Jim McNeill is incredibly passionate about polar exploration and raising awareness of climate change. Back in 2001, Jim founded Ice Warrior Expeditions to form future generations of explorers. Emulating the golden era of exploration, Jim’s company allows novices to have the opportunity to receive training in exploration so they too can perform successful polar expeditions. Alongside his company Jim has continually selected and trained different individuals, successfully leading teams through high-risk environments.
Before becoming a professional explorer, Jim was a fire officer as part of The Royal Household. Working in fire and rescue operations for 15 years, Jim built a mentally resilient character and learnt to make high-pressure decisions quickly. His expertise and skill learnt whilst fighting fire is transferred to both his proficiency as an explorer and as a public speaker. Adopting various life lessons along the way, Jim is able to help corporate audiences to better themselves and achieve their full potential.
Jim has also prominently supplied safety knowledge to the film industry throughout his career. Experienced in safety management of desert, mountainous and polar environments, Jim has performed the planning and executing of various safety audits and risk assessments. Jim has also been fortunate to work alongside broadcasting giant BBC, utilising his skills of survival and logistics to help on documentaries such as Frozen Planet, Human Planet, Last Explorers and How Earth Made Us. He has also worked with Channel 4 on the documentary Predators in Paradise.
Jim is often hailed as a ‘charismatic and dynamic keynote’, passionately delivering public addresses on themes of leadership, teamwork and polar exploration. A true motivator, Jim encourages others to break down barriers, go beyond their comfort zone and push to their peak performance. Passionate and personable, Jim is the perfect speaker to motivate any audience, whether the crowd be large or small.
