Alex Harris: Adventure Speaker
Extreme adventurer and mountaineer Alex Harris summited Everest, walked unsupported to the South Pole and crossed the Empty Quarter, inspiring resilience and peak performance.
- Highlights:
- Summited all 7 peaks
- Completed an unsupported expedition to the South Pole
- Led the first unsupported crossing of the Empty Quarter
- Founder of The Munga ultra endurance race
- Formats:
Keynote Speaker and Extreme Adventurer
- Audiences:
Executive leadership teams, sales organizations, high performance cultures, corporate conferences and strategy offsites seeking resilience and peak performance frameworks.
- Outcomes:
- Practical frameworks for resilience and endurance under pressure
- Strategies for goal setting, preparation and disciplined execution
- Inspiration to embrace uncertainty and pursue ambitious objectives
- Travels from: Dallas, TX
- **Fee range: $10,000 - $15,000
Keynote Topics
Making the IM possible!
Facing Your Own Everest
Over a period of nine years Alex has spent 180 days on Mount Everest, leading teams in varying conditions before he finally succeeded summiting in 2005. Alex relates the trials and triumph of what it’s like to fight doubt and disbelief on the icy slopes of the world’s highest mountain, before finally tasting the sweetness of success.
Alex’s message is simple. Each one of us will one day face our own personal Everest. It might not be 8848ms of ice and snow, but whatever it is, our ability to overcome self-doubt and disbelief will allow us to taste success. Focusing on Passion, perseverance and that illusive thing called Purpose, this talk will change your perspective on what are the things that really challenge us.
The Commodity of Belief – the Fuel for Future High Performance
Alex has spent the last 20 years leading groups of executives and high performance teams on some of the world’s more challenging terrain; from the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the high plateau of Tibet and the wastelands of Antarctica. During this time he has noticed a very subtle but consistent theme. Irrespective of the challenge, the teams and individuals that have thrived and succeeded, and have consistently tasted success; have had one thing in common. Incredibly high levels of self-belief.
Alex describes the particulars of what gives these teams and individuals such high self-belief; from the process of ‘trading’ belief, like any other commodity, to creating and adding to a ‘belief pool’. Key to this process in understanding the concepts of positive and negative cycles of belief, and what we can do to shift from one to the other. Alex shares anecdotes and incredible pictures from the slopes of Everest to the icy cold of Antarctica to the desperate heart of the Arabian Desert.
This talk will empower you and give your team an unbeatable competitive edge. If you are wanting to know what the future differentiator is for high performance teams; it’s this. Self-belief and a set of skills to gradually increase your belief pool and make your competitors irrelevant!
Talent Short Bio
Alex Harris is one of the world’s most accomplished extreme adventurers, mountaineers and ultra endurance athletes. Born and raised in South Africa, he built a career defined by bold goals, disciplined preparation and the relentless pursuit of what many consider impossible.
He has summited Mount Everest, completed an unsupported expedition to the South Pole and led the first ever unsupported crossing of the Arabian Desert’s Empty Quarter, also known as the Rub’ al Khali. These landmark achievements required extraordinary physical stamina, meticulous planning and unwavering mental resilience in some of the harshest environments on Earth.
In addition to his polar and desert expeditions, Alex is a record breaking cyclist and the founder of The Munga, one of the toughest ultra endurance mountain bike races in the world. His experiences navigating isolation, uncertainty and extreme risk have shaped a powerful philosophy centered on preparation, accountability and mental clarity under pressure.
Today, Alex translates his expeditions into compelling keynote presentations delivered on five continents. He challenges organizations and leaders to embrace adversity, raise their performance standards and cultivate resilience as a strategic advantage in high pressure environments.
Read Full Bio
Alex Harris is one of the world’s most accomplished extreme adventurers and an ultra-endurance athlete who has summited Everest, walked unsupported to the South Pole, and completed the first ever unsupported crossing of the Arabian Desert’s Empty Quarter.
A record-breaking cyclist and founder of The Munga, he inspires audiences to embrace challenge, resilience, and peak performance through keynotes delivered on five continents.
Alex Harris hailing from the enchanting landscapes of South Africa, Harris has carved his legacy as an esteemed mountaineer and extreme athlete. His remarkable feats include leading a groundbreaking expedition that achieved a world-first: traversing the daunting expanse of the Empty Quarter (Rub’ al Khali) in the Arabian Peninsula, all without external support. With an insatiable thirst for pushing boundaries and defying the odds, Harris exemplifies the epitome of human resilience and exploration.
Born and raised amidst the rugged terrain of South Africa, Harris developed an early affinity for adventure and the great outdoors. His passion for mountaineering ignited during his formative years, propelling him towards a life dedicated to conquering some of the world’s most formidable peaks. Through rigorous training and unwavering determination, Harris honed his skills, eventually earning recognition as one of the world’s foremost mountaineers.
Alex Harris’s expertise extends beyond traditional mountaineering, encompassing a diverse array of extreme athletic pursuits. From navigating treacherous terrains to enduring harsh climates, he possesses a wealth of experience in pushing the boundaries of human endurance. Whether scaling towering summits or traversing unforgiving deserts, Harris thrives in environments where most would falter, showcasing his unparalleled resilience and determination.
With a string of awe-inspiring accomplishments to his name, Alex Harris has cemented his status as a trailblazer in the realm of extreme exploration. His groundbreaking expedition across the Empty Quarter stands as a testament to his unwavering resolve and pioneering spirit. By leading a team to achieve the unprecedented feat of crossing this formidable desert unsupported, Harris etched his name in the annals of exploration history.
View further Motivational Speakers and follow us on LinkedIn
Talent Videos
Alex Harris – Adventure Speaker Showreel
A compelling 5-minute, 17-second showcase of Alex Harris’s extreme expeditions, leadership lessons and powerful message on courage, resilience and pursuing audacious goals.
Read Summary & Key Moments
Summary
This 5-minute, 17-second adventure showreel presents Alex Harris’s story as one of grit, curiosity and relentless pursuit of the extraordinary. He opens by reflecting on his childhood in Johannesburg, describing himself as a restless, adventurous kid who was always drawn to the unknown. He jokes that becoming a Jedi Knight wasn’t realistic, so he followed the passions that felt inevitable—passions that would take him to some of the most remote and hostile environments on earth.
The video cuts through visual moments of expeditions as he describes climbing the seven highest peaks on the world’s seven continents: Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Elbrus, Vinson, Carstensz Pyramid, Denali and Everest. His narration emphasises both the physical demand and the deep sense of purpose that drives him from one challenge to the next.
Alex then recounts one of his most extreme undertakings: crossing the Rub’ al Khali—the Empty Quarter—the largest sand desert in the world. The desert had never been crossed unsupported, and as soon as he learned that, he knew it would be his next challenge. Alongside Marco Riccardo and David Joyce, he undertook a 40-day, 1,200 km journey pulling a 400 kg cart across blistering sand. He describes the relentless heat, temperatures nearly 10 degrees hotter than expected, and the constant obsession with water as they pushed through sandstorms, twisted ankles and quicksand.
As the footage alternates between vast dunes and candid moments of exhaustion, Alex speaks about the mental toll of the expedition—days when the enormity of what remained felt overwhelming and moments when the team was physically broken. Yet he highlights how three very different individuals were forged into a unified team through shared hardship. Their belief grew strong enough to carry them to the finish.
Key Moments
- 00:35 – Reflects on choosing adventure as a calling and showcases his Seven Summits achievements.
- 01:20 – Introduces the Empty Quarter mission and outlines the challenge.
- 02:10 – Details the extreme conditions: heat, sandstorms, thirst and physical strain.
- 03:10 – Explores teamwork, psychological resilience and moments of breaking and rebuilding.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
View further speakers
- (14)
Barry Allen Cohen stands as a beacon of unparalleled talent in the realm of event hosting, effortlessly blending the finesse of a pop-jazz singer, the expertise of a seasoned musician, and the charisma of a skilled emcee. With a distinguished track record of delivering unforgettable experiences, Barry has become a sought-after name in the industry, […]
- Travels from: Rancho Santa Fe, CA
- Event Emcee
- (32)
Chris Folayan is a renowned and award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder, celebrated for his exceptional ability to start and scale multi-million-dollar global companies. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chris has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for investing, raising substantial capital, and building thriving businesses from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey began at the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Business Speakers
- (11)
Gregory Robinson is a distinguished leader in aerospace and science, celebrated for his pivotal role as the former director of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With an illustrious 33-year career at NASA, he has been instrumental in shaping some of the most groundbreaking space exploration projects of our time. His expertise in […]
- Travels from: Washington, DC
- STEM Speakers
- (42)
- (6)
Kate Vitasek is a distinguished authority in collaborative business relationships, renowned for her pioneering work in transforming traditional business models into cooperative partnerships that drive innovation and mutual success. Her groundbreaking “Vested” business model has redefined how organizations approach outsourcing and strategic alliances, emphasizing a “What’s-in-it-for-We” philosophy that fosters shared value and long-term sustainability. Recognized […]
- Travels from: Seattle, WA
- Culture Speakers
- (22)
Orlando Jones Emcee is an award-winning actor, comedian, writer, and producer, celebrated for his versatile talent and expertise in technology. Founder of Legion of Creatives, he earned the first-ever Virtual Reality Emmy in 2015. Jones has collaborated extensively with digital thought leader Shelly Palmer, delving into generative AI, Web 3, and emerging technologies. A board […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Celebrity Emcees
- (22)
- (3)
Helena Cantrall is a dynamic and accomplished event host and emcee, known for her magnetic personality and seamless ability to captivate audiences across various event formats. With a rich background in entertainment, public speaking, and event management, Helena brings energy, professionalism, and a unique blend of warmth and charisma to every stage she graces. Fluent […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Event Emcee
- (25)
Michelle Gielan is a leading voice in the field of positive psychology and employee engagement. A former CBS News anchor turned researcher, she has dedicated her career to understanding the impact of positivity on workplace culture and productivity. As a prominent keynote speaker, Michelle blends research-backed insights with her background in broadcast journalism, making her […]
- Travels from: New York, NY
- Employee Engagement
- (8)
The Fire Performers from Dancing Fire, where we specialize in delivering electrifying performances that will leave your audience spellbound. Led by the incomparable fire dancer extraordinaire, Brittany Chandler, our troupe of world-renowned Fire Dancers promises an unforgettable experience for all types of occasions. At Fire Performers, we bring the heat with a diverse array of […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Fire Dancers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
