Welcome to my regular series entitled "My Light Bulb Moment". This column highlights a "blinding flash of insight" business, cultural and sports leaders have had in their career and how this changed their lives forever.
William Pike
As one of two young climbers caught in the September 2007 volcanic eruption on Mount Ruapehu, William suffered numerous life threatening injuries and as a result, his right leg was amputated below the knee.
By adopting a positive attitude and moving on with the support of his family and friends, William was once again able to embrace his love of the outdoors. Now leading the William Pike Challenge Award, a popular outdoor education programme for Year 7 and 8 students around New Zealand, the Ruapehu eruption gave him the opportunity to share his passion and positive inspirational message with thousands of youth.
Light bulb moment: Don't be afraid to take risks "As a primary school teacher, I remember sitting in my classroom mid-2012. I loved my job, the people I worked with and the children I taught. However, an opportunity was brewing on the side, and I was torn between the two." The William Pike Challenge Award (WPCA) had been quietly establishing itself in a Taupo school - the first pilot of the programme. The year after there were four schools participating, and in 2013 there were 16 schools keen to participate.
