NAME: Sharon Palmer
AGE: 49 (yikes!)
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: @shazzaci
JOB TITLE: Managing Director at Camps International (UK & Middle East)
Sharon Palmer is the Managing Director for the UK and Middle East at Camps International, a social enterprise known for its immersive school expeditions and impactful volunteer programmes. She began her journey with Camps International in 2010 as a freelance expedition leader during an expedition to Kenya, where she gained first-hand experience in leading students through transformative educational adventures. Her passion for youth development and outdoor education led her to take on a full-time role by 2013, dedicating herself to ensuring the highest safety and quality standards for all expeditions.
As Technical Director, she was responsible for global operational standards, safeguarding practices, and crisis management protocols, making significant contributions to the organisation’s growth. In addition to her work at Camps International, Sharon has served as Vice Chair of the Expedition Providers Association, where she played a key role in shaping industry-wide safety regulations and crisis response strategies. Her extensive experience in education, outdoor leadership, and expedition management has been instrumental in fostering personal development among young adventurers. In her current role, Sharon remains committed to expanding the organisation’s influence, creating meaningful cross-cultural exchanges, and inspiring students to become resilient, globally minded individuals.
Life has taught me to embrace opportunities with an open heart and a fearless mindset. Regret, for me, is worse than failure because it leaves you wondering about what could have been. This belief has fuelled my decisions to take risks, pursue challenges, and savour life’s fleeting moments. I’m a firm believer in replacing “one day” with “today” or, even better, “I did.” It’s not about making a single grand leap; it’s about taking a series of small, deliberate steps towards the things that matter. Every decision I’ve made—whether climbing mountains, exploring uncharted paths, or mentoring others—has been about leaning into uncertainty and growing through experience. Life isn’t waiting for us to be ready; we must show up and seize it. The first step may seem daunting, but it is always the most important, setting the tone for everything that follows. So, take that step, even if it’s scary, because the journey is where you discover your strength. Live boldly and without hesitation—this mindset has led me to my most fulfilling and transformative moments.
#LIFELESSON – 2 - People make the moments
Travel and adventure have shown me breathtaking landscapes, but it’s the people I’ve met along the way who’ve given these experiences true meaning.
Whether it’s sharing a sunrise on a mountaintop or solving problems with a team in a remote village, human connection is the glue that holds these memories together. I value my quiet, reflective moments, but there’s something deeply rewarding about bonding with others—especially when you face challenges together. These connections bridge cultures, generations, and perspectives, leaving a lasting imprint on your soul.
I’ve been inspired by the creativity and boundless energy of young people, while also learning from the wisdom and resilience of those with rich life experiences. Every person I meet teaches me something new, offering a fresh lens to see the world. Adventures become richer, laughter becomes louder, and lessons become clearer when shared with others.
Even the simplest of gestures—a shared joke, a comforting hand—can transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary. Life is about the people you meet and the stories you share. Ultimately, it’s these connections, not just the destinations, that make life’s journey unforgettable.
#LIFELESSON – 3 - It depends
I’ve come to appreciate that the most meaningful answers often begin with, “It depends.” While this might frustrate those looking for quick solutions, I’ve learnt that nuance and context matter more than absolutes. Life rarely offers simple, binary answers—most questions are rooted in complex situations that require deeper understanding.
When faced with a question, I always consider: Who’s asking? What’s the motivation behind the question? What outcome are they seeking? This reflective approach allows me to give thoughtful responses that genuinely add value. It’s also a practice I encourage in my teams—pausing to think critically about the purpose behind a question helps ensure we address the heart of the matter, not just its surface.
This lesson has been invaluable in leadership, where decisions often affect multiple layers of people and processes. The ability to navigate ambiguity and respond with intention has not only shaped my problem-solving approach but also deepened my relationships with colleagues and collaborators. “It depends” may not be the quickest answer, but it’s usually the most honest, and it paves the way for clarity, understanding, and effective solutions.
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