INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER
Put on this Earth to shift the way you react the instant you hear the word 'impossible'
Alex is a leading Mental-Wellness and Resilience expert, Keynote speaker, Human Potential coach, facilitator and Ultra-endurance athlete. From climbing the world’s highest mountains, to crossing Antarctic and Desert wastelands, to riding mountain bikes for weeks on end, Alex redefines what is possible and combines a life of extreme adventure experience with a deep insight into human potential and brand building. Graduating top of his class with a degree in Sport Psychology his insight into what makes us tick and what makes us tough, is unparalleled and unique and has impacted thousands of lives over a speaking career spanning 30 years.
Alex is an extraordinary adventurer—he’s a world-class explorer whose adventures span some of the most extreme environments on Earth. For almost 40 years, Alex has chased the world’s highest peaks and wildest frontiers, leading more than 60 epic expeditions to the farthest corners of the globe.
In 1996, he walked away from a successful sales career to follow an unshakable calling for exploration. Within the year, he was leading his first expedition to the mighty Mount Everest. Since then, he has climbed the Seven Summits—the highest mountains on all seven continents—and led dramatic climbs on both the north and south sides of Everest.
In 2008, Alex etched his name in history as the first African to walk unsupported to the South Pole—a gruelling 65-day, 1,200 km journey through the coldest place on Earth. Not one to rest on his laurels, he went on to achieve another world first: the first unsupported crossing of the Arabian Desert’s legendary Empty Quarter. Alex gets fired up when someone tells him something is impossible!
The first African to walk unsupported to the South Pole, an Everest summiteer, the only person to cross Arabia’s Empty Quarter on foot without support, and a record-breaking endurance cyclist – Alex has pushed human limits on the world’s harshest frontiers.
But beyond the extremes, he translates those experiences into powerful lessons on leadership, resilience, and performance under pressure. With a background in business and over 60 global expeditions behind him, Alex inspires corporate leaders and teams to navigate risk, embrace uncertainty, and thrive when failure is not an option.
And, Alex still has all his toes! Just…
Alex combines his Sport Psychology degree with decades of extreme expedition experience to deliver transformational insights on human potential.
Making the IM possible!
Breaking the limit barrier and
achieving the unbelievable through mindset transformation and
strategic action.
Success to Significance
Shifting our obsession from
achievement to creating lasting impact and meaningful legacy.
Born Tough
Developing mental toughness and resilience through adversity,
challenge, and deliberate
practice.
“Alex will enthral any audience with his stories of conquering challenges. His integrity and authenticity make him all the more captivating. Most definitely the best motivational speaker I have ever encountered. You are in for a treat – but then I am an unashamed “Alex Harris” groupie.”
– Bernard Swanepoel, CEO Harmony Gold
“I find your story both compelling and inspiring. This is the second Team that I have seen you present to and I have discovered that the parallels with your struggles on your unassisted journey to the south pole and the challenges of Business Life quite remarkable. Thank you sharing your story and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you again.”
– Glen Sullivan, CEO Novartis South Africa
“Your presentation was the perfect opener for our Alumni function…they found it very exciting and inspirational.”
– Andrew Waller, Partner in charge – Deloitte & Touche


