What our Partners say about Vertical

“I have had the pleasure of working with the Vertical Team since the fall of 2016 in our student retreats in the mountains of North Carolina and on McColl School trips to Chile. We learned early on that Vertical’s view of leadership closely matches our own “3Cs” model of Competence, Character and Commitment to Community. Whether at our 2-day mountain retreat or on the 8-day Chile expedition, the members of the Vertical team truly understand leadership and are adept at providing experiences that allow students to fully explore the critical elements of leadership and team building.” - Bob Mobley, former Assistant Dean of the McColl School of Business, Queens University of Charlotte

“The core function of Wharton Leadership Ventures is providing a platform for the growth and development of young leaders. We simply could not deliver this without the partner we have in the Vertical Institute. For over a decade Vertical has provided consistent guidance to our students in some of the most remote places on earth. The professionalism of the staff and unparalleled experience has enriched the Wharton community and will have ripple effects throughout the business would for years to come. Our relationship with Vertical is absolutely essential to a program that U.S. News and world report has identified as a differentiator in making Wharton the #1 Business School in the country.” - Jules Roy, Associate Director, Wharton Leadership Ventures Program

What OUR participants Say about Vertical

“My expedition with Vertical helped me connect outdoor leadership with leadership in business. While rappelling in Atacama, we learned that the belay system depends upon trust and communication. Our guides helped us see the belay system as an analogue to business. If we concentrate on fostering trust and open communication within our teams, they'll surely be more cohesive and likely to succeed.” - Patrick Quay, Participant on Wharton Leadership Venture to Atacama, March 2017

“The team at Vertical organized and led the best trip I have ever experienced. Before this, I had very little camping/mountaineering experience. Along the way, I felt extremely safe and supported since I was surrounded by a team of all-star guides who possess a perfect balance of fun and seriousness. Every single member of the team is amazing with high-achieving backgrounds and super cool stories and interests. They were incredibly knowledgeable about leadership and teaming and fostered a perfect environment to improve upon those skills. I was able to accomplish so much more because of Vertical and since doing this trip, I now feel capable of conquering even higher peaks! I often think back to my experience and draw upon the lessons I learned from it. - Cassandra Wolcott, Participant on Wharton Leadership Venture to Andes - Cerro El Plomo, January 2017

“This trip will change your life. I know that seems like a big statement, but it is true. The experience is so intentionally planned and thought through. It truly does touch on the three Cs of the McColl school leadership model in a very real, hands-on way.” - Participant on the 2016 McColl Expedition in Chile

“My educational goals were surpassed, especially in terms of what I learned about myself as a leader, and how I was able to conquer my fears! Plus, I was so happy that we were able to make a difference in someone else's lives through our community service project!” - Participant on the 2016 McColl Expedition in Chile

“The schedule was perfectly planned, not giving us a lot of time to be by ourselves, and enabling us to get to know each other and gel as a group. Each day was different, challenging in its own way, and rewarding.” - Participant on the 2016 McColl Expedition in Chile

“It is one of the best trips that you can take. You will get to experience many sides of Chile that you could not experience without McColl and Vertical. You will make lifelong friends and grow as a leader and as a person.” - Participant on the 2016 McColl Expedition in Chile