About JONATHAN
UNIQUE Expeditions around the world
Jonathan Kattenberg & Walking with my bear
“it’s about learning how to believe in yourself”
A bit about me.
Growing up in a small village, the idea of climbing mountains was laughable, never mind trekking to the South Pole. Most residents rarely ventured beyond our community’s confines, and life unfolded in a predictable rhythm. Days melted into one another, marked by local jobs, evenings at the pub, and the occasional holiday abroad.
The 1970s were a time when dyslexia was largely misunderstood, not recognised by my school, my parents, or even by me – and I was dyslexic. As a child struggling with reading and writing, I often felt like an outsider, unfairly judged by teachers who failed to see my potential. To escape the confines of the classroom, I sought solace outdoors – out on my bike, climbing trees, building makeshift camps, and dreaming of adventure. The quest for independence fuelled my desire to secure a job that would free me from the village’s limitations.
Despite my challenges with the written language, I possessed a remarkable memory and an aptitude for numbers. With perseverance, I found employment, demonstrating to those who doubted me that I could achieve success. In my mid-twenties, longing for deeper fulfilment, I pursued further education and succeeded in securing a reputable job in finance – much to the surprise of others who had predicted my failure. Contrary to the discouraging voices of my past, I embraced the opportunities that arose and worked tirelessly to excel.
Ultimately, in my mid 20s, I took a leap of faith and left my village, embarking on a journey I never imagined possible. Establishing myself as a financial advisor exceeded all expectations, proving that determination and hard work could shatter any doubts I had about myself.
The joys of parenthood followed, a role I cherished immensely and to this day I feel parenthood is a privilege, but sadly my relationship with their mother failed. The pain of not being with my sons daily weighed heavily on my heart, and I grappled with the notion of parenthood and positioning myself as a positive influence in their lives while battling my yearning for the great outdoors.
Epic journeys. Expertly Guided.
When does your next adventure begin?
JONATHAN’S PHILOSOPHY.
“It’s not just a cliché, life is short.”
To reconcile my passions, I continued my work as a financial advisor while pursuing a postgraduate degree in clinical evidence-based hypnotherapy. Driven by my personal journey, I grew fascinated with psychology and behaviour, aiming to not only enhance my clients’ financial situations but also contribute to their mental well-being. This culminated in the publication of my book exploring the intersection of finances and mindset.
I noticed a lot of ‘‘fluffiness’’ surrounding the concept of mindset, often veering towards the overly simplistic or “hippy-like” approaches. I wanted to introduce genuine change through proven techniques, moving away from the ineffective one size fits allmindset. Listening to people’s fears about stepping outside their comfort zones, despite their dissatisfaction with their lives, fuelled my desire to help others achieve what they once thought was impossible.
As I delved into meditation and embraced the benefits of nature, I realised how being outdoors could clear the mind, instil calmness, and sharpen focus. I challenged myself with treks, starting small, and with each one, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, I experienced a transformation in me.
Trekking alongside others, I came to understand that life is indeed not a rehearsal as the cliché says, and there is a vast, incredible world awaiting exploration, and whilst exploring it, I had found inner peace. By bringing together my skills in mindset coaching, as well as a then qualified mountaineering instructor, I founded Walking With My Bear Adventures.
Epic journeys. Expertly Guided.
Epic UK Challenges
HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.
“I help people identify their goals and achieve them.”
As a proud parent, I wanted my sons to see that I was always thinking of them, which is why I took their teddy bears along on my journeys and sent them photos, hence the name, “Walking With My Bear,”. I aimed to show them that there is so much beyond their immediate surroundings and to remind them never to abandon their dreams, no matter the challenges they might face.
Even after two decades since my first major trek, I still carry their bears and share my experiences, hoping to inspire them to seek their own adventures beyond societal limitations.
Being outdoors allows for the breaking down of emotional barriers that often hinder personal growth. Now, as an experienced mindset coach, this environment makes it easier for me to assist clients in identifying their life goals and achieving them.
I often use the outdoors and nature as metaphors to empower individuals, helping them build mental resilience, overcome mindset obstacles, silencing the ‘chatter’ in their heads, and find peace within themselves, independent of external validation.
Epic journeys. Expertly Guided.
CHALLENGE YOURSELF AROUND THE WORLD
Taking on the bear.
“A leading provider of unique adventures unlike anything you’ve seen before”
It’s been several years since I launched Walking With My Bear, and we now collaborate with top professionals in the industry—expert mountaineers, exceptional guides, renowned hoteliers, and Michelin-starred chefs (including a few celebrities). We have become a leading provider of adventure treks in the UK and abroad, offering both bespoke experiences and scheduled trips, many of which help raise funds for incredible charities.
Also, the name “Walking With My Bear” has taken on additional significance, as clients often use it to describe their approach to life—whether they allow their “grizzly bear” to hinder their ambitions or confront and manage it to find inner peace.
Epic journeys. Expertly Guided.
Do it for charity
Just one adventure will change your life.
“I am writing this from the Himalayas…”
As I type this on my mobile phone at a base camp in Nepal, as instructed by my agent who will have to go through it to check for spelling, I am also selecting some photos to accompany it. I include ones of the sun rising that I took this morning, as the rays of light start to rise behind the snow-capped Himalayas like a crown on the summit. I can hear my guides making coffee.
My clients, consisting of a group of 12 all from different backgrounds, have already bonded. They always do. They are discussing today’s climb and reaching a remote village where the locals never cease to welcome everyone as if it was the first time they had seen travellers. Many of my clients will go on to stay in contact with me, many will join me on another adventure or another challenge.
As for me, well my next adventure is the biggest challenge to date. I’m heading to the South Pole in 2026, aiming to break a world record, you can read more about it by clicking on the link below. In the meantime, remember life is short, and far too short not to attempt to follow at least one dream.
So join me on an adventure and take the first step towards finding an alternative you. I promise, you’ll never look back.
Jonathan Kattenberg Mountain Leader, PG Cert (Clin.Hyp.), GQHP, CNHC & NCIP Registered Member.
Founder of Walking With My Bear Adventures Ltd.
turn your aspirations into realities
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR ?