Alex Staniforth Profile Picture

Keynote SpeakerAlex Staniforth

Adversity Adventurer, Record-Breaking Adventurer, Everest Avalanche Survivor, Author and Mental Health Charity Founder

Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ICF-trained coach, author, and charity founder from Chester. No stranger to adversity, Alex has overcome more than most will in a lifetime—including surviving the two biggest disasters in Mount Everest history as a teenager. His greatest challenges have been even closer to home: living... Read more

Biography

Alex Staniforth is a record-breaking adventurer, ICF-trained coach, author, and charity founder from Chester. No stranger to adversity, Alex has overcome more than most will in a lifetime—including surviving the two biggest disasters in Mount Everest history as a teenager. His greatest challenges have been even closer to home: living with epilepsy, stammering, bullying, and mental ill health since childhood.

Being defeated, however, was not an option for Alex. After single-handedly raising over £35,000 in corporate sponsorship whilst still at school, Alex’s first attempt to climb Mount Everest in 2014 was abandoned following a tragic avalanche that took sixteen lives. In 2015 he was trapped at Camp 1 for two days following the Nepal earthquake and an avalanche which took the lives of three team-mates at Base Camp.

Alex has never stopped testing his limits to inspire others. He is the first and fastest person ever to run and cycle all 446 mountains in England & Wales in just 45 days, has written two books (Icefall and Another Peak), and founded Mind Over Mountains, a charity restoring mental well-being through nature. His remarkable endurance feats include running the National Three Peaks Challenge – covering 17 marathons in just 9 days, and climbing all 100 UK county tops in the fastest time ever. He has raised over £150,000 for charity and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Chester in 2025 for his contribution to young people’s mental health.

He has shared these experiences with global organisations including Rolls-Royce, Samsung, Accenture, FedEx and the NHS. But at 30 years old, Alex isn’t your typical motivational speaker. Combining feats of endurance and lived experience with practical resilience and mindset tools, Alex’s keynotes inspire audiences to discover their own resilience, overcome fear of failure, and achieve the extraordinary – whether in business, leadership, or life. His story brings a relatable dose of honesty and vulnerability that bridges the gap between mental health and resilience, proving that wellbeing isn’t a barrier to achievement — it’s the foundation of sustainable performance.

When he’s not inspiring organisations around the world, Alex is usually found running through the hills and chasing the next challenge. Why settle for Base Camp?

“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.” Contract Manager, National Grid
“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 recently supported a team get together encouraging different ways to approach challenges in or out of work. His ability to quickly grasp the messages specific to the team and our business and then weave this into his delivery was impressive. His authentic and humble articulation enabled there to be something in the messaging for everyone and this was very much appreciated. Thanks again Alex.” Off Trade Director, Heineken UK
“The team were blown away and left feeling incredibly inspired. Thank you for doing what you do. I know for some in my team who are struggling at the moment it would have resonated even more. Keep doing what you're doing and THANK YOU! I also know everyone has left feeling and thinking differently because of you, in a really positive way.” Digital Director, Screwfix
“Sometimes the approach to mental health within organisations as big and cumbersome as ours can feel a bit of a tick box, superficial exercise, but your sessions felt very different, very real, very humble and very authentic. In my view, you will have made a difference much bigger than you may think or ever know.” Chief Superintendent, Cambridgeshire Police
“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!” GM, Core Manufacture, Rolls-Royce Submarines
“Your presentation was riveting, engaging and inspirational. We have received such overwhelming feedback on how your story resonated with the team and how it was what they needed at such an appropriate time.” Head of Office Dubai, Deriv.com
“Alex's story of resilience, courage, and overcoming adversity is nothing short of extraordinary. Alex's keynote reminded us all that success is not just about reaching the summit but about the journey and the unwavering spirit that fuels it. His authenticity and passion resonated throughout the room, sparking conversations that continued long after the session ended. Thank you, Alex, for making this year's APA Conference unforgettable.” CEO, Accounts Payable Association
“Alex recently joined us at the launch event for our High Potential programme as the keynote speaker. Alex perfectly combined his story and experiences with the theme of Achieving Your Potential. He captured the audience through his ability to authentically articulate his drive and determination, overcoming many challenges in his way, as well as finding beauty and lessons through ‘failure’. Alex collaborated with my team in preparing for the event 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. Myself included!” Head of Talent, Samsung UK

Popular Talks by Alex Staniforth

  • Re-defining Resilience: How to Embrace the Unexpected

    Challenges and change are inevitable; being defeated is optional. It’s time to re-define resilience in our rapidly changing world. Resilience is no longer about bouncing back or enduring to breaking point: it’s how we recharge, prepare and move forward in the face of adversity. How do you keep moving when you…
  • Achieving the Extraordinary: Turning Setbacks into Success

    We all have our own ‘Everest’ to climb. However, fear of failure often prevents us from taking the first step and achieving our full potential – when staying at Base Camp might be the biggest risk of all. Recalling two near-death experiences on Everest and his challenges closer to home,…
  • Mountains in the Mind: Building Mental Fitness to Beat Burnout

    High performance isn’t sustainable without managing our well-being too. With a refreshing vulnerability, Alex openly shares his own mental health journey as a young man to encourage open conversations about mental health, whilst challenging the myths and stigma that costs thousands of lives each year. For leaders, supporting the team…

How to book Alex Staniforth as a keynote speaker

How do I book Alex Staniforth for a keynote speech?

You can book Alex Staniforth through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Alex's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Alex Staniforth's speaking fees?

Alex Staniforth's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Alex tailored to your event.

What topics does Alex Staniforth speak about?

Alex Staniforth speaks on Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Millennials, Motivation, Performance. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Alex to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Alex Staniforth available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Alex Staniforth for events worldwide, subject to Alex's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Alex Staniforth deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Alex Staniforth is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Alex Staniforth?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Alex can accommodate.

Can Alex Staniforth tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Alex Staniforth on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Alex can offer.

What languages does Alex Staniforth present in?

Alex Staniforth delivers keynotes in English. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Alex Staniforth a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Alex Staniforth's areas of expertise include Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Millennials, Motivation, Performance. To get a clear sense of Alex's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Alex Staniforth speak at?

Alex Staniforth can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Leadership & Motivation, Mental Health, Millennials, Motivation, Performance is relevant. Details of Alex's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Alex Staniforth offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Alex Staniforth is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Alex Staniforth?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Alex Staniforth, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Alex's current availability for your dates.