Nando Parrado

Nando Parrado is an individual with an inspirational story to tell. Having survived the terrible plane crash in the Cordillera de los Andes, Nando today is booked as a speaker to share his incredible story of survival in motivational keynote speeches. Having spent two months trapped in the treacherous conditions of the Andes mountains, Nando is also booked to speak on themes of handling conflict, handling your fears, leadership, teamwork and handling crisis.

A university student, Nando was on his way to Chile when disaster struck. An inexperienced pilot flying the Fairchild FH-227D, which Nando was aboard, mistakenly began to land the plane, subsequently crashing into the Andes mountains which tore the wings and tail of the plane off in the process. Unfortunately, Nando lost both his mother and sister in the accident, now referred to as the Andes flight disaster or The Miracle of Andes, and incredibly managed to survive despite suffering a fractured skull and being in a coma for three days.

After surviving for 72 days in the icy and treacherous slopes of the Andes, Nando and fellow passenger Roberto trekked for 10 days to find help for fellow survivors and today lives to tell the tale of their incredible venture. Nando was unfortunately left scarred by the devastation of the crash, having lost his relatives, and so began working for his fathers business upon his return. Coming to terms with what had happened to him, Nando began to tell his story as a speaker and is a popular choice to speak on overcoming adversity today.

Having recovered from the Andes Air Disaster, Nando went on to forge a career as a professional race car driver especially interested in the racing of sports cars. Ultimately giving up racing, Nando later became a businessman and has forged a reputation as a television personality. He is also highly sought as a speaker for conferences, acting as a role model for others who have also experienced psychological trauma. Discussing the hostile environment of the Andes, Nando uses his experience of trauma to inspire strategies that are transferable to business and personal challenges.

As a speaker, Nando has previously spoken for the likes of Hewlett Packard, Travelport and IBM Americas. Nando’s keynote speeches inspire people to overcome their personal challenges, living proof that even in the most adverse situations survival is still possible. His experience in the Andes have allowed Nando to develop many skills, now speaking on topics of leadership, teamwork, handling a crisis, handling fears, planning and strategy. His story is filled with heartbreak, determination, perseverance and the sheer will to survive, guaranteed to touch every audience member no matter the event or occasion.