Often described as ‘the World’s Greatest Living Explorer’, Sir Ranulph 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, Sir Ranulph became the oldest person to conquer Everest.
Even though exploring and adventuring is something that Sir Ranulph enjoys in his “retirement”, his younger life was equally astonishing. Born in 1944 to a mother whose husband had just been killed in the Second World War, Sir Ranulph was brought up in South Africa before attending Eton College. After college he joined the Army and was known as the youngest Captain in the British Army when he joined the SAS in 1965.
Sir Ranulph took part in many campaigns, including fighting Marxist Terrorists, for which he received the Sultan’s Bravery Medal.
Since leaving the Army he held roles in the Petroleum Industry and led various expeditions for which he has become most well known. To date he has engaged in challenges such as being the first person to reach both Poles, first to cross both the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans, first to circumnavigate the world along the Polar Axis – all with his friend Charles Burton. He was the leader of the first hovercraft expedition along the Nile, discovered the lost city of Ubar – after many other people had failed over the space of 26 years – and climbed many of the world’s highest mountains. He has raised millions for charity, and has won various awards including ITV Greatest Britons (Sport) and Man of the Year in 1982.
To get the opportunity to meet and listen to this remarkable man speak is one NOT TO BE MISSED!
Even though exploring and adventuring is something that Sir Ranulph enjoys in his “retirement”, his younger life was equally astonishing. Born in 1944 to a mother whose husband had just been killed in the Second World War, Sir Ranulph was brought up in South Africa before attending Eton College. After college he joined the Army and was known as the youngest Captain in the British Army when he joined the SAS in 1965.
Sir Ranulph took part in many campaigns, including fighting Marxist Terrorists, for which he received the Sultan’s Bravery Medal.
Since leaving the Army he held roles in the Petroleum Industry and led various expeditions for which he has become most well known. To date he has engaged in challenges such as being the first person to reach both Poles, first to cross both the Antarctic and Arctic Oceans, first to circumnavigate the world along the Polar Axis – all with his friend Charles Burton. He was the leader of the first hovercraft expedition along the Nile, discovered the lost city of Ubar – after many other people had failed over the space of 26 years – and climbed many of the world’s highest mountains. He has raised millions for charity, and has won various awards including ITV Greatest Britons (Sport) and Man of the Year in 1982.
To get the opportunity to meet and listen to this remarkable man speak is one NOT TO BE MISSED!
What the audience can expect
Sir Ranulph 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.
Sir Ranulph 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 Sir Ranulph’s remarkable endeavours – just as they are in any competitive environment.
There is of course 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.
Sir Ranulph 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 Sir Ranulph’s remarkable endeavours – just as they are in any competitive environment.
There is of course 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.
Presentation Approach
Sir Ranulph is well known for his focus and determination, and this comes across in his delivery. He also maintains the importance of a great sense of humour and will have audiences enthralled and entertained with his presentation. Anyone who has read Sir Ranulph’s books, for example “The Feather Men”, will know that his understanding of detail can only come from experience and his ability to be a great storyteller can only come from his love of life.
