian and financial challenges—often at the same time? Tune in for an exclusive conversation where Noëlle reveals her strategies for managing multiple lives in one, her insight on the interconnectedness of social impact and compliance, and her advice for anyone daring to live their purpose at full throttle.

Don't miss this episode of "Living a Life in Full"—where purpose meets action, and one woman's story just might inspire your own.

(NOTE regarding this episode: Ben and I both live in semi-remote areas with not the best internet connectivity, and this shows here-and-there in this episode with some audio-oddities. I am very sorry about that, but nevertheless, listeners can contextually understand Ben's points when the hiccup periodically occurs.)

Dr. Ben Mattingly along with his wife, Jennifer Mattingly, PA-C, founded and own Wild Med Adventures. He is also the Founder and former Director of the Wilderness Medicine Fellowship Program at Baystate Medical Center, and former Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School's Department of Emergency Medicine.

Ben has a passion for the wilderness and has traveled throughout the world, including a year working in a small ER in New Zealand. With his father he's summited Mt. Ranier, Denali, and Vinson Massif in Antarctica. In 2023, he summited Everest, and completed his goal of tackling the Seven Summits.

He has taught wilderness medicine while climbing the highest mountain in Mexico, and in Guatemala, he summited the highest peak in Central America. In addition to mountaineering, Ben rock climbs, scuba dives, backpacks, and is a triathlete, skier, and off-road and extreme sports enthusiast.

He served as the Team Doctor for an American Hockey League team, and has been active in wilderness medicine and medical education throughout his career. Ben was twice awarded the Outstanding Teacher of the Year by his emergency medicine residents, and he has taught wilderness medicine in over 10 countries.

Boy, talk about living your life in full, Ben is the poster boy for doing so, and in service of others. We started things off with his origin story, what drew him to medicine, to specialize in emergency medicine, and then subspecialize in wilderness medicine. Don't miss this inspiring and engaging conversation with one of the greats.

#wildernessmedicine #emergencymedicine #medicaleducation #entrepreneurship #mountaineering #adventuretravel #alpinism