Charlie Walker is an award-winner explorer who has completed some of the most challenging long-distance expeditions through some of the most remote and inaccessible places on Earth. Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and four time recipient of the Transglobe Expedition Trust’s “Mad but Marvellous” award, Charlie is an experienced speaker who’s talks focus on resilience, goal setting, teamwork and positive failure. Informed by fifteen years of adventures, Charlies injects humour into his keynotes and inspired audiences to achieve their goals.
In 2010, Charlie set out on his first adventure, a four year, 43,000 mile bike journey across Europe, Asia and Africa. Driven by a deep sense of Wanderlust, Charlie twice crossed the Sahara and crossed Central Africa during the monsoon. Then, accompanied by a feral Mongol pony he bought, Charlie travelled 1,000 miles across Mongolia in 2012, before walking across the Gobi desert. In 2014, Charlie paddled 350 miles down a tributary of the Congo where Charlie was simultaneously struck down by typhoid fever and a severe strain of Malaria. Undeterred, just a few years later, Charlie completed an astonishing 8,000km triathlon, spending eight months ski trekking, kayaking and cycling.
In more recent years, Charlie took on a two month journey through Papua New Guinea trekking through dense jungle and facing monsoon rains, tribal violence and crocodiles. Then in 2021 he travelled to Kyrgystan and summitted the mountain in the Sarychat Ertash State Nature Reserve. When Russia declared war with Ukraine only three days after his arrival in Russia, Charlie's expedition to hike the frozen surfaces of the Arctic was interrupted when he was arrested and found guilty of conducting journalism while travelling, Charlie spent four weeks in Yakutsk detention centre before he was deported. His most recent adventure was a 6,000km cycle from Cameroon to Dakar, traversing twelve countries and completing a section of his earlier four-year bike adventure that was previously impassable due to Ebola. Charlie has published two books on his reflections from his travels and his writings have featured in esteemed publications like “The Times,” “The Daily Telegraph,” “Wanderlust” and “ The Sunday Times”.
Now a sought-after speaker, Charlie delivered a popular Tedx Talk on the Power of Isolation and has shared his experience and insights with esteemed clients like Mastercard, Paypal, Citywide Financial and Snap Fitness. Charlie’s recent keynotes have included “The Power of Adversity” and “Lessons from the Wilderness.” If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker with incredible stories from his adventures, as well as unique insights into resilience, adversity and teamwork and leadership, get in touch today to book Charlie Walker!
Charlie Walker's official speaking topics are listed below:
- The Power of Adversity
- Finding your Elastic Limit
- Lessons from the Wilderness
- Doing Difficult Things
- Building Resilience
- Leadership and Teamwork under Pressure
- Risk Calculation and Positive Risk-Taking
Official feedback from in-person & virtual events:
"Truly one of the best talks I've heard." - Dimensional Fund Advisors Ltd
"A consummate storyteller with an infectious energy. Thoroughly recommended." - Cavendish Medica
"Charlie is an inspirational and engaging speaker. He demonstrated the mindset required for overcoming challenges, and highlighted techniques that can be applied to the difficulties of day-to-day tasks. Charlie's presentations encourage individuals and teams to push past boundaries to achieve goals. He is a pleasure to work with." - CPA Australia
"It's often tricky to get the balance right with external speakers, ensuring we portray the appropriate message. Charlie got the balance just right. The team were in awe of his determination and resilience which I know they'll now bring to their careers! The feedback has been brilliant with many saying Charlie was the highlight, so thank you!" - Dalcour Maclaren
"Charlie captivated the audience from start to finish. His talk led to continued discussions amongst colleagues with wishful thoughts of joining him on his next adventures. It was total escapism for a desk-bound audience who were eager to hear more... we look forward to inviting Charlie back after his next trip and to get a copy of his book!" - Capula Investment Services Ltd
"Charlie was an incredible speaker. His messages on perseverance and perspective not only hit a special chord but inspired so many in the audience to seek new ways to view the world and challenge themselves. I would highly recommend Charlie to any audience." - Future Farmers of America, Arizona
"Charlie is a class act. A gentleman, well spoken, intelligent and a great public speaker and author. His insights are incredibly valuable, and his humour adds a delightful touch that kept everyone engaged. He has entertained my clients twice now! A consummate professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him to others." - Tandem Financial
"Charlie gave our company a really inspiring talk about his travels and the challenges contained within. The stories he has to tell are deeply awe inspiring and truly captivating. I can't recommend him enough." - Benevolent AI
- 2024 – Completed a 6,000km Cycle from Cameroon to Dakar
- 2021 – Travelled up the Sarychat Valley
- 2019 – Published “On Roads That Echo”
- 2019 – Embarked on a two month journey through Papua New Guinea
- 2017 – Published “Through Sand & Snow”
- 2017 – Complete an 8 month, 8,000km triathlon
- 2014 – Paddled 350miles down the Lulua River, a tributary of the Congo
- 2012 – Travelled 600 miles across Mongolia
- 2012 – Travelled 1,000 miles from Tiananmen Square in Beijing to Sukhbaatar Square in Mongolia
- 2010 – Set out on a four year, 43,000 mile journey across Europe, Asia and Africa
How to hire Charlie Walker
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Charlie Walker for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
