ABOUT

MATT DAWSON

Matt Dawson (“Dawson”) is a M&A investment banker, corporate investor, and small business operator turned multi-record holding endurance and adventure athlete; sought-after keynote speaker; lifestyle and performance consultant; and Founder of Dawson’s Peak Foundation.

From May 2021 to May 2022, Dawson set eight world records by rapidly completing a previously unheard-of number of global expeditions in a single year, including summiting the Seven Summits (the highest peak on each continent); skiing to a pole (South Pole); traversing a desert (Mojave); and rowing across an ocean (Atlantic). Additionally, he was on track to ski to the North Pole and fly a plane around the world during this same year, but his plans were delayed due to the Russia/Ukraine war and global pandemic.

In May 2024, Dawson set his ninth world record (recognized as a Guinness World Record) for the fastest ever crossing of the Mojave Desert on foot. This 329 mile crossing was completed solo and unsupported.

Following his freshman year at the United States Naval Academy, Dawson graduated from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. While at Wharton, he was a member of the varsity football team (Ivy League Champions) and also worked as a business consultant with the Wharton Small Business Development Center, providing strategic advice to small business owners.

As a Managing Director with William & Henry Associates, Dawson possesses over 20 years of financial advisory and corporate finance experience. He has participated in a variety of engagements, including mergers and acquisitions, private capital placement, and strategic advisory services. He holds 4 licenses with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, including Series 7, 63, 79, and 24.

Prior to his corporate finance career, Dawson trained to play professional football and received multiple contract offers. He ultimately ended his pursuit, due to multiple injuries. At age 19, Dawson’s goal of playing professional football was derailed for several years as he developed severe bi-lateral compartmental syndrome in both calves so bad that he could barely ascend a single flight of stairs. Following bi-lateral surgery, it took Dawson several years of rehabilitation to learn how to walk, run, and train again. He still manages his ongoing leg issues daily.

Dawson is an avid traveler (35+ countries); licensed motorcycle racer; U.S. Navy qualified “Expert” with pistol and rifle; outdoor enthusiast; and IFR licensed fixed wing (airplane) pilot (currently training to add multi-engine rating). In addition, Dawson is Treasurer for the Los Angeles Circle of Giving (a non-profit organization serving the community by helping individuals and families that are experiencing a challenging life event); and has served as a Mentor for the LEAP Foundation in Los Angeles, CA.

LIFE CHANGE AND CREATION OF DAWSON’S PEAK FOUNDATION

In 2016, Dawson was working in Los Angeles, CA as a Managing Director for an investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Although the work was challenging and Dawson was successful from “societal standards”, he often felt a sense of being lost and lacking fulfillment. Long working hours over many years typically did not allow for a wider scope of outside activities. Although he had performed at high levels across multiple fields, Dawson felt increasingly disheartened with regards to a lack of greater purpose.

It was during this time that he lost two people instrumental in his life – his mother and girlfriend. Dealing with the pain and loss, he knew that it was time for a total change. In order to  institute such significant change, Dawson felt he needed to remove himself completely from his comfort zone. Two weeks after the second loss, he flew to Katmandu, Nepal to hike solo around the Mt. Everest region. Over the next several weeks, Dawson completed numerous climbs. Before this trip, he had NO previous climbing experience.

During this time, Dawson removed himself completely from outside distractions such as music, television, telephones, and, to the fullest extent possible, other people. Spending each day hiking, reading, and writing, he discovered the introspective/meditative elements associated trekking and mountain climbing.

It was on this trip that Dawson experienced a life changing breakdown and breakthrough in the village of Tengboche. This radical enlightenment provided a much-needed sense of purpose. He came to understand that his purpose is in helping others identify and pursue their purpose. Dawson began to recognize and understand his desire to transition his life from “self-centered” to “service-centered”. 

Over the following two years, Dawson continued to climb around the world. His ultimate goal was to determine a way to transition his love for climbing and adventure into a service-centered organization that could be used to inspire others to recognize both their potential for change and their duty to pursue it.

In 2018, Dawson’s Peak Foundation became a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity. The foundation develops and hosts large scale, adventure-related projects around the world that are undertaken by its sponsored athletes. These projects are designed to enable viewers to draw parallels between themselves and its athletes. Personal challenges may be specific but effort and commitment are universal.