In the climbing industry, we talk a lot about diversifying setting teams. Less often do we talk about what it actually takes to lead one with humility and empathy. On this episode of the Impact Driver Podcast, host Holy Chen chats with Altana Elings-Haynie (she/they)—Assistant Routesetting Director at Movement Philadelphia—about team dynamics, leadership, and what it really means to build a setting program that supports the people in it.
Altana has been climbing most of her life, starting outside in the Gunks before finding her way into gyms as a teenager. She has been setting commercially for six years across Chicago and Philadelphia. Altana currently holds a USAC Level 2 certification, has set for over 10 championship events, and has international setting experience in Norway.
She is looking forward to chiefing the upcoming Midwest Mayhem competition.
General Topics Covered
- What changes when you move from setter to manager
- How to manage working styles on a diverse team and why differences in personality, background and approach can make for better setting
- Dominant personalities in the room: when a strong presence lifts the team and when it starts to derail the process
- Introverts in an extroverted profession: practical tips on helping quieter and newer setters shine
- How to handle disagreements and conflicts on a diverse team and how to find resolution without making it personal
- Grading, ego, and the old boys club dynamic
- How to keep forerunning conversations objective and why ability-based dismissal should have no place in setting
- The case for structured mentorship and layered leadership in setting programs
- How leaders can keep the spark of curiosity alive
Show Notes
- Find Altana on Instagram
- Movement Philadelphia
- Midwest Mayhem: A bouldering competition series based in the Midwest aimed at celebrating women, trans and nonbinary climbers and routesetters.
- Nor’Easter Bouldering Series
- Bolt & Revolt Setting Coalition
Closing Notes
If you’d like to nominate someone as a next guest, have a topic you want to see us tackle or have questions, we’d love for you to reach out. You can find our pitch form here.
The Impact Driver Podcast is a production of the Climbing Business Journal. Today’s episode is sponsored by Rúngne, Cascade Specialty, Trango, the Climbing Wall Association and Walltopia. It was edited and produced by Holly Yu Tung Chen, Megan Cheek, Scott Rennak and Joe Robinson, and our theme music is by Devin Dabney.
All photos below are by Avery Shandelman (@aves.eyes).
