The Adversity Adventurer
Overcoming challenges is what I do.
Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, inspirational speaker, author, coach and charity founder from Cheshire, who is no stranger to overcoming challenges.
Alex has already overcome more than many will in a lifetime. Before the age of 19, he survived the two most significant disasters in Mount Everest history in two consecutive years, whilst his biggest mountains have been even closer to home: epilepsy, bullying, mental ill health and a lifelong stammer. However, adversity is just an opportunity for Alex.
Alex has continued pushing his limits to inspire others. He is the first and fastest person to climb all 446 mountains in England & Wales by human power in just 45 days, and the author of two books, Icefall and Another Peak. His ultra-endurance feats have raised over £150,000 for charity: winning the Pride of Britain Granada Reports Fundraiser of the Year 2017 and a Points of Light award from the Prime Minister in 2023. In 2020 he founded a national mental health charity, Mind Over Mountains, to restore mental well-being through nature, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Chester for his contribution to young people’s mental health in 2025.
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.
Thanks so much for coming down to talk with the team. You absolutely hit the brief – everyone has been talking about it ever since. It also encouraged one or two people to open up about their own anxieties and stories later in the day. And we had some really healthy conversations.”
– Gas Contract Manager, National Grid
I started working with Alex earlier this year, and his coaching has been incredibly impactful. His coaching style is really intuitive, I feel like he always knows how to meet me where I am. Even when I go into a coaching session without a clear agenda, I leave with clarity, a sense of direction, and practical action steps to take forward. What I appreciate most is how he helps me stay accountable and regularly realign my goals, so I don’t lose track of the bigger picture. Because of that, I’ve already achieved so much more than I expected in this time. The fact that he is also a really nice guy with a wealth of experience in the very fields I’m pursuing (mountaineering and long-distance running), is a great bonus. Alex can always relate to my pain points, from injuries to loss of motivation to life getting in the way – which makes me feel that whatever stage I’m at is valid and normal.
Sandra Kaulfuss
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
The team were blown away and left feeling incredibly inspired. I know for some in my team who are struggling at the moment it would have resonated even more. I also know everyone has left feeling and thinking differently because of you, in a really positive way.
— Sue Harries, Digital Director, Screwfix
Alex collaborated with my team in preparing for the event in such attention to detail, ensuring his talk would not only resonate but inspire the audience. And that it did! Feedback received from participants was exceptional, so many inspired to push outside of their comfort zone and to see what opportunities lie ahead.
Natalie Prempeh - People Director, Samsung Electronics UK
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
What a refreshing delight Alex is! Authentic, funny, passionate and simply genuine in every word of his heartening journey shared. If you’re looking for a real example of resilience and winning in the face of adversity – Alex is your man.
– UK Sales Director, Kellanova
Alex’s story of resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity is nothing short of extraordinary. His ability to connect deeply with each member of the audience, sharing practical takeaways on perseverance and mental strength, was impactful and memorable.
– Jamie Radford, CEO, Accounts Payable 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
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
Leading Companies Trust Alex
What challenges are you facing?
Alex would love to help you take that first step.
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