Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere is proof that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, she explains this by claiming ‘we just need to be bold enough to begin’. Her talks as a motivational speaker at events captivates audiences and provides a highlight to your event. A former successful model for M&S and Alexander McQueen, Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere always took opportunities that were presented to her. Katie even had experience in the film-world, working as Cameron Diaz’s body double in The Holiday. It was when Katie met renowned explorer Tarka L’Herpiniere that things began to change.
Tarka suggested they undertake a major expedition, Katie knew that she was not afraid of a challenge after already proving her sporting prowess on horseback at Eventing. As romance blossomed, Katie and Tarka began a 6 month trek of the Great Wall of China, the most complete journey ever undertaken. Describing her times on this gruelling joinery, Katie-Jane is an engaging and intriguing after dinner speaker.
Katie’s inspiring choice to take on this epic challenge was not an easy decision. Committing herself to endurance training meant gaining three stone in weight and preparing and motivating herself mentally for the challenge. During the trek Katie was sent to hospital twice and lost an inch in height due to the weight of her backpack. An award winning film The Great Walk of China, documented how Katie faced blizzards, frostbite, exhaustion, dehydration and starvation. This expedition is a wonderful example of peak performance and overcoming adversity in the harshest of environments, two attributes she describes in length as a motivational speaker.
Despite the incredibly hostile environment, Katie and Tarka completed this great journey from the West to East, through the Gobi Desert and sub-zero temperatures of the mountains. Completing 3,000 miles in 167 days, the equivalent of 102 marathons – this was a world first. Katie went on to cycle through Ethiopia and complete the first major crossing by a woman of the Southern Patagonian Ice Cap, this involved facing extreme storms and surviving five days in a shelter after their tent had failed. Katie’s fascinating story as an after dinner speaker tells every listener that you can embrace change, survive tough times and leave our comfort zones behind. Achieving what seems impossible is Katie’s passion; her speeches truly awaken the potential in others.
How to hire Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Katie-Jane L'Herpiniere 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.
When she's at corporate events, Katie-Jane is known to cover the following topics:
- The great walk of China and Patagonian ice cap expedition
- Having the courage to change
- Staying motivated in tough times
- Setting and achieving goals
- Peak performance
- Overcoming adversity
See what feedback Katie-Jane received from the events which she was booked as a speaker below.
"I have to say that Katie-Jane was THE most inspirational speaker I've ever seen (and I've seen a few) I was absolutely transfixed throughout the whole presentation and have to say I didn't want it to end!!" - Dale Carneige
"Engaging, inspirational and humbling. Katie's story portrays the life and journeys of unique and driven individuals, testing their bodies and mental strength in some of the most hostile environments known to mankind. Whilst many of us can only marvel at the physical achievements undertaken, the real message is in the focused approach to tasks that can be accomplished and only excuses will prevent you from achieving."- Bournemouth University
"‘I have to say that Katie-Jane was THE most inspirational speaker I've ever seen (and I've seen a few). I was absolutely transfixed throughout the whole presentation and have to say I didn't want it to end!!" - Dale Carneige
"We thought that Katie was lovely and that her talk was fascinating, especially hearing about the many challenging situations that she had to overcome. I was very grateful that she joined us afterwards to continue to answer questions in the less formal setting of the hotel bar too!" - HSBC Insurance
"Katie-Jane was the only female speaker at Fizkultura - our active life forum attended by more than 300 people in Sofia, Bulgaria. She engaged the audience tremendously and received top marks in the feedback form we sent later on." - Fizkultura
!"Katie-Jane! What an inspiration! Her strength of character and courage left us all, I think, speechless and emotional. A brilliant lesson in embracing change, surviving tough times and achieving the impossible. Highly recommended and absolutely fascinating." - Unique: Women in Business
"Exceptionally impressed and inspired." - Hayleys
"Her presentation and story was inspirational, uplifting and captivating. Everyone on my table agreed and was full of praise for her motivational speech. Her humour and wit really captured the audience and made it possible to relate to Katie’s situation even though we were all in awe of what she has achieved." - We are Slater
"I just wanted to say how truly inspirational Katie’s presentation was - absolutely fantastic." - Advance Performance
"What an amazing story! Katie's journey from model to adventurer shows that the only barrier to fulfilling our dreams are inside our own minds, or perhaps you just need to meet a Frenchman skiing uphill. Thank you again." - Digital Explorer
"Katie is an amazing person and a natural presenter, the delegates really warmed to her. A truly excellent presentation, really inspirational and motivating, making people believe the impossible is possible. We wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Katie and definitely would use her again." - Lancaster Chamber of Commerce
"Katie gave an excellent talk with some wonderful photographs. She must have tremendous courage. A most enjoyable night. (There were very few seats left in the lecture room: the busiest night we have had for a long time!" - Royal Scottish Geographical Society
"Engaging, inspirational and humbling. Katie's story portrays the life and journeys of unique and driven individuals, testing their bodies and mental strength in some of the most hostile environments known to mankind. Whilst many of us can only marvel at the physical achievements undertaken, the real message is in the focused approach to tasks that can be accomplished and only excuses will prevent you from achieving." - Bournemouth University
"Fantastic… Feedback was all extremely positive." - Midlands Excellence
""The presentation was so inspiring, thought provoking, motivating, and interesting.... the short DVD clips at the end almost had our most hardened delegates having to push back tears. Excellent. Really, really, really, really brilliant. I was (as you can probably tell) very pleased." - Allen Carr’s Easyway International Ltd
"Excellent" - Clifford Solutions
