Bertrand Piccard Biography
Bertrand Piccard is one of the most famous adventurers in the world and has become a highly sought-after business keynote speaker.
In Bertrand's keynotes he discusses his ballooning experience from the point of view of motivation and adventurous spirit, the psychology of communication and team-working, management of stress and the unknown.
Bertrand's speech, entitled “Adventure, a state of mind: a metaphor for the round-the-world balloon flight”, Bertrand Piccard explains, amongst other things, how balloon flight can be seen as a symbol of a new relationship between human beings, technology and nature. In this vision the balloon is a captive of the winds that propel it just as man is a prisoner of his certitudes, his problems or his destiny; but, in the same way that a balloon can change altitude to find currents which will change its direction, the human being can rise up psychologically or spiritually to reassume responsibility for the direction of his life. Since 1992 he has made several hundred appearances, both public and private, in the United States, Asia, Africa, Arabia and Europe.
More often than not these are lectures or seminars organised by large companies who invite their own management, employees or clients.
Growing Up
Bertrand Piccard was born on March 1st 1958 in Lausanne (Switzerland) into a family of explorers and scientists. His grandfather was the first person to explore the stratosphere and he invented the bathyscaphe with which his father dived to the deepest point in the oceans.
Bertrand seemed to be predestined to perpetuate one of the greatest family adventures of the 20th century. Married, and father of three children, this scientist-adventurer, psychiatrist and aeronaut combines science and adventure to explore the human soul.
After a classical education (latin/greek), he studied medicine, became a senior consultant in a psychiatric hospital, and specialised jointly in psychiatry and psychotherapy for adults and children. His doctoral thesis entitled “La Pédagogie de l’Epreuve” was awarded a prize the Faculty of Medicine at Lausanne in 1996. An expert in hypnotherapy, he is a lecturer and supervisor for the Swiss Medical Hypnosis Society.
Human Behaviour in Extreme Situations
Always interested in the study of human behaviour in extreme situations, he was one of the pioneers of hang gliding and microlight flying in the 1970s and became European champion in hang-glider aerobatics (1985). After qualifying as a balloon pilot, he won, with Wim Verstraeten, the first transatlantic balloon race (Chrysler Challenge, 1992) and then initiated the “Breitling Orbiter” project. Captain of the three attempts, he succeeded with the Englishman, Brian Jones, the first nonstop round-the-world balloon flight, ahieving the longest flight in terms of both duration and distance in the history of aviation : 45,755 kilometres in 19 days, 21 hours and 47 minutes (capturing a total of 7 world records) After this circumnavigation, considered the last great adventure of the 20th century, Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones were decorated with the Olympic Order and the gold medal of the French Ministry of Youth and Sport and received among others the highest distinctions of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the National Geographic Society, the Explorer’s Club, and numerous aeronautical , scientific and sporting associations in Europe and the United States of America.
An Honorary Professor, Bertrand Piccard also received Honorary Doctorates in Science and Letters, the Légion d’Honneur, the Grand Prix of the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques de l’Institut de France and was appointed goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). His name figures in the 2000 edition of the Larousse encyclopaedia alongside those of his father and grandfather.
Together with his co-pilot and their sponsor, Breitling, he created the « Winds of Hope » humanitarian foundation destined to use the financial and media impact of the round-the world flight to fight forgotten and neglected sufferings on our earth. The first action, implemented in conjunction with the WHO, concerns the fight against Noma, a little known illness which hideously disfigures the faces of thousands of children in very poor countries.
His two books "Une Trace dans le ciel", and “Around the world in 20 days” (USA) or “The Greatest Adventure” (UK) (written with Brian Jones, translated into 9 languages, best seller in France (Robert Laffont) and Germany (Malik Verlag) have contributed to Bertrand becoming know as “Le Savanturier”, someone who is endeavouring to combine the scientific background inherited from his family with his desire to explore the great adventure of human life.
New Adventures and Challenges
Bertrand Piccard has decided to launch into a new futuristic enterprise: to fly round the world in a solar-powered aeroplane. Also contributing as the scientific consultants to the project, the Swiss Federal Institute for Technology (EPFL) will have an opportunity for a demanding new technical challenge. The objective is to re-enact the history of powered flight using only solar energy, in an aircraft capable of remaining airborne without producing any polluting emissions. The first test flights are planned for June 2006. With this project, entitled “Solar Impulse”, the Swiss explorer wishes above all to demonstrate the key role played by high technology in sustainable development.
For further information or to book Bertrand Piccard, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Bertrand Piccard News
A selection of relevant news related to Bertrand Piccard, Keynote Speakers and Motivational Speakers, Adventure Speakers, International Speakers and Teamwork Speakers stories. For more information on Bertrand Piccard or details as to how to book Bertrand Piccard for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Motivational speakers Fred Haise, James Lovell & Gene Kranz come together to mark the 40th anniversary of Apollo 13 flight
4th February 2010
On April 11, 2010 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Apollo 13's astronauts & flight director, James Lovell, Fred Haise & Gene Kranz will come together to mark the 40th Anniversary of the mission. Guests will have the opportunity to hear from the astronauts themselves as well as from Gene 'failure in not an option' Kranz and do a tour of the actual launch pad.
The noughties - a decade of adventure
9th December 2009
As we near the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century, the Telegraph has taken a look at the daredevils, adventurers and explorers who have pushed themselves to the limits and beyond. People who have pushed themselves to the boundaries of human possibility include Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ann Daniels, Pen Hadow, Jamie Andrew, Tom Avery, Dee Caffari, and celebrities, Ewan McGregor, David Walliams, James Cracknell and Ben Fogle.
Spencer West, Climbs Kilimanjaro
22nd February 2013
Double amputee and motivational speaker, Spencer West, proved doctors wrong by climbing Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro.
‘Osama’, by Chris Ryan
15th February 2013
Author, corporate speaker and SAS hero, Chris Ryan, has published a book called ‘Osama’ – a gripping tale based around the raid of Osama Bin Laden’s hide-out.
Debra Searle's Ice Mums
5th February 2013
Motivational speaker and awe-inspiring sportswoman Debra Searle has announced plan to take a group of mums trekking to the South Pole.
Dee Caffari Sails In Middle East
1st February 2013
Inspirational yachtswoman Dee Caffari has taken her success to the Middle East in the impressive position of coach and skipper of the Women's Sailing Team in Oman.
Ed Stafford’s New Show for Discovery Channel
17th January 2013
Naked and Marooned with Ed Stafford will be aired in March on the Discovery Channel.
Neil Laughton Completes Scott Memorial South Pole Expedition
26th October 2012
100 years after Captain Scott arrived at the South Pole, Neil Laughton, adventurer and entrepreneur, joined the elite group who has reached the pole over land.
Ben Fogle Announces New Ocean Challenge
19th June 2012
TV adventurer Ben Fogle is taking on his most punishing challenge yet - by swimming to Cornwall across the Atlantic Ocean.
Jetman Flies Over Rio With Jetpack
7th May 2012
A man using a winged jetpack completed an 11 minute flight over the iconic skyline of Rio de Janeiro.
Bertrand Piccard Reviews
Bertrand Piccard has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Bertrand Piccard for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Bertrand Piccard for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Thank you so much for your fascinating and gripping presentation. We were very impressed and motivated by your wisdom, your attitude and your brilliant advice.
Your speech outlining the importance of respecting the humanitarian values was thought-provoking and eloquently echoed the important humanitarian agenda that the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is promoting.
We were all moved by your speech and by the way you approach challenges and life in general - your words were motivational for us all.
The session was attended by 1700 people who were inspired by the unique blend of psychiatry and adventure that your life reflects. Your superb and motivating speech was very well received by our membership.
For further information or to book Bertrand Piccard, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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