I have been obsessed with Antarctica since my early 20s, when I established a savings account just to cover the cost of a future trip there. I would never touch it, even if I went broke — I would always have money to go to Antarctica. I eventually made it there, and the trip reignited my admiration for Shackleton, the Anglo-Irish explorer whose 1914–16 expedition across Antarctica nearly ended in tragedy when his ship, Endurance, was trapped in the ice and later sank, stranding the crew on ice floes. After experiencing the strong winds as I crossed the Drake Passage on an ice-breaker ship outfitted with 21st-century technology, I could only imagine how hard it must have been to navigate those waters a century ago. Five months later, after the Endurance sank, Shackleton and his crew escaped to Elephant Island, where most remained while Shackleton and five others sailed 800 miles to South Georgia, then crossed the island to seek help. Four months later, his entire crew of 28 was rescued.

I have been perpetually amazed by the story of the Endurance expedition, where despite overwhelming challenges, not a single life was lost, nor was there any mutiny among the crew. The Endurance’s team of 28 faced daily adversities that ranged from extreme cold and relentless hunger to the constant threat of crushing ice and harrowing encounters with 11-foot-long sea leopard seals — formidable predators that added an element of constant vigilance and danger.

These hardships were navigated under Shackleton’s extraordinary leadership, which was characterized by his remarkable adaptability, unwavering optimism, and an exceptional ability to inspire and maintain morale among his crew. It was Shackleton’s inclusive approach to leadership and his emphasis on the collective strength and diverse skills of his team that enabled them to survive. This was evident in how he selected his crew, focusing on complementary skills and personalities, and valuing cognitive diversity, which proved to be crucial to their survival.

The number at the end of our new name, Endurance28, pays homage to the role that both visionary leadership and the collective strength of a team play in navigating challenges and achieving the seemingly impossible. It’s a reflection that, while the guidance of a leader like Shackleton is invaluable, the resilience, diversity, unity, and contributions of every team member are equally vital for triumph in achieving our dreams. This duality of leadership and teamwork, as exemplified by Shackleton and his crew, is deeply embedded in our values and operational ethos, shaping our collective identity.

Shackleton’s journey is also a reminder that success often manifests itself in unexpected ways. In the face of extreme adversity, Shackleton shifted his focus from exploration to survival, and was remarkably successful. Similarly, a startup aiming to revolutionize renewable energy storage might end up pioneering breakthrough technology in efficient power distribution. The key is to accept the turning points along the way.

Our name is a reflection of who we are, embodying our values and the way we approach leadership, teamwork and diversity. It signifies how we navigate adversity, and our determination to achieve what seems impossible. Dream big and reach for what seems impossible. Push your limits to make it possible.