Inspirational speaker - Ben Saunders [1], world record-breaking polar explorer

"I am an explorer of limits - geographically, physically and mentally. It's about pure human endeavour, and the way in which I can inspire others to explore their own personal potential."

ERA is excited to announce that this year's inspirational speaker will be polar explorer Ben Saunders, whose incredible feats of endurance challenge conventional wisdom and prove what can be accomplished through ambition, passion, and a refusal to quit. Best known for leading one of the most ambitious polar expeditions in a century, he was the first to successfully complete an epic, 105-day, 1,800-mile return journey on foot to the South Pole - equivalent to running 69 marathons back-to-back. In 2017 he became the second person in history to reach both Poles solo and unassisted, after 52 days alone in Antartic conditions described as the worst in 25 years. 

Ben combines the allure and nostalgia of 20th century explorers with the ingenuity of today's modern adventurers. He will take us on a journey to the ends of the earth and back, and will showcase spectacular visuals as he touches on challenging the status quo, pushing past self-imposed limits, the disconnect between ideas and action, communicating with your team, and managing change.