Bertrand Piccard

Bertrand Piccard is a renowned explorer and psychiatrist, famed for completing the extraordinary feat of being the first person to complete a non-stop balloon flight around the globe. The underlying message of his daring feats is one of environmental impact, emphasising that clean technologies and renewable energy can achieve the impossible. Now the Founder of the Solar Impulse Foundation, Bertrand is reimagining ecology through the lens of profitability, inspiring the use and promotion of clean technologies - awarded the UN Champions of the Earth Award in recognition of his passions. If you are looking for an inspirational explorer, who can also discuss the solutions to environmental problems, hire Bertrand Piccard today.

Born to a family of avid scientific explorers, Bertrand was destined for a life of curiosity and adventure. Taking up hand gliding at 16, Bertrand’s taste for adventure was ignited, going on to become one of Europe’s leading pioneers of microlight flying and hand gliding – even achieving the title of European Hand Glider Aerobatics Champion. It was in 1999 that Bertrand’s sense of adventure was truly demonstrated, as he embarked on the Breitling Orbiter 3. Aboard the balloon, Bertrand and his co-pilot Brian Jones completed the first successful non-stop balloon circumnavigation of the world. In recognition of such a valiant achievement, Bertrand was honoured with the Charles Green Salver, the Harmon Trophy and the FAI Gold Air Medal.

Several years later, Bertrand yet again embarked on another daring feat. In 2003, Bertrand announced his vision to create a solar-powered aircraft – the Solar Impulse. Fast forward to July 2016, Bertrand and André Borschberg successfully completed a circumnavigation of the globe in the Solar Impulse, a revolutionary first for such a vessel – which resulted in the creation of the World Alliance for Clean Technologies and Bertrand awarded the Mungo Park Medal from the Royal Scottish Geographical Society. In addition to his commitments to Solar Impulse, Bertrand also acted as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, launched the Efficient Solutions Label and set the record for the most miles driven by a hydrogen car. Bertrand has also authored several books, including the titles The Greatest Adventure and A Trace in the Sky.

Spreading the message that innovation and pioneering spirit are the key to solving pressing challenges, Bertrand is now highly sought after as a keynote speaker for a variety of events. With a decorated background, Bertrand doesn’t just share his adventure story, he taps into his experiences to allow audiences to draw inspiration from them in their own lives. Using his feats with Solar Impulse and the Breitling Orbiter, Bertrand has developed his psychology for life – having spent the past two decades addressing audiences on topics such as human communication, how to deal with uncertainty, stress management, leadership and motivation. Additionally, Bertrand’s background as a psychiatrist also allows him to address medical professionals on the art of psychiatry in hypnosis and self-hypnosis. If you are looking for a decorated speaker with a truly inspirational and thought-provoking story, hire Bertrand Piccard for your next event.