With a lifelong passion for travel, exploring and climate conservation, Rob Ferguson has completed some of the most challenging missions in the world - including traversing across Norway, the Himalayas and the USA. For years he has been pushing the boundaries of exploration, proving that with a determined mindset and a strong team, anything is possible. Our Keynote Speaker & Entertainment Executive, Katie Clarke, had the pleasure of interviewing Rob, where he learnt about his incredible achievements.
As a public speaker, Rob is booked to retell the many adventures he has completed, captivating audiences. As a Fellow of the National Geographic Society, he is responsible for a vast range of impactful geographic contributions, which are discussed in his speeches. Most recently, he even climbed Mt Everest in his very own home to raise money for the NHS, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Q: Who were you inspired by growing up?
"David Attenborough and Michael Palin were two people I could not get enough of! David's ability to spark joy and wonder about the natural world and Michael's enthusiasm in his travel documentaries were compelling viewing! I used to watch their programs and then grab my atlas and let my imagination roam. I loved maps."
Q: What got you into exploration?
"I was lucky. My childhood was in a time where there were fewer distractions. TV was limited. There was less traffic, no social media. We spent our time outside, exploring. That sense of curiosity and wonder has never left me. Exploration is not about where you go, it's about how you think. The need to discover more whether about a place or just yourself. To challenge yourself and in turn, grow."
Q: If you could give 10-year-old you any advice what would it be?
"Two things. There is no such thing as failure. Just outcomes. It may not be the outcome you want but learn from it and try again because if you are not worried about failing, the possibilities are endless. And, progress over perfection."
Q: When going on an adventure, what are your top 5 essentials?
"A map and compass (because tech can let you down). Good quality clothing for the environment (too hot or too wet can be a big problem). A good water purification system. Good boots and spare socks and a sense of humour."
Q: What is the most challenging landscape you have come across?
"The desert. Contours that do not change over 20km. Blistering heat by day (even the air you breath is hot) and freezing at night. Sand that sucks the energy from every step. But the stars! So many and so bright that you can almost see no space between them!"
Q: Of all the places you have visited and explored what was the most spectacular?
"Norway. It does not have the highest mountains but only 10% of the country is developed which means nearly 90% is either forest or mountain. The most important thing is that it is all accessible. You could walk for a day and see 10 summits that no one may have been on for years… And all within reach."
Q: What are your top three adventure destinations?
"Norway to cycle, climb, hike, kayak all in the same day. Nepal for the people, the culture, the landscape. And outside your front door, people miss so much that is right outside. Adventure is about discovering new things, places, people, ideas and using that to enrich your life and hopefully pass that to others. You can do that anywhere if you stay curious and open."
Q: In your experience how, if at all, have environments changed over the past few years?
"A lot of my journeys are in colder climates. I have revisited places and seen first-hand the effects of global warming over time. Not just the obvious changes of glacial loss, flooding, drought, but the hidden secondary effects of how these impact our relationship with the land. We are eternally linked to our environments and as such share the same fate."
Q: What is your top tip for responsible adventure?
"If you take the time to connect and understand where you are, the land, the people, you will have empathy for them and care. Our ability to travel and explore is a privilege. It's our responsibility to be a good advocate for our society as we travel and to bring those values back with us so others, who may not be able to access these experiences, can learn and care about them as well."
Q: Are there any destinations you wish to explore in the future?
"Patagonia for the breathtaking, unspoiled landscape, and Greenland for its significance to our changing global climate and future."
Book Adventurer Rob Ferguson
With a wealth of thrilling anecdotes to tell, Rob is a truly fantastic guest speaker for your event. To book an adventurer, including Rob, simply complete our online booking form or call us on 0207 1010 553.
