Andreu Mateu is a Spanish explorer who earned international recognition when he chose to travel to the most remote place on the globe using each and every method of transportation available to him, in 1992. Leaving his home comforts behind, he titled his journey The Transcovry Project. During this time, he held a position at the Commercial Office of the Spanish Embassy in New York, after achieving academic success in the form of a degree in Economics and an M.B.A.
In order to fundraise enough money to take part in his ambitious expedition, the trip was funded by Andreu selling everything he owned. Well aware of the importance of teamwork, Andreu founded an international expedition support team to offer advice, provide essential supplies and support him in carrying out the expedition. Andreu was conscious that he wouldn’t be able to succeed in his goal without them, he paid close attention to handpicking the explorers with the most knowledge and personal expertise.
With a pair of inline skates attached to his feet, Andreu left Spain to complete his adventure on the 11th of August, 1992. Andreu’s expedition consisted of swimming across the Straits of Gibraltar, navigating across the Atlantic Ocean in a 30-foot boat, crossing Europe by motorbike, jumping from an aeroplane at 12,500 feet and crossing the entire length of Africa by motorbike.
Such treacherous and physically tiring voyages required him top travel by more traditional methods, like hot-air balloons, jeeps, helicopters and canoes, to less traditional methods like horses and elephants. Across the 7 continents, Andreu overcame mentally taxing challenges during the three-year mission. With 120 countries in his repertoire, he succeeded in his adventure using over 131 different methods of transportation.
With a wealth of experiences, Andreus is now a prominent motivational speaker. Inspiring audiences across Europe, he has risen to popularity thanks to his captivating stories whilst at sea, sky and land. Andreu is passionate about encouraging others to acknowledge their hidden potential, and take the calculated risks that will allow them to live their lives to the fullest. Shaped by his adventure, Andreu’s likeable, charismatic and honest personality makes for an exceptional speaking opportunity.
