Former Royal Marine Commando, North Pole Expedition Leader, MBE Recipient, Bestselling Author & Global Motivational Leadership Speaker
Alan Chambers’ Biography:
Alan Chambers MBE is a polar explorer, former Royal Marine Commando, and highly regarded motivational speaker known for leading the first British unsupported expedition to the Geographic North Pole. Today he works with global organisations, helping teams understand resilience, focus, and leadership in environments where failure is not an option. His most defining moment came in 2000 when he raised the Union Jack at the North Pole after seventy days on drifting ice, a moment that cemented his place among Britain’s foremost explorers.
Alan’s journey began at sixteen when he left home to join the Royal Marines, driven by a need for challenge and a desire to see the world. Nine months after enlisting he passed the demanding training and went on to serve seventeen years on the front line, travelling through jungles, deserts, frozen landscapes and fifty countries by the time he turned thirty. During this period he became a qualified diver, paramedic, parachutist and ski survival instructor, roles that honed his ability to lead others in high risk environments. In 1995, he was part of the pioneering first winter expedition to traverse Iceland on skis, a feat that demanded stamina, discipline and absolute trust in his team.
These early experiences prepared Alan for the expedition that would define his career. After five years of training and planning he led the historic journey from Canada to the Geographic North Pole, becoming the first Briton to do so unsupported. At thirty two he was appointed MBE for Determined Leadership in Constant Adversity. The expedition was the catalyst for future challenges, including the Yukon Arctic Ultra Challenge, the Feet of Green Greenland crossing, and multiple South Pole expeditions. He has since returned to the North Pole more than a dozen times, guiding business leaders and senior executives through the same extremes to help them understand their own leadership strengths. He is also the bestselling author of ‘Lead Yourself to Success’ and co-author of ‘Keep Walking’ and has contributed motivational support to the 2003 England Rugby World Cup winners and the 2005 Ashes winning England Cricket team.
Why Hire Alan Chambers?
Organisations hire Alan for his practical approach to performance under pressure and his ability to connect extreme exploration with everyday leadership challenges. He speaks with clarity and warmth, using vivid stories from the ice to show how teams thrive by staying focused, communicating well and committing fully to a shared goal. His topics include leading from the back, creating a winning mindset, building resilient teams and navigating setbacks with purpose. Alan leaves audiences with lessons they can apply immediately, making him a trusted voice for companies aiming to strengthen culture and inspire their people to reach beyond their comfort zone.
Alan Chambers’ Career Highlights:
Below showcases Alan Chambers’ journey as an adventurer and explorer:
- 2025 – Led the Mission Spiritus Oman Expedition, a 26-day scientific journey across the Empty Quarter desert
- 2025 – Continued work with the Mission Spiritus environmental research programme studying micro and nanoplastics in remote regions
- 2023 – Completed an unsupported ski expedition to the South Pole
- 2018 – Published ‘Lead Yourself to Success’
- 2010 – Co-authored ‘Keep Walking: Leadership Learning in Action’
- 2009 – Led a senior executive expedition to the South Pole
- 2008 – Crossed Greenland as part of the Feet of Green initiative
- 2006 – Completed the Yukon Arctic Ultra Challenge
- 2005 – Motivational contributor to England’s Ashes-winning cricket team
- 2003 – Motivational contributor to England’s Rugby World Cup-winning team
- 2000 – Led the first British unsupported expedition to the Geographic North Pole
- 1995 – Member of the first winter expedition to traverse Iceland by ski
Videos
Alan Chambers’ Official Keynote Speaking Videos & Showreel:
Testimonials
“Alan Chambers gave us an hours presentation on how he got through an unsupported walk to the North Pole – an amazing journey of endurance, skill & strength. There were parallels to be shared and he told us there would be blips and setbacks along our route. After the first test I remembered what he had said.” – Michael, England Ashes Captain
“Alan Chambers’ account of the expedition and his leadership insights made us all think very deeply about our roles and what it takes to succeed against the odds. He is human, inspirational and a real coach. Our business will benefit hugely if we apply what we have learnt from him.” – Pat, CEO, Northern Foods
“Alan Chambers’ amazing story highlighting the remarkable focus and leadership he had around the North Pole trip truly inspired the team in their preparation for the Rugby World Cup 2003.” – Martin, Captain, 2003 Winning England Rugby World Cup Team
“Alan is an excellent speaker, enthralling stories and first class entertainment. In the talks he does with business leaders he always manages to connect and draw parallels with the challenges faced by the audience and polar exploration. Perfect as an after dinner guest, project kick off or virtual webinar.” – James, CEO, WinningCIO
“Alan was a fantastic addition to our team summit. The recounting of the expedition he led was delivered to expectation and fully met our objective of inspiring and informing the team. Covering themes of belief, resilience, collaboration and leadership, Alan brought a unique insight to working in extreme adverse conditions and gave the team a practical perspective in solving problems in real time. Alan’s addition to our schedule has delivered a very worthwhile experience.” – Angie, Facebook
“Alan’s leadership skills borne out through his determination mixed with his consideration of the needs of others gave us all much to think about. His effort in achieving a task that many people could not even begin to consider is truly inspiring.” – Martin, Training Manager, British Petroleum (BP)
“Inspirational, he’s a genuine hero.” – Charles, Founder Chairman, Carphone Warehouse
“It was a great session of Alan Chambers and we got very good feedback on his presentation. He is an amazing person and what he experienced was fascinating to hear.” – Maya, Gate Gourmet Switzerland GmbH
“The way Alan Chambers was able to link an unbelievable expedition to the top of the world with the challenges affecting each of us on a daily basis was truly inspiring. His passion for team work and belief in the power of individual character left the audience feeling like they could overcome anything.” – Rowena, Manchester Science Enterprise Centre
Speaking Topics
Alan Chambers’ Official Keynote Topics:
- Creating a Winning Mindset
- Delivering More With Less
- Leadership and Resilience
- Leading From the Back
- Maintaining Focus Under Pressure
- Managing Adversity
- Team Dynamics and High-Performance Culture
How Much Does Alan Chambers Cost to Hire?
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Alan Chambers?
The cost of hiring Alan Chambers MBE depends on your event format, location and the level of involvement required. For an accurate and tailored quote, contact a London Keynote Speakers Agency booking agent for guidance.