[1][2][3][4] Stephens originally trained as a journalist and pursued that career for some ten years, becoming deputy editor of the Financial Times magazine Resident Abroad.
In 1989 Stephens accompanied an expedition attempting the North East Ridge of Mount Everest.
[1] She was a presenter on BBC television's science series Tomorrow's World from 1994 to 1996.
With the polar explorers Ranulph Fiennes and Mike Stroud, she competed in an eight-day Eco-Challenge, which consisted of running, biking and canoeing across the Canadian Rockies.
[7] Stephens is a visiting fellow at Ashridge Business School, fellow of The Royal Geographical Society, member of The Alpine Club and a trustee of the Himalayan Trust UK.