Ash Dykes is a world-renowned explorer, extreme athlete, motivational speaker, and five-time Guiness world record holder. Known for pushing the boundaries of human endurance, Ash has completed some of the most daring and physically demanding expeditions in the world. Ash made history as the first person to walk solo and... Read more
Ash Dykes is a world-renowned explorer, extreme athlete, motivational speaker, and five-time Guiness world record holder. Known for pushing the boundaries of human endurance, Ash has completed some of the most daring and physically demanding expeditions in the world.
Ash made history as the first person to walk solo and unsupported across Mongolia — a 1,500-mile journey through the Altai Mountains and Gobi Desert, pulling a 120kg trailer behind him, carrying everything needed to survive. In Madagascar, he became the first person to trek the full length of the island’s interior, summiting its eight highest peaks during a gruelling 1,600-mile, 155-day mission. During which, he crossed crocodile infested rivers, caught the deadliest strain of malaria, was held at gunpoint, had to hunt and gather, whilst being eaten alive by the leeches and spider of the rainforest.
Perhaps most notably, Ash completed a record-setting 4,000-mile expedition along the entire length of the Yangtze River in China — a 352-day challenge through diverse and often treacherous terrain, earning international acclaim and engaging millions through blogs, live streams, and media coverage which garnered 1.1billion people in reach on completion.
Ash’s expeditions are more than physical and mental feats — they are global storytelling events. He has filmed multiple international television series, with his latest being a 21,000-kilometer journey along the Great Wall of China. His adventures have attracted partnerships with leading global brands, to include Jaguar Land River, GQ and Adidas, as well as appearances on major platforms such as BBC World News, Forbes, National Geographic, TEDx, and The Joe Rogan Experience.
Beyond exploration, Ash is a passionate advocate for environmental conservation and global health. He has served as the UK Ambassador for Madagascar Tourism and as Special Ambassador for Malaria No More UK. His work raises awareness about the challenges facing some of the world’s most remote communities.
A sought-after keynote speaker, Ash uses his powerful storytelling to inspire resilience, ambition, and a mindset of possibility. Whether crossing uncharted landscapes or addressing global audiences, Ash is living proof of what can be achieved when grit, vision, and purpose align.
Leading solo in high-stakes expeditions mirrors executive decision-making in times of crisis with clear thinking, and decisive action. True leadership is how you show up when certainty vanishes and pressure is high
Building resilience as a repeatable habit through structure, mindset, and micro-stress exposure – managing risk, thriving through uncertainty, not just surviving it.
Lessons from operating with zero comfort or resources, sparking problem solving and creativity under extreme limits and restraints mirrors the kind of thinking businesses need to thrive in tough markets.
In unpredictable environments, trust, emotional intelligence, and communication become critical. Mutual accountability and calm hold teams together when stakes are high. The same principles apply in business: clarity, structure, and mindset are the anchors that drive effective decision-making in moments of chaos.
World-first achievements come from repeatable frameworks that apply to team performance and goal execution
Real growth happens outside of comfort zone. Resilience and innovation begin there.