Bear Grylls

Never Give Up
Bear Grylls will talk about the things that have shaped him and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Through his keynote, he will guide the audience on a journey to understand how to overcome hurdles and adversity and to learn from failures. His stories of resilience, courage and never giving up will inspire, uplift and empower the audience to face their own challenges.

Teamwork: Where he talks about the human bonds that tie people together when the chips are really down. About what it really means to have your life depending on a slender rope between you and your teammate. The ability to work together under such harrowing conditions as 28,000 ft above sea-level, in -40 degrees Celsius. And how crucial a role honesty, integrity and trust plays when your lives hang precariously in the balance.

Motivation: Bear's story focuses on that ability to find something special, deep inside, when it matters - not a transient, chest-beating form of motivation that fades when the going gets tough, but the discovery of a core drive, that sustains you through the darkest times. An instinct to achieve. A quiet strength. The realization that no-one is super-human, but that we are all fragile - but also understanding that as humans we are built to excel. It is about finding that little bit 'extra'; that vital word that makes the difference between the ordinary and the 'extra'ordinary.

Leadership: A realization that the qualities needed for effective leadership can be learned. That real leaders inspire a feel-good factor around them; you want to be with them regardless. That we all perform better when we are appreciated and encouraged and valued. That leaders think bigger, and differently. They inspire those around them to go that little bit further, to perform that little bit better, and feel that little bit stronger.

Bear has lead numerous expeditions now and shares the keys to his success - bringing the best out of the people whose lives are in the balance with him. His story is of leadership put to the ultimate test.

Communication: Bear is only too aware that an effective team on a high mountain relies on honest communication. Having a shared purpose, a culture of can-do and want-to; rather than politics or one-up-man-ship. Encouraging faith in each other, encouraging trust, and an ability to share weaknesses as well as strengths. An awareness that vulnerability creates bonds, and where there are bonds there is strength. A determination to make it together, where humility is a virtue and kindness really matters.

Inspiration: That we all have our own Everests in our lives. Bear's story is really about applying those simple qualities that kept him alive and that helped him become one of the few, or as Bear often says, "one of the 'lucky' on Everest." It's a story about knowing that the harder we try and the more of our heart we put into things, the luckier we all become. It is about not being afraid to be close to those around you, and about each one of us having the ability to make a positive difference. That each of us is special and has that strength to reach our own summits.

If Bear made it to the top of the physical world, despite the horrendous odds, statistics, pitfalls, and even a broken back in three places only two years earlier...then we too can reach the highest peaks in our lives.