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Keynote Speaker
Felicity Aston MBE
Explorer, Scientist and Author
Popular talks
- B.I.G. Arctic research expedition: The Explorer's Mindset
- Alone in Antarctica
- Call of the White
- High-performance teamwork
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Talks
Popular talks by Felicity Aston MBE
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B.I.G. Arctic research expedition: The Explorer's Mindset
Felicity recounts how failing to reach the North Pole enabled her team to forge a multiyear, pan-Arctic project far more ambitious in scope and impact than anything they would have dared propose at the outset. The expedition faced unexpected challenges as they ventured into an Arctic environment that is changing…
Felicity recounts how failing to reach the North Pole enabled her team to forge a multiyear, pan-Arctic project far more ambitious in scope and impact than anything they would have dared propose at the outset. The expedition faced unexpected challenges as they ventured into an Arctic environment that is changing faster than anywhere else on the planet to collect snow, ice and water samples for crucial scientific research. Discussing issues around failure, resilience and sustainable achievement, Felicity explains how the team consciously adapted their mindset to navigate setbacks and tackle vulnerabilities while also cultivating flexibility, innovation and ultimately, successful outcomes. Failure, it turns out, need not be permanent.
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Alone in Antarctica
In 2012 Felicity became the first woman in the world to ski across Antarctica alone. The 1084-mile journey took her 59 days skiing unaccompanied through a monotonous and hostile landscape. Describing her record-making expedition she reveals – with astonishing honesty – the fear, the doubt and the loneliness of the…
In 2012 Felicity became the first woman in the world to ski across Antarctica alone. The 1084-mile journey took her 59 days skiing unaccompanied through a monotonous and hostile landscape. Describing her record-making expedition she reveals – with astonishing honesty – the fear, the doubt and the loneliness of the experience, reflecting issues many of us face on a daily basis. Felicity examines the sources of motivation that drove her forward day after day and talks about the importance of perseverance, sharing with her audience ways to cultivate this most vital of qualities when vulnerable and under pressure. Through her thought-provoking, highly relevant and often poignant talk, Felicity provides an insight into recognizing and developing the innate resilience within us all.
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Call of the White
It is not unusual in today’s world for a team to be scattered over multiple timezones, incorporating a variety of cultures, levels of expertise and systems of work. How do you manage such diversity effectively? Felicity answers this question in her account of selecting, training and leading a team of…
It is not unusual in today’s world for a team to be scattered over multiple timezones, incorporating a variety of cultures, levels of expertise and systems of work. How do you manage such diversity effectively? Felicity answers this question in her account of selecting, training and leading a team of women from countries as contrasting as Jamaica, Brunei Darussalam, Cyprus and New Zealand to ski to the South Pole in 2009. Many of the women had not spent a night in a tent or seen snow before joining the team. With refreshing insight Felicity presents a compelling story of adventure as well as a valuable perspective on modern leadership and dynamic team management.
More talks
- High-performance teamwork
- Adventure and exploration
- Endurance and resilience
- Motivation
- International Women’s Day
- Leadership under pressure
- Climate change
- The Environment
- Going Solo
Biography
About Felicity Aston MBE
Felicity Aston MBE is an explorer, polar scientist, and author whose feats of endurance have involved leading international teams to the ends of the Earth across some of the most extreme and challenging environments on the planet. Her expeditions have filled data gaps, defied stereotypes, and inspired a global audience.
She is the author of five books: Call of the White: Taking the World to the South Pole (2011); Alone in Antarctica (2013); Chasing Winter (2014); Life Lessons from Explorers (2021); and Polar Exposure: An All-Women’s Expedition to the North Pole (2022).
The metaphor of exploration has always resonated with business and leadership, as it unites diverse groups of people to strive for a common goal under conditions of extreme stress. In her keynote speeches, Felicity analyzes the qualities required for extreme physical feats of endurance—such as resilience, courage, and ingenuity—and translates them into lessons for the boardroom.
In 2012, Felicity crossed the Antarctic landmass alone on skis. This 59-day, 1,744-kilometre expedition earned her a place in the Guinness World Records and taught her not only how to overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation but also provided deep insight into how successful teams function. Her account of the loneliness she experienced on her solo journey and the challenges of reintegration into society resonated with many during and after the Covid lockdown.
Felicity’s expeditions champion gender equality and cultural diversity, and she speaks candidly about the psychological journey that goes hand in hand with exploration. Her most recent project is the B.I.G. (Before It’s Gone) Expedition, a five-year effort to undertake ski expeditions across the Arctic region to investigate the effects of airborne pollutants on Arctic ice and snow.
Felicity was appointed MBE for services to polar exploration in 2015 and awarded the Polar Medal for services to the Arctic and Antarctic. She is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in London, a member of The Explorers Club in New York, and her research is based at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (UK).
Testimonials
What clients say about Felicity Aston MBE
"10/10 We wanted someone who can speak to our team through their own experiences which aligned with our current needs and Felicity checked all the boxes. She is such a great story teller and kept our attention with great visuals. Her adventures should be shared with everyone!"
How to book Felicity Aston MBE
Answers on fees, availability and booking process.
How do I book Felicity Aston MBE for a keynote speech?
You can book Felicity Aston MBE through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Felicity's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.
What are Felicity Aston MBE's speaking fees?
Felicity Aston MBE'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 Felicity tailored to your event.
What topics does Felicity Aston MBE speak about?
Felicity Aston MBE speaks on Inspirational Women, Mental Health, Teamwork. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Felicity to align the content with your delegates and goals.
Is Felicity Aston MBE available for international events?
London Speaker Bureau can book Felicity Aston MBE for events worldwide, subject to Felicity'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 Felicity Aston MBE 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 Felicity Aston MBE 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 Felicity Aston MBE?
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 Felicity can accommodate.
Can Felicity Aston MBE tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?
London Speaker Bureau will brief Felicity Aston MBE 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 Felicity can offer.
What languages does Felicity Aston MBE present in?
Felicity Aston MBE delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. 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 Felicity Aston MBE a strong fit as a keynote speaker?
Felicity Aston MBE's areas of expertise include Inspirational Women, Mental Health, Teamwork. To get a clear sense of Felicity'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 Felicity Aston MBE speak at?
Felicity Aston MBE can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Inspirational Women, Mental Health, Teamwork is relevant. Details of Felicity'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 Felicity Aston MBE 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 Felicity Aston MBE is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.
How far in advance should we book Felicity Aston MBE?
We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Felicity Aston MBE, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Felicity's current availability for your dates.
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Ash Dykes British Explorer & Extreme Athlete, 5x world first record holder, Amazon best-selling author & motivational speaker, who has completed some of the most daring expeditions in modern history -
Ben Saunders 'The new Sir Ranulph Fiennes' Inspirational polar explorer -
Marin Minamiya Youngest Adventurer to Complete the Explorer's Grand Slam
