The Adversity Adventurer
Overcoming challenges is what I do.
Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, inspirational speaker, author, award-winning fundraiser and charity founder from Cheshire, who is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
At 28, Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime. As a teenager he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history, in two consecutive years. However, his biggest mountains have been within: epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer.
Alex never allowed this to become his identity – only his experience. Re-framing adversity as an opportunity for growth has given him a new mission: to help others achieve their own ‘Everest’.
Alex doesn’t just talk the talk; he walks the walk—or rather, climbs, cycles, and runs it. Alex is the fastest person to climb all 100 UK county tops and has raised £100,000 through his adventures, winning the Pride of Britain Granada Reports Fundraiser of the Year 2017 and a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2023. He’s authored two books ‘Icefall’ and ‘Another Peak’, and founded a national charity, Mind Over Mountains, to restore mental well-being through nature.
What’s your Everest?
Life is full of challenges, whether it’s navigating a turbulent work environment, uncertainty, mental health struggles, or simply trying to achieve your version of success.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt stuck at ‘Base Camp,’ unsure how to take that first step towards your goals.
Re-defining Resilience
Alex is an inspirational keynote speaker helping business teams, leaders and students to achieve through adversity, embrace change and protect their mental health under pressure.
Sharing lessons from adventure and ultra-endurance, he brings a relatable perspective on success and resilience with tools that anyone can apply to their challenges at work and home.
With 10+ years speaking internationally for global companies like FedEx, Samsung, Bank of America and Heineken, his talks are not just inspirational; they’re transformational.
You were “pitch perfect” today and delivered a sincere and compelling story of inspiration.”
– Chief People Officer, Randstad Sourceright
International Compliance Association enjoyed a hugely inspirational and thought-provoking talk from Alex Staniforth yesterday. The distillation of his own personal challenges and incredible experiences into practical, helpful advice makes for a highly compelling session.”
– Rob Phillipson, International Compliance Association
Your session was fantastic and the content still buzzing around the room today, and I have to admit I re-quoted a few key messages in my closing remarks too. Lasting memory and something I will take back to practice ‘just think what we can achieve if we pull in the same direction’ – inspired!”
— National Chair, HEFMA Leadership Forum
It was an absolute pleasure co-ordinating and speaking with Alex. From our first online meeting to regular email communication we knew Alex would be the perfect fit for our students. His presentation was inspiring and the students were mesmerized.
— Clare Dixon-Clarke, Intercommunity School, Zurich
Your story-telling skills are second to none and I believe you have had an incredible impact on a lot of people by being vulnerable, sharing your struggles and letting us into your world”
– Alix Wright, Internet Fusion Group
Your presentation was riveting, engaging and inspirational. We have received such overwhelming feedback on how your story resonated with the team and how it was what they needed at such an appropriate time”
– Seema Hallon, Head of Office Dubai, DERIV
Thanks so much for coming down to talk with the team. You absolutely hit the brief – everyone has been talking about it ever since”
– Gas Contract Manager, National Grid
Sometimes the approach to mental health within organisations as big and cumbersome as ours can feel a bit of a tick box exercise, but your sessions felt very different, very humble, very real and very authentic.”
– Chris Mead, Chief Superintendent, Cambridgeshire Constabulary
His ability to quickly grasp the messages specific to our team and then weave this into his delivery was impressive. His authentic and humble articulation enabled there to be something in the messaging for everyone”
– Jonathan Ford, Off Trade Director, Heineken UK
I was particularly impressed with the preparation and tailoring Alex was able to do to make the message even more pertinent to our business – it was a truly inspirational session summed up by one comment “I can’t believe you just paid us to listen to that!”
– Robert Neale, GM Core Manufacture, Rolls-Royce Submarines
Leading Companies Trust Alex
What challenges are you facing?
Alex would love to help you take that first step.
WANT TO BOOST YOUR RESILIENCE?
Join my newsletter for new challenge announcements and resilience tips each month.
We respect your privacy