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Ranulph Fiennes
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Ranulph Fiennes Biography
Topics:
- Adventure
- Motivation & Teamwork
Known as Britain's greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a legend of our time and an inspirational figure. He has written numerous books and is in high demand on the corporate circuit as a motivational speaker.
Motivational Speaker
Although known the world over as an explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has had another parallel career as a speaker in the corporate sector. As a man he is inspirational, but there are many analogies and lessons to be learnt from the planning and execution of these expeditions. His talks cover topics including teamwork, change and overcoming obstacles.
The Army
Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes was born in 1944 and educated at Eton. He served with the Royal Scots Greys for a time before joining the SAS. In 1968 he joined the Army of the Sultan of Oman and in 1970 was awarded the Sultan's Bravery Medal. In the same year he married his wife, Virginia. Virginia was the first woman to be awarded the Polar Medal in 1987. She died in 2004.
Expeditions
Since 1969 when he led the British Expedition on the White Nile, Ranulph Fiennes has been at the forefront of many exploratory expeditions. Described in 1984 as the "World's Greatest Living Explorer" by the Guinness Book of Records, his expeditions around the world have included Transglobe (the first surface journey around the world's polar axis) in 1979/82, during which Ranulph and Charles Burton became the first people ever to reach both Poles by surface travel. Other challenges include, North Polar Unsupported Expedition (furthest north unsupported record) in 1986; Anglo Soviet North Pole Expedition in 1990/91; co-leader of the Ubar Expedition (which in 1991 discovered Ptolemy's long-lost Atlantis of the Sands, the frankincense centre of the world); leader of the Pentland South Pole Expedition (which achieved the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Continent and the longest unsupported polar journey in history) 1992/93. In May 2009 at the age of 65, Ranulph successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest following a failed attempt in 2008.
Marathons
In 2003 Sir Ranulph, with Dr Mike Stroud, ran 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. He achieved this despite having suffered a major heart attack and double bypass operation in June 2003.
Awards
Sir Ranulph has been awarded an honorary degree from Loughborough University, the University of Central England in Birmingham and the University of Portsmouth; and in 1997 The Royal Institute of Navigation awarded Sir Ranulph Honorary Membership. In 2000 The Explorers Club, British Chapter, honoured Sir Ranulph with the Polar Exploration Millennium Award.
Sir Ranulph's expeditions have raised over £4.2m for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, (which has enabled the building of Europe's first MS research centre in Cambridge) and £1.9m for Breakthrough Breast Cancer. In 1993 he was awarded an OBE for 'human endeavour and charitable services'.
In 1995, Her Majesty the Queen was graciously pleased to award Sir Ranulph a second clasp to the Polar Medal that he was previously awarded, in recognition of his outstanding achievements in Polar exploration and, in particular, his attempts to reach the North Pole between 1988 and 1990 and his successful trek across Antarctica in 1992/93. No-one else has a double clasp medal each of which acknowledges both Arctic and Antarctic achievements.
Author
Sir Ranulph has written numerous books about his exploits including
Outside of appearing and speaking at live corporate and private events Ranulph Fiennes has a number of retail products available that can be purchased through Speakers Corner. For upcoming new book and product launches related to Ranulph Fiennes then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Other Ranulph Fiennes Products
Ranulph Fiennes News
A selection of relevant news related to Ranulph Fiennes and Adventure stories. For more information on Ranulph Fiennes or details as to how to book Ranulph Fiennes for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Record attempt at highest summits
19th March 2010A Fife student, Geordie Stewart, is attempting to become the youngest Briton to conquer the highest mountain on every continent. Described by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "an ambitious young man with genuine determination", he is heading for Mount Everest early next month
19th March 2010A Fife student, Geordie Stewart, is attempting to become the youngest Briton to conquer the highest mountain on every continent. Described by explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes as "an ambitious young man with genuine determination", he is heading for Mount Everest early next month
The amazing Sir Ranulph Fiennes stands on top of the world
21st May 2009Inspirational Speaker, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by the Guinness Book of Records as the World's Greatest Survivor has finally conquered Mount Everest. Sir Ranulph Fiennes' third attempt to reach the summit was successul early this morning as he raised the Marie Curie flag at the peak of the World's highest mountain
21st May 2009Inspirational Speaker, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by the Guinness Book of Records as the World's Greatest Survivor has finally conquered Mount Everest. Sir Ranulph Fiennes' third attempt to reach the summit was successul early this morning as he raised the Marie Curie flag at the peak of the World's highest mountain
Three of Speakers Corner's most interesting motivational speakers talk about new BBC2 series
2nd April 2009Three of Speakers Corner's most interesting motivational speakers - Polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, solo yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson talk about their preparations and making the 3-part series 'Top Dogs: Adventures in War, Sea & Ice' where they put each other to the test - in Afghanistan, the Arctic and the stormy seas off Cape Horn.
2nd April 2009Three of Speakers Corner's most interesting motivational speakers - Polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, solo yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson talk about their preparations and making the 3-part series 'Top Dogs: Adventures in War, Sea & Ice' where they put each other to the test - in Afghanistan, the Arctic and the stormy seas off Cape Horn.
John Simpson gives tips on war reporting
1st September 2008John Simpson is to teach adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston how to file news reports from a war-zone in a new BBC series.
1st September 2008John Simpson is to teach adventurers Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston how to file news reports from a war-zone in a new BBC series.
Ranulph Fiennes heads for top of the world
20th May 2008Sir Ranulph Fiennes is due to start his second attempt to climb the world's highest mountain.
20th May 2008Sir Ranulph Fiennes is due to start his second attempt to climb the world's highest mountain.
Ranulph Fiennes tackles Everest
1st April 2008Three years after he was forced to stop just short of Everest’s summit, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes says he is having another go at scaling the world’s highest peak
1st April 2008Three years after he was forced to stop just short of Everest’s summit, explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes says he is having another go at scaling the world’s highest peak
Dave Heeley plans seven continents in seven days marathon
28th March 2008Dave Heeley, a 50-year-old blind man launched an ambitious plan to become only the third man to complete seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days.
28th March 2008Dave Heeley, a 50-year-old blind man launched an ambitious plan to become only the third man to complete seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days.
Fogle and Cracknell race to the South Pole
30th September 2007AFTER nearly drowning when they rowed across the Atlantic, Ben Fogle and James Cracknell are planning a race on foot to the South Pole - and are trying to recruit Leonardo DiCaprio, the Hollywood star, to join them.
30th September 2007AFTER nearly drowning when they rowed across the Atlantic, Ben Fogle and James Cracknell are planning a race on foot to the South Pole - and are trying to recruit Leonardo DiCaprio, the Hollywood star, to join them.
Ranulph Fiennes Reviews
Ranulph Fiennes has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Ranulph Fiennes for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Ranulph Fiennes for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
"The best after dinner speaker we have ever had. "
"An amazing evening."
"Sir Ranulph was absolutely fantastic. His talk was extremely witty and entertaining."
Q & A with Ranulph Fiennes
Speakers Corner interviewed Ranulph Fiennes to give you a bit more insight as to the type of performance and delivery you would expect from Ranulph Fiennes However for more information on Ranulph Fiennes or details as to how to book Ranulph Fiennes for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking all start?
Ranulph Fiennes: Chris Bonnington gave a talk in London when he had left the Army and was making a living by talking about his expeditions. He was 10 years older than me. It gave me the idea that, when I left the Army, I could also do expeditions and hope to make a living through speaking about them.
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Ranulph Fiennes: Yes my first speaking engagement was in the Town Hall in Battersea. Open to the public free of charge. 12 old ladies turned up. I noticed 4 of them asleep half way through. I charged £18 a talk and my wife handled my slide projector.
Speakers Corner: And your last event?
Ranulph Fiennes: My last event a couple of weeks back was to 600 very rich Turkish business men in Istanbul.
Speakers Corner: Which speaking event has been your favourite and why?
Ranulph Fiennes: My favourite .....speaking to 1800 top north sea oil executives in the Grosvenor Hotel Ballroom immediately after Mrs Thatcher had completely wowed the audience (5 days after the Brighton Hotel bomb went off) but it gave me great confidence thereafter.
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Ranulph Fiennes: I spoke to 30 very rich manufacturers of crop spraying equipment in Sioux Falls and they allowed me and my family a 4 day hike after their conference in the Dakota Hilla and Mount Rushmore. We had a great time.
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
Ranulph Fiennes: I would like to share a platform with a nice guy (or lass) who made the audience happy but would not be too likely to over-shadow my own subsequent performance.
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
Ranulph Fiennes: I am abroad a lot of the year and therefore only overall about 60 major events a year
Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?
Ranulph Fiennes: Yes I use Powerpoint when the client prefers, or no Powerpoint if that is what is wanted.
Speakers Corner: Are you as happy speaking to 50 as to 1,000 people?
Ranulph Fiennes: I am happy speaking to 50 or 5,000 people. My most difficult audience was 5 Chinese tycoons after dinner in Hong Kong. Their faces were expressionless for 60 minutes.
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
Ranulph Fiennes: I like to be introduced with a short sharp talk that does not cover the very topics that I am about to talk about or indulge in.
Speakers Corner: Do you always like to do a briefing call before the event?
Ranulph Fiennes: Briefing calls before events are great if they help to keep the client happy but I never insist on them.
Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?
Ranulph Fiennes: Motivational and inspirational with sufficient humour
Speakers Corner: Is your speech at all interactive with audience participation?
Ranulph Fiennes: I occasionally interact in a mild way with the audience when I am sure it will make them laugh.
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?
Ranulph Fiennes: I have a great many funny anecdotes splattered about the talk
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
Ranulph Fiennes: The Dualists
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
Ranulph Fiennes: Gormangast
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination
Ranulph Fiennes: Holiday in South Africa
Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple?
Ranulph Fiennes: Glenfiddich
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
Ranulph Fiennes: Country
Speakers Corner: What talks have you recently given?
Ranulph Fiennes: My recent talks have included 600 Turkish business men in Instanbul, 30 tycoon manufacturers of crop sprayers in Sioux Falls, 400 German business men in Interlaken, 350 Paris elite at the French Chamber of Commerce, a collection of top Chocolatiers in Montelemar and various Nordic conferences in Sweden and Finland.
If you are interested in booking Ranulph Fiennes for your live event or require any additional information regarding Ranulph Fiennes then please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Speakers Corner booking agents will contact you within 24 hours.
"Ranulph had his audience entranced right from the word go! His ability to underplay his incredible achievements and to laugh at himself made him appear very humble – and yet, hearing of his amazing achievements, confirmed what a legend he really is! A great role model showing determination and resilience in. For me, it was a honour to hear him speak."
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