In 2007, Lewis Pugh did something only a Polar Bear would dream of doing. He dove into the icy waters of the North Pole and swam for 18 minutes and 50 seconds. Wearing only a Speedo and a pair of goggles, he emerged as the first person to complete a long distance swim at the top of the world.
In a career spanning 23 years he has pioneered more swims around famous landmarks than any other swimmer and is widely regarded as the greatest endurance swimmer in history. He is the only person to have completed a long distance swim in every ocean of the world. Often referred to as “Aqua Al Gore” and the “Voice of the Arctic”, the maritime lawyer left his law practice in 2004 to campaign full time for the protection of the environment.
Lewis’s drive comes from his desire to make a significant impact on the conservation of the environment. His ability comes from a combination of both physical and mental focus supported by an outstanding team.
Lewis is one of the busiest speakers on the international speaking circuit undertaking over 100 speeches per annum in Europe, the USA and South Africa. His speeches have received widespread acclaim. At the influential BIF Conference in America his speech on leadership was voted as one of the “7 Most Inspiring Videos on the Web” by Mashable, the media guide.
His story is powerful and inspiring. He speaks with much experience on having a vision in life, the value of goal setting, courage, perseverance, self motivation, leadership, teamwork, overcoming failure, leaving an enduring legacy, and of course protecting our fragile world.
He talks about his experience of swimming the length of the River Thames, which had stopped flowing due to a severe drought, to highlight the effect of climate change on the UK. And about reaching the Houses of Parliament where he met with Prime Minister Tony Blair to encourage him to enact the Climate Change Act, which limits the UK's carbon emissions.
He describes what it feels like to dive into minus 1.7°C water, which for most of us would be fatal in a matter of seconds, and how he is able to survive by using his mind to raise his core body temperature to almost fever pitch. He explains how to overcome fear, with practical examples of swimming near leopard seals, sharks and polar bears. And he shares the lessons learnt from leading his team through the Arctic, Southern, Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and how to choose the right team for each job. All delivered with humility, integrity, wisdom and a sense of humour.
Lewis’s accomplishments have received widespread media coverage by the BBC, Good Morning America, CNN, Jon Stewart, National Geographic, Sky News, Jay Leno and many more. And he has received numerous awards including South Africa's highest Honour for sporting excellence - the Order of Ikhamanga (Gold Class) for his “exceptional sporting triumphs, humanitarian feats and creating consciousness about the negative effects of global warming”. Only 2 other sportsmen (Gary Player and Steve Mokono) have ever received the Honour in the Gold Class.
What our clients say ...
“An inspiring and thrilling performance.” Folksam
“You did a magnificent speech with Al Gore! Our guests loved it.” Investec Private Bank
"Highly relevant and motivating." SAB Miller
"Lewis cleverly linked the lessons he has learnt as a lawyer and a polar explorer to the world of business. The result was gripping!" One Step Ahead Performance Consulting
"Lewis is an exceptional speaker. His lessons on leadership, motivation and teamwork were spot on." British Army
“Lewis inspired the whole audience. Each one of us will go home thinking about our responsibilities to our future generations in a much more enlightened way.” Young President’s Organization (International Chapter)
"Lewis quite simply enthralled us. Not only was he inspirational, but he was humorous, educational, and he successfully conveyed relevant principles from his extraordinary achievements to our day-to-day work". Accenture
"A wonderful story of human achievement delivered without any hint of sermon or management guru speak. It was refreshingly different and left the audience entertained, informed and inspired." London Borough of Merton
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