James Bertrand is a man who has spent his entire life defying the odds. Born a twin with a survival rate of just 10%, James beat a 1-in-2,000,000 chance just to be here. His early years were defined by resilience, undergoing 33 operations and spending over five years of his life in surgical recovery. Despite these immense physical hurdles, James’s greatest challenge came when he became a double amputee. Faced with the daunting reality of a surgery that had only been completed on 500 people in the world, James chose to confront the "unknown" head-on, proving that even when life doesn’t go to plan, growth is always possible.
James is a living example of the power of reframing perspective. After being told what he wouldn't be able to do, he made it his mission to redefine his limits. He made history as the first double amputee to complete the Red Bull 400, also known as the world’s steepest and toughest 400m race. His achievements serve as the foundation for his business, Anything Made Possible (AMP), through which he empowers others to move out of their comfort zones and into their own potential.
Now booked as a speaker, James predominantly works with men in high-pressure, male-dominated industries. He is a firm believer that vulnerability is a "superpower" rather than a weakness. By speaking openly about the mental and emotional toll of his journey, he breaks down the stereotypes surrounding male strength and creates an environment where others feel permitted to speak up. His talks are not about corporate clichés or quick performance wins; they are about helping individuals believe in themselves again and take accountability for their own progress.
When you hire James for your conference or event, he delivers:
- A New Definition of Strength: James leads with vulnerability to show that being "open" is the ultimate catalyst for connection and resilience in the workplace.
- The "Incremental Success Loop": A practical framework for breaking down scary goals into brave, manageable actions.
- Navigating Change & Discomfort: Insights into how to stay grounded and take ownership when faced with unchosen change or "The Unknown."
- Goal Setting & Self-Belief: Tools to help employees stop dwelling on the past, identify the goals they’ve been avoiding, and establish a "limitless" mindset.
James doesn’t just tell his story; he helps his audience reframe their own. He is a phenomenal choice for organizations looking to build genuine connection, mental strength, and a culture where anything is truly made possible.
James Bertrand's official speaker topics are listed below:
- Overcoming Challenges & Building Resilience
- Self-Belief & Confidence for Success
- Embracing Change & Thriving in Uncertainty
Official Feedback from In-Person & Virtual Events
Feedback from In-Person Events:
“Your talk extremely inspiring. I especially enjoyed how you were able to bring in humour, and talk through your relationship with your family which was just so wonderful. I felt like the individuals who were in the room benefited immensely from your talk, and we all were able to connect your experiences to our own personal & work lives.” - JustEat
“It was fantastic to have James speak at one of our conferences. As one of our patients, it was amazing for him to share his story with us. James shared his journey of his life as a double amputee and how great life can be if you have the right mindset and resilience with also a dash of humour. I can confidently say that he inspired everyone in the room.” - Dorset Orthopaedic, Ottobock Care
“James’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. As a former student and the first to deliver the valedictorian speech in our university’s 170-year history, he embodies resilience, determination, and excellence. His talk was both powerful and deeply personal, leaving our students motivated to push beyond their limits. James continues to be a role model for our community, proving that with the right mindset, anything is possible.” - St Mary’s University, Twickenham London
“Having James return to speak at our school was an unforgettable experience. His story of resilience, perseverance, and triumph over adversity left a lasting impact on our students. As a former student, James is a true inspiration, showing that challenges can be overcome with the right mindset and determination. His journey proves that anything is possible, and we are incredibly proud of all he has achieved.” - The Chalfonts Community College
- 2023 – First double amputee to complete the Red Bull 400 (World’s Toughest 400m Race)
- 2018 – Donated £5,300 to Great Ormond Street Hospital
- 2018 – Raised £53,000 in one year to fund life-changing Osseointegration surgery
- 2017–2023 – Partnered with major brands including Just Eat UK & Ottobock UK
- 2000s–2010s – 30+ surgeries including double amputation by age 20
How to hire James Bertrand
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring James Bertrand 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.