Charming, erudite, captivating... a well-stocked oxygen supply is needed to list the achievements of world record-breaking adventurer Miles Hilton-Barber: from sledging 250 miles across Antarctica to tracking across huge expanses of desert on foot, Miles has undertaken the most extreme endurance events across the world, which he uses to inspire businesses and personnel.
Oh, and did we mention he has been sightless since his early 20s?
The first blind pilot to undertake a 55-day, 21,000 kilometre microlight flight from London to Sydney, Miles made history by relying on his co-pilot and the revolutionary speech-output technology on his navigation instruments.
Miles has the ability to get everyone engaged in the room; he can make you laugh, cry and inspire you to reach your dreams.
Top Banana
His other fearless acts include: conquering ‘The Toughest Foot-race on Earth’ - 150 miles across the Sahara Desert; climbing to 17,500 feet in the Himalayas; taking on Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Blanc; running the 11-day Ultra-Marathon race across China; completing the ‘Coldest Marathon on Earth’- the Siberian Ice Marathon; and competing in the hottest ultra-marathon on earth across Death Valley California.
…and breathe.
While we were curled up in bed in our onesies, Miles was busy crossing the Qatar Desert non-stop in 78 hours without sleep. He has circumnavigated 38,000 miles around the world using 80 different forms of transport, set the Malaysian Grand Prix lap record for a blind driver, and set a high-altitude record for a tandem microlight.
Along with countless other eye-watering conquests, he has white-water rafted down the Zambezi River, completed more than 40 skydiving jumps, and cage-dived with Great White Sharks.
“The only limits in your life are those you accept yourself”, says Miles to his after-dinner or business audiences. He is well-qualified to state this.
He became the first blind pilot to undertake a sortie of extreme aerobatics in a +600 MPH Hawker Hunter fighter jet; was the first blind person to do the solo kamikaze skeleton run down a 5G Olympic bob-sleigh track; piloted a 340 BHP performance rated Zap Cat power boat in ocean time trials; broke sound barrier at speeds of 1,060 MPH during vertical climb to 50,000 feet in just 90 seconds in an English Electric Lightning fighter jet; and became the first blind person to participate in a drag-racing event, driving a supercharged machine.
Unsurprisingly, Miles' experiences have attracted attention on the small screen, including a documentary 'Against All Odds' about his participation in the Sahara Ultra-Marathon, which won three international film festival Gold Awards. A second documentary, ‘Blind Faith’, covering Miles' Kilimanjaro climb, won the same award.
The National Geographic channel has broadcasted a two-part documentary on Miles and his sighted guide, Jon Cook's Antarctic expedition.
He was also featured in a documentary series covering the Around the World in 80 Ways, and has written about his adventures in numerous newspapers, radio and television programme, including a stint on the Richard and Judy programme. His audio book entitled ‘Living Your Dreams’, is now available in print.
Miles’ story certainly spurs individuals on to plant a victory flag in their own personal mountain peaks.
His speaking topics include:
- Taking advantage of adversity
- Dream big to achieve big
- Expect the unexpected
- The importance of teamwork
- Don't let your past determine your future
For further information or to book Miles HIlton Barber, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
What people said about Miles Hilton-Barber
Miles was lively, exuberant, thought provoking and funny. Many of our guests were re-evaluating their life priorities!
LV (Liverpool Victoria)
Really inspiring and a model - a great man I have to say. A pleasure to meet him and a great lesson!
Bombardier Transportation
Brilliant. An absolute inspiration to our audience, he woke people up and made us think differently!
Airbus Geo-Intelligence
Miles was truly inspirational. A lovely man with a fantastic story. He was very professional, easy to work with and the client was really happy with him. He achieved a well deserved standing ovation.
Top Banana
I've never heard any past speakers cause such a sensation as Miles did. He far exceeded the title of inspirational speaker, and our Olympic coaches loved his presentation... we couldn't have asked for more.
Sport Scotland institute of sport
We have worked with Miles on a number of events - the team find his vision, ambition and desire to push out the barriers, truly inspirational - it is rare in feedback for any speaker to score so highly and to have such an impact on any event
Royal Bank of Scotland
Miles is a truly inspirational character and a thoroughly charming, exceedingly funny speaker to boot.
Ernst & Young
Miles Hilton Barber was brilliant! , he gave a truly moving and inspiring presentation at our CIO & Conference' overcoming challenges in 2010', his words of engorgement helped to give colleagues a sense of direction , he was truly amazing. Miles helped us to believe in the impossible, to understand that we are masters of our own destiny and that perseverance and hard work is the way to true success. He he also inspired us to be dangerous dreamers! Miles is a real genuine individual who was proved that there are no limits ! He was fantastic and left us all thinking about what we should and could do next. I felt very inspired by listening to him!
Identity and Passport Service
Our convention brings World Class speakers to a World Class Event - Miles is World Class!
International Businessmen Convention
We are embarking on a very ambitious new global vision and strategic direction for Unilever. We needed people to realise that whilst our ambition is stretching, it is possible. Miles message hit the spot with our people. They absolutely loved the presentation. Miles received a spontaneous standing ovation from all 350 global delegates. People were talking about the impact the presentation had on them both as professionals but more importantly as people. He was the talk of the conference, (and scored maximum points in feedback for the relevance of his presentation to event goals and impact on delegates).
Vice-President HR, Unilever U.K. Central Resources Limited
Our 'top performer' with many delegates giving him extra ticks because they really enjoyed his session!
Assistant Chief Executive, SLCC, The Professional Body for Local Council Managers, U.K.
Miles Hilton Barber was brilliant! he gave a truly moving and inspiring presentation at our CIO & Conference' overcoming challenges in 2010', his words of engorgement helped to give colleagues a sense of direction , he was truly amazing! Miles helped us to believe in the impossible, to understand that we are masters of our own destiny and that perseverance and hard work is the way to true success. He also inspired us to be dangerous dreamers! Miles is a real genuine individual who has proved that there are no limits ! He was fantastic and lefty us all thinking about what we should and could do next.
Identity Passport Service
This amazing man is an unparalleled force for motivation.
Enigma Productions
Miles was sensational as the opening speaker at the Million Dollar Round Table conference in California and his presentation skills to some 9,000 delegates from 80 countries was captivating. BRAVO!
BTA Group
I would like to express my great appreciation for the excellent presentations you made to our staff and partners in Luxembourg, Zurich and Geneva. You were entertaining, engaging, motivational and challenging. The feedback we have had is extremely positive, and many commented that they were the best seminars (in our 7 years of running these events!) Well done!
Lombard International Assurance S.A.
What can I say! I was reduced to tears and made to feel very humble by this gentleman. I have attended a lot of functions with guest speakers not one has taken a group of people on a rollercoaster of emotions. A truly inspirational man!
Ernst & Young LLP
A true pleasure to have at our APTWA conference in Rome. He changed the mood of the conference and possibly the future of the industry!
Director Corporate Communication
