By Caroline Garrett + Mary Kathryn Wood
Professional success isn’t necessarily the product of the right internship or degree, but rather the unique experiences you pursue and the skills they cultivate. Curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and excellent judgment skills — these qualities set you apart, at least according to former Moondance leader turned CEO…
Anne-Worley Moelter was recently named CEO of Movement gyms, the largest climbing gym developer in the world. Her resume is packed with high-caliber experiences from owning the American Bouldering Series, serving as USA Climbing’s first Executive Director, and holding positions on the International Federation of Sport Climbing. Despite her unwavering success in the world of indoor climbing and her leadership with climbing advocacy groups such as The Access Fund, Anne-Worley believes one experience stands out above the rest: becoming a Moondance Leader.
After spending a summer working on a ranch in Wyoming, Anne-Worley faced the age-old decision of Moondance vs. the internship. While the latter offered a more traditional path, Anne-Worley knew that a “Moondance summer would provide memories for a lifetime and that it did! Every trip had its own special highlight that was born from that particular group in that particular place.”
Anne-Worley affirms that the skills she’s developed through Moondance continually translate into a professional setting. Prior to Staff Training each summer, Anne-Worley notes that leaders are taught to “assess their surroundings” during their Wilderness First Aid / First Responder course. She continues to see how an idea as simple as this can be just as effective in an office as the outdoors.
“Every day at work is going to present you with new opportunities, new challenges, and new situations, and in all of them, it is indispensably helpful to be able to assess the situation, feel confident in your knowledge, and make the best decision you can in that moment.”
Anne-Worley has read through a lot of resumes in her career. While people may think the most important line item on that sheet of paper is their degree, GPA, or internship with a prestigious company, she’s found it most important to focus on the things that make you dig a little deeper as an employee, leader, and person.
“Every single time, I look for the little things on the resume. I look for what describes the candidate beyond grades and other jobs. And if someone lists Moondance, or something similar, on their resume, I already can tell the type of characteristics they possess. I see perseverance and optimism and a desire to be around and work with others.”
Not only has Moondance added value to Anne-Worley’s professional life, but it has also positively shaped her friendships and deepened her connections to special places.
“While I have since hung up my LOD map, Moondance has continued to weave its way throughout my life with friends and connections to places that always bring enrichment in every circumstance.”
While the world feels vast given all the places that Moondance reaches, it also becomes a bit smaller with every connection made and friendship formed. As you look ahead to your future, remember that it’s the little things that take you to the biggest places. What story will YOU tell about how you spent your summer?
*LOD (Leader of the Day): Each day on a Moondance trip, two students are chosen to be the LODs. LODs help with the daily activities, morning huddle and quote, all tasks throughout the day and lead Moondup that evening. At Staff Training, we will practice this concept by appointing leaders to be the LODs.
*CEO (Chief Executive Officer): the highest-ranking person in a company or other institution, ultimately responsible for making managerial decisions
