Robert Swan

Robert Swan is a famed adventurer, best known as the first person to walk both the North & South Poles. Achieving this great feat at the age of 33, his name is etched amongst the greatest explorers in history. Having exemplified leadership and sheer tenacity when faced with treacherous terrains and weather conditions, Robert extracts the lessons he learned and applies them to challenges that people face in their everyday life. His addresses as a motivational keynote speaker touch on subjects such as mental resilience, peak performance, leadership, effective communication and sustainable management practices.

Founder of 2041 Foundation, Robert works with a community of likeminded leaders and champions who are striving to create a more sustainable world together. They inform, engage and inspire coming generations, by showing them what it means to take responsibility. Over the span of 20 years, Robert has led over 4000 people from 35 countries around the world to protect the last great wilderness on earth, that is Antarctica. Robert’s book “Antarctica 2041: My Quest to Save the Earth’s Last Wilderness” brings attention to the glaring environmental concerns prevalent in the region, including extinction of species, rise of sea levels and high greenhouse gas levels. However, Robert reminds us that all is not last and there is still much that can be done to save our planet – as seen in his TED talk “Let’s Save the Last Pristine Continent”.

Robert was appointed OBE in addition to receiving the Polar Medal in recognition of his incredible dedication to walk both the North and South Poles. He has also been appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth and was the Special Envoy to the Director General of UNESCO – both matters of great honour. Another feather in Robert’s cap is his survival off only renewable energy at the E-Base for two weeks in his visit to Antarctica in 2008. Focusing on sustainable measures, Robert also delivered the keynote address at the first World Summit for Sustainable Development back in 1992. In 2023, Robert embarked on the “Undaunted: South Pole 2023 Expedition” which resulted in him completing his 35-year-long mission to cross the entire landmass of Antarctica.

Robert is of the firm opinion that we must honour the commitments we make to ourselves – his keynote speeches are rife with similar life lessons which are designed to invigorate listeners, so that they feel motivated to accomplish their dreams. Through the Undaunted Podcast, he speaks on his many adventures throughout his career, offering sage advice and lessons of determination. When booked to speak at events, Robert Swan demonstrates why we must protect our environment, adopt sustainable practices and display mental resilience when facing challenges. Hire Robert Swan for your next event today!