Chris Lemons: Inspirational Speaker

Highlights:
  • Chris’s extraordinary brush with death gave him an opportunity to contemplate his own, seemingly imminent, mortality. 
  • He is able to share how in accepting the inevitability of his own death in those final conscious minutes on the seabed, he was able to find a state of calm and reflect on what was most important in his life. 
  • The miracle of his subsequent survival has given him an acute sense of what death really means, and he is able reflect with audiences on how these insights are as important in life, as they were in death.

Formats:
Audience:
Outcomes:
Reading time: 3 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Keynote Topics

Chris can discuss how strong leadership plays a vital role in all spheres of the work he does. 

From a robust chain of command, right through to individual leadership whilst working on the ocean floors, Chris is able to share how clear-cut but objective governance is key to the safe and efficient running of complicated and inherently dangerous offshore subsea operations. 

He can also describe how this same clear minded and well-rehearsed structure of leadership played a pivotal role in saving his life, and how you can use these same methods to enhance the day to day running and crisis management within your own domain.

Chris’s extraordinary brush with death gave him an opportunity to contemplate his own, seemingly imminent, mortality. 

He is able to share how in accepting the inevitability of his own death in those final conscious minutes on the seabed, he was able to find a state of calm and reflect on what was most important in his life. 

The miracle of his subsequent survival has given him an acute sense of what death really means, and he is able reflect with audiences on how these insights are as important in life, as they were in death.

Chris Lemons has been a commercial diver for over 14 years, and currently specialises in deep sea Saturation diving, operating almost exclusively in the Oil and Gas Industry.

This highly specialised form of diving involves living in the claustrophobic confines of a decompression chamber for up to 28 days at a time, commuting daily to the sea-bed in a diving bell, and working at depths of up to 900 feet for 6 hours at a time.

In September of 2012, a freak failure of the dynamic positioning system of the vessel he was working under, resulted in the umbilical which provides him with breathing gas, light and heat being severed completely. He was left on the sea-bed, in complete darkness 300 feet below the surface, with only the 5 minutes of breathing gas he carried in the emergency tanks on his back, and no way to protect himself from the freezing temperatures.

It took his heroic rescuers over 40 minutes to come back and fetch him, and his miraculous survival story has baffled experts ever since.

Chris Lemons extraordinary story was subsequently immortalised in the hit Netflix/BBC documentary ‘Last Breath,’ whilst Chris continues to dive to this day.

He was born in Edinburgh, raised in Cambridge, and now lives in the Scottish Highlands with his wife and daughter.

Chris Lemons | Inspiration

Motivational Public Speaking

Chris Lemons is happy to tailor his address to align with your specific theme or requirements, which may include focusing on the safety aspect and lessons learned from the accident, the human and emotional elements involved, or a more generic oversight of the offshore and saturation diving world.

Chris Lemons can offer you an insight into the relatively unknown world of Saturation Diving, where those involved spend weeks on end confined to a compression chamber, whilst being lowered each day in a diving bell to the murky depths of the ocean floor to do their work.

He will also talk you through the lead up to that fateful day in 2012 and give you a very personal account of his thoughts and actions when he was left stranded 300 feet down in the icy darkness with no heat, no light and only 5 minutes of gas left to breathe, with his rescuers over 40 minutes away from being able to get to him.

Chris Lemons offers an acute, honest and emotional testimony of what goes through ones mind when seemingly counting down the minutes to death, and how surprising and revealing ones response to such a situation can be.

He also tentatively explores how staring death in the face can focus ones mind on life, as well as force you to contemplate the very finite nature of our time here on earth. Chris also discusses the practical and physiological reasons which may have contributed to his miraculous survival.

He moves beyond the miracle and communicates how teamwork, preparation, training, procedures, drills and practice played a huge role in his recovery and survival, and how the nature of how these are implemented can benefit your sphere of work or life.

Chris is also delighted to engage in question and answer sessions on any of the subjects related above.

Previous clients have included the Titan Summit in Toronto, HSBC, Shell UK, Exon Mobil, BP, the Royal Society of Medicine in London, BioMarin, Tracerco, Deep Ocean and many others.

Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

Talent FAQ's

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

  • 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!

Talent Resources

Talent resources available for download

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more
Was this profile helpful?

View further speakers

  • (37)

From Why Coach of the San Francisco 49ers to leadership and sales speaker, bestselling author, and Chief Purpose Advisor, discover Paul Epstein path to become the most trusted voice on leading battle-tested teams and building purposeful culture through The Power of Playing Offense. Paul Epstein has been in the sports industry since his career began, […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Leadership Speakers
  • (77)
Simone-Biles-logo.png

Simone Biles has an astounding tally of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is not just a dominant force in her sport but also a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and grace. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a global icon is a testament to her dedication and unyielding spirit. Beyond […]

  • Travels from: Houston, TX
  • Sporting Speakers
  • (57)
Dr. Michio Kaku

Dr. Michio Kaku is one of the most widely recognized and respected figures in science today. A world-renowned theoretical physicist, futurist, and bestselling author, Dr. Kaku has dedicated his life to making the mysteries of the universe accessible and inspiring to people across the globe. He is internationally recognized as an authority on Einstein’s unified […]

  • Travels from: New York, NY
  • Futurists Speakers
  • (8)
DJ MelBoogie

DJ MelBoogie is one of the country’s best-known female DJs. For 30 years, her roots have been deeply embedded in radio, both as a host, and mixshow format DJ. She has also hosted several events including Canadian Music Week, North By North East Indie Showcase, and has been a speaker/panelist at a variety of music […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Mobile DJ
  • (60)
Meredith Breitstein

A 6-time award-winning keynote speaker Meredith Breitstein tours the world encouraging leaders to step into their destiny, walk through fear, and SHINE by finding their courage.  She specializes in helping teams, and her audiences speak up, stand out, and command a room with their presence.  After coaching thousands of leaders she has learned there are 5 steps all […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (20)
  • (6)
Rob Lawless

Rob Lawless is not your typical keynote speaker. His remarkable mission to meet 10,000 different people for an hour each has reshaped his life and inspired thousands globally. With a unique approach to human connection and personal growth, Rob combines his journey with motivational speaking to offer audiences a fresh perspective on resilience, empathy, and […]

  • Travels from: Philadelphia, PA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (51)
Jeff Krapf

Born in Northern California, Jeff Krapf is considered one of the most versatile television hosts in the business. With a proven background in hosting local and national TV shows or on a microphone hosting international Live events Jeff exudes energy, personality, charm and brings a sense quality and charisma that very few people can pull off. […]

  • Travels from: San Diego, CA
  • Event Emcee
  • (51)
Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. Jim is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in […]

  • Travels from: Williamsville, NY
  • Sporting Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel

Speakers Inc Logo 2024
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.