Ness Knight is a world record setting explorer, conservationist and author with an insatiable thirst for adventure. For over a decade, Ness has led expeditions through jungles, across desserts and up mountains. She has unmatched experience and insights into resilience and the mental and physical fortitude that it takes to overcome adversity and survive in the most extreme environments.
Ness’s connection to the environment began in childhood, growing up in Africa, where she developed a strong bond with the natural world around her. Ness’s career as an adventurer began in 2012 when she left her regular 9-5 job to paddleboard over 1000 miles down the Missouri River, the longest stand-up paddleboard journey made by a woman. The following year she became the first woman to swim the length of the Thames River before running fifteen marathons in fifteen days. Amongst Ness’s incredible adventures is a solo expedition across the Namib Desert on a fat bike, an adventure that pushed her mind and body to their limits.
Ness’s resilience and unstoppable drive is further demonstrated in her expedition to find the source of the Essequibo River, which took her through remote uncharted jungle and down white water rapid systems. On this expedition, Ness and her team worked with the indigenous WaiWai tribe to locate the river’s source. Over the course of her adventures, Ness has always had a passion for storytelling, starting with her documenting her travels on an online blog. The author of ‘Adventure Starts at Bedtime’, a collection of stories from the world’s greatest adventurers to inspire young readers, Ness is currently involved in filming a documentary in Africa investigating the illicit rhino horn trade.
A passionate and dynamic speaker, Ness is sought-after for her unmatched experience as an explorer. Whether she’s sharing anecdotes from her adventures, like the time she used elephant tracks to find water in one of the world’s most arid environments, or the time she cycled across Bolivia with no money, or sharing her expertise on teamwork, resilience, leadership and decision making under pressure, Ness has powerful lessons to impart. Hire Ness today for your next event!
Ness Knight's official speaking topics are listed below:
- Resilience in the Face of Adversity
- Expeditions: A Life on the Edge
- Ultimate Team Building for High Pressure Environments
- Leadership
- Planning and Executing Strategies
- On the Frontlines of Conservation
- Taking Calculated Risks to Succeed
- Achieving the Extraordinary - Going the Extra Mile
- Overcoming the Fear of Failure
Official feedback from in-person & virtual events:
"The word inspirational is over used, but not for Ness. Unreal." - Citywire
"Ness’ ability to instill a deep curiosity and passion for the environment in our students was outstanding. Her talk has inspired and moved every one of us." - Geography in Action
"We have never had such a profound and lasting reaction in our organisation from any speaker we have invited to our headquarters. Ness was able to meld humour, adventure and team leadership lessons seamlessly. Superb." - IMS
"An awe-inspiring talk from Ness that left us deeply optimistic about the future of sustainability and regeneration for our planet." - CHR Hansen
- 2018 – Completed the worlds first ‘source to sea’ descent of the Essquibo River in Guyana
- 2016 – Explored the Namib Desert Solo
- 2016 – Cycled across Bolivia with no money
- 2013 – Swam the Thames River from the source
- 2012 – Paddleboard over 1000 miles down the Missouri River
How to hire Ness Knight
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Ness Knight 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.
