PEN HADOW - POLAR EXPLORER, ENTREPRENEUR AND LEADER.
“Hadow’s most beguiling quality is the ability to make people believe they can do anything” - Daily Telegraph
Sir Ranulph Fiennes: "The man has a constitution of iron"
Through his exceptional and inspiring achievements over the past 15 years, Polar Explorer, Pen Hadow, has become one of the World’s leading authorities on Polar Exploration and a truly great motivational and entertaining speaker.
Pen is able to talk to varied audiences on different levels about his incredible experiences and how he has dealt with the positives and the negatives over the years on guided missions, as well as his ultimate quest to succeed where no other person has managed………to walk unsupported to both the North and South Pole.
Once you have heard Pen Hadow speak with great enthusiasm and passion, you will be inspired to go out there and achieve the unachievable.
Why Pen Hadow?
- Pen Hadow has recently successfully completed world class, ground-breaking achievements.
- Pen Hadow is a unique and inspirational blend of steely toughness combined with unusual personal charisma
Pen Hadow’s Achievements
- Tetley South Pole Mission – Pen is guiding the oldest person ever to attempt an ‘All the Way to the South Geographic Pole’
- ‘Most Outstanding Outdoor Achievement’ (April 2004) – International Award won by Pen for his recent successful trips to the North and South Poles
- Solo North Pole - without any outside assistance by the hardest route -"One of the hardest feats of endurance left on earth" (Sir Ranulph Fiennes)
- Polar Orchid Challenge – Pen guided the youngest person ever to attempt an ‘All the Way to the North Geographic Pole.
- McVitie's All Women Relay to the North Pole – Pen organised and empowered a team of 20 allegedly ordinary women to walk into the Guinness Book of Records.
Through Pen Hadow’s achievements, he has been recognised throughout the world for his determination, skill and endurance in overcoming adverse and dangerous situations to achieve his ambitions.
Pen has proven experience of inspiring and motivating allegedly ordinary people to achieve extraordinary thingsPen Hadow is available for companies to use both in the UK and abroad in conjunction with, and beyond, his expedition to the South Pole in December 2003 and January 2004.
Pen Hadow is an experienced after dinner speaker having performed in front of audiences ranging from 50 to 1000 and feels equally at home at both ends of the scale. His experiences just have to be heard.
A company can use the personality, achievements and profile of Pen Hadow to ensure the media, clients and employees realise that the company is determined to only be associated with the very best at the top of their profession.
On 19th May 2003 Pen became the first man to walk alone, without outside help, from Canada to the North Pole - a remarkable achievement.
He is currently preparing for his next polar challenge - to walk to the South Pole without any re-supply and whilst guiding the oldest person ever to attempt such a feat.
His journey will begin in the middle of November and finish in the middle of
February 2004.
For talks on 'inspiration', 'motivation', 'life skills' and team-work', Pen will very much be an exciting prospect from March
2004 onwards as he will have just completed a truly memorable achievement which will gain huge publicity through coverage in a TV Documentary, the Times Newspaper, BBC
Radio and much more.
Recently, Pen has spoken at occasions for companies such as Nike, Coutts, AC Nielson, Tatler, The Royal Geographical Society, Cambridge University etc.
Pen, one of the world's leading explorer-guides, against seemingly impossible odds, has made it possible for people from all walks of life to make groundbreaking expeditions to the most remote points on planet Earth - the North and South Poles.
The secret behind his
success was his exceptional ability to motivate individuals and teams to perform
at their peak in even the most extreme situations. His superbly illustrated
presentation reveals the inspirational story behind this remarkable leader and
polar pioneer.
Pen is a rare breed amongst explorers, because he chose to bridge the divide
between his professional achievements and the potential he saw in the wider
public to undertake substantial polar expeditions. He had made a series of
progressively bold expeditions of his own in the high Arctic in the 1980's and
90's, culminating in three extreme solo expeditions on the Arctic Ocean. The
rigorous lifestyle and harsh environment of these endeavours developed a passion
in him for the polar regions, which he felt others would like to share if they
had the opportunity.
Pen's eyes had first been opened, when he was just fifteen. He completed a solo
marathon, long before marathons became a mass participation sport. Teachers,
coaches and doctors had all advised against the attempt. But Pen ran it anyway
and discovered for himself that the vested interests of experts could create
barriers to progress. He encountered the same negative attitude again in the
polar world ... and knew what had to be done.
He set up the only
specialist guide service in the world and dedicated himself, single-handedly, to
opening up the Arctic and Antarctic to everyone.
First he had to change a nation's perception of what was possible - the Poles
were regarded as the exclusive domain of the professional explorer. He also had
to create a new market - travel industry experts assuring him that no-one would
be attracted to high-cost, sub-zero temperature, expedition-style holidays. And
then, in the most inhospitable conditions on Earth, he had to lead novice teams
on pioneering expeditions to the remotest points on planet Earth - the Poles.
Effective teamwork and
appropriate leadership techniques were critical to each expedition's outcome.
The national wakeup call to launch his commercial venture was to be a dramatic
one. It was to test his entrepreneurial and management skills to the limits.
He devised, promoted, and organised the first all-women expedition to the North Pole ... and three years later, the internationally acclaimed McVitie's Penguin Polar Relay reached the North Pole on schedule to the day, with no injuries, and a catalogue of 'world firsts' by the team of twenty-two. Public perception started to shift.
Pen talks on Climate Change
Change' has been one of the themes most in demand on the public speaking circuit during the last couple of years. In 2007, however, the 'C' word will become more specific: 'Climate Change'.
And with International Polar Year, there's never been a better time to offer a polar speaker who can talk
authoritatively, excitingly, and with hands-on experience, on the subject now at the core of every large organisation's thinking.
Pen Hadow, 'the thinking man's explorer', has spent longer than most on the North Pole ice cap and has watched its gradual thinning with growing alarm. Twenty years ago, you could walk to the North Pole - now you have to swim part of the way there.
Pen has seen for himself the indicators of climate change: polar bears and other Arctic wildlife where they shouldn't be; polluted atmospheric hazes where once the horizons were pristine, and he relates his observations with passion and science, illustrating his talk with images and dramatic film footage that he has taken himself.
He explores the threats and the opportunities which will result from the accelerating disappearance of the ice-cap, including:
* The likely extinction of charismatic mega-fauna including polar bear and
walrus and the collapse of an entire sea ice-dependent ecosystem whose global significance is unknown.
* The opening up of new and faster commercial shipping routes linking Asia and the Pacific Rim to Europe and the US eastern seaboard.
* The significance of national territorial claims by countries surrounding the Arctic Ocean, including Russia and the United States, in advance of the extraction of oil and natural gas from the Arctic Ocean seabed as the obstructing ice cap melts away.
* Radical changes in the lifestyles of indigenous people as a result of the changing climate and the impacts of new commercial activity on the Arctic Ocean.
* Global sea level rise due to thermal expansion of the oceans, as the newly exposed Arctic Ocean absorbs 70% more solar energy than before.
* Coastguard and national defence issues as new types of vessels and equipment are required to operate in semi-iced and poorly charted waters.
* Availability of newly-accessible fish stocks to commercial fishing fleets.
All of the above are woven into Pen's mesmerising and inspirational tales of courage overcoming adversity, when he became the only person ever to succeed in trekking from Canada to the North Geographic Pole all alone, without any resupplies.
Pen Hadow's Speaking Endorsements
"Pen's faultless delivery, captivating anecdotes and straightforward honesty about his extraordinary achievements held us all in his thrall. He is the living embodiment of achievement through sheer hard work, determination and fastidious planning. He inspires everyone he touches and reminds us that there is everything to play for."
Tatler Magazine
"Please pass on our thanks to Pen for his excellent session at our Leadership development week -we were hugely impressed with the positive manner of his delivery and the key messages he shared with the audience and I have had very good feedback on his style and use of anecdotes to communicate important points."
Lloyds TSB
"Pen Hadow's presentations get to the heart of the matter, this is a man who has achieved great things - he not only tells you what he has done but more importantly he goes much further and deeper to the why and the how. Pen's style is generous and welcoming and he encourages you to look for and achieve your personal necessary endeavour. Not your average hero stuff - much more about motivation, self awareness, endeavour and achievable achievement"
Ashridge Business School
"Pen went down very well when he was here speaking to our clients a couple of weeks ago, our major clients were blown away by his achievements, it was a great lunch and a real pleasure to meet Pen and I am grateful to him for giving up the time to honour this commitment."
Coutts Private Banking
"... thank you so much for coming to talk to our sales team yesterday. They were hugely impressed and even more enthusiastic about Solo as a result."
Tom Weldon, Managing Director, Penguin.
PEN HADOW - The Challenges
The Omega Foundation North Geographic Pole 2003
On 19th May 2003 Pen became the first man to walk alone, without outside help, from Canada to the North Pole.
Polar Orchid Challenge 2001
Pen guided Ben Saunders, the youngest person ever to attempt an All The Way to the North Geographic Pole. Additionally it was to be unsupported and on low calorific rations to experiment with a revolutionary high carbohydrate, low fat diet that could be taken by future polar expeditions. In the event the team sledge-hauled 109kg sledges from Cape Arktichevskiy (northernmost Siberia) 620km across the Arctic Ocean towards the North Pole in the coldest season since 1987 reaching 86º43'North, some 15 days short of the Pole. Valuable scientific data was collected, which together with a book about the expedition, will be published shortly.
The Last Degree - North Geographic Pole 2001
The Polar Travel Company organised an expedition out of Borneo (with clients arriving through Russia and Longyearbyen) to the North Pole, led by polar guide, Ann Daniels. In addition training was provided on the Arctic Ocean to two private teams planning All The Way journeys to the North and South Poles in 2002.
The Last Degree - North Geographic Pole (March & April, 2000)
Guided two expeditions, on skis hauling supplies, the last 110 kilometres across the Arctic Ocean sea ice to the North Pole, with the first expedition approaching from the Canadian side, and the second from the Russian side via Khatanga in Siberia and the ice airport called 'Borneo' at 89° North on the Russian side.
The first expedition was undertaken by a specially trained team because of the particularly severe weather conditions anticipated - no sledging expedition had ever been to the Pole so early in the season, indeed the team experienced the last place on Earth to witness the dawn of the new Millennium as the sun rose at the North Pole in late March.
Crossing of Resolute Passage - Training Expedition (March, 2000)
Guided five person team, as part of preparation for a particularly arduous Last Degree expedition in March, from Resolute Bay airbase to the shores of Griffith Island and back to Resolute Village.
The Last 50 Kilometres - North Geographic Pole (April, 2000)
Guided a private client on a bespoke, shortened expedition to the North Pole from the Russian side via 'Borneo'.
M&G ISA Challenge 2000
Technical consultant in the UK, Chile and Antarctica to the first all-women expedition to the South Geographic Pole undertaken by Caroline Hamilton, Ann Daniels, Pom Oliver, Rosie Stancer, and Zoe Hudson - all originally participants on our McVitie's Penguin Polar Relay in 1997, the first all-women team expedition to the North Geographic Pole
All The Way - South Geographic Pole (2000)
Promoted the first British guided expedition from the coast of Antarctica (Hercules Inlet) to the South Geographic Pole (1,200 Kilometres) enabling Catherine Hartley (the first of two women to ever make such a journey) and Justin Speake (also British) to reach their goal 61 days later, led by Geoff Somers
The Last Degree - North Geographic Pole (1999)
Guided two separate expeditions, each of five-men, on skis hauling supplies, the last 110 kilometres across the Arctic Ocean sea ice to the North Pole, following a training and acclimatisation phase at Resolute Bay, Canada.
National Polar Express (1998)
Ground-breaking, ultra-lightweight solo North Pole attempt - reaching 87° 18 North faster than any previous solo or team expedition. Medical condition forced withdrawal
McVities's Penguin Polar Relay (1997) - World First
Organiser of the first internationally renowned all-women's relay expedition (22 women) to the North Geographic Pole from Ward Hunt Island, Canada - including its promotion, the selection process, contracting of guides, physical training, polar base management and media relations
Oyez solicitor's Polar Expedition (1997)
Guide to a seven-man expedition to the North Magnetic Pole from Resolute Bay in the Northwest Territories, Canada. (Private clients)
That Last Degree (1997)
Guide to a five-man expedition on foot by a British team from the eighty ninth degree to the North Geographic Pole. The Expedition raised over £75,000 for the British charity Whizz-Kidz. (Private Clients)
North Magnetic Pole (1995) Guide to a successful (200 kilometre) sledging expedition across the frozen McLean Strait from Northern Bathurst Island to the North Magnetic Pole by foot in the Canadian high Arctic.
'Search for Kruger' (1995) Guide to a reconnaissance expedition for television, to an islet in the Queen Elizabeth Islands of northern Canada in search of evidence of Hans Kruger who disappeared without trace in the locality in 1932. (Commercial client)
Solo North Pole (1994)
The first attempt to reach the North Geographic Pole on foot, without air support, from Ward Hunt Island, northernmost Canada. Membership of the No Limits Team an international team for extreme athletes sponsored by Sector Sport Watches
Trans Spitsbergen Exhibition (1991) Guide to a successful two-way crossing by snowmobile of the high Arctic Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. (Private client)
'Project Polar Night' (1991)
Guide to a successful two-way crossing by snowmobile of the high Arctic Norwegian island of Spitsbergen. (Private client)
Greenland by Foot (1990) Guide to a series of extended tours by foot in the Angmagssalik region of Greenland's east coast. (Private clients)
'Arctic Voyager' (1989) Co-partner on the 'furthest north' voyage by open boat from British shores - to east Greenland - and the longest voyage (3,500 kilometres) by inflatable craft. (Sponsored expedition)
'No Limits Team' Membership of this international team for extreme athletes sponsored by Sector Sport Watches