"Ran was fantastic. He gave us a completely different perspective."
Accenture
BIOGRAPHY
Often described as 'the World's Greatest Living Explorer', Ran Fiennes also made it into the record books by completing seven marathons on seven continents in seven days - not long after receiving emergency heart surgery. Then he took up climbing, starting with the North Face of the Eiger. At the age of 65, and at his third attempt, Ran became the oldest person to conquer Everest.
Ran inspires and entertains conference and after dinner audiences across the world. Presentations draw a connection between nature's most dangerous and difficult challenges, and the day-to-day hurdles we all face. Teamwork, determination, patience, discipline and creative thinking are vital to the success, and sometimes the survival of Fiennes and his colleagues. We may not risk our own lives in the same way, but all these qualities are equally important in less hazardous occupations.
Ran explains the enormous challenge of raising £40 million in sponsorship, finding the right volunteers and planning journeys of immense complexity beset by political, personal, geographical, financial and physical obstacles. Building a team with the right character and attitude is of paramount importance. Persistence, tolerance, fitness, agility and the ability to perform under extreme pressure are all factors in Ran's remarkable endeavours - just as they are in any competitive environment.
There is another dimension to the expeditions. A huge amount of scientific research has been carried out by team members; and charities such as Marie Curie and the Multiple Sclerosis Society have benefitted to the tune of many millions.
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TOPICS
Overcoming Adversity, Peak Performance, Risk
SPEECH TITLES
Performing under extreme pressure
Preparation, perseverance and pulling together - in the face of extreme pressure
FEE BANDS
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
£5K TO £10K
AFTER DINNER SPEAKERS
£5K TO £10K
Q&A
SIR RANULPH FIENNES
JLA: What can a manager learn from an explorer?
RF: One example is the need to balance short-term caution against long-term dangers. Maybe it's best to press on today even if the conditions are risky, to avoid delay causing even greater hazards tomorrow.
JLA: How can you re-build confidence when the situation seems hopeless?
RF: There's never any point crying over spilt milk. In order to win some of your big goals you are bound to lose others along the way. The key is to learn from the failures and keep going.
JLA: What is your formula for beating the competition?
RF: It's bad practice to allow your chief rival a clear run at the main prize without even mounting a challenge. Beware of putting successful rivals on a pedestal, feeling inferior and believing them to be invincible. This will only lead to a loss of the very self-confidence you will need to battle on.
JLA: How do you help your whole team adapt to change?
RF: Be flexible most of the time, but remember that one option is to be inflexible some of the time. Trust your instinct and experience.