Jim McNeill is a former scientist turned British polar explorer, presenter and keynote speaker, admired for a lifetime spent pushing the limits of human endurance in some of the harshest environments on Earth. With more than four decades of global expedition experience spanning the polar regions and the deep ocean, Jim has built a reputation for resilience, leadership and environmental advocacy. Today, he channels this extraordinary background into powerful motivational keynotes, sharing hard-won lessons from life on the edge and inspiring audiences to think bigger, act braver and lead with purpose.
Jim began his professional journey in environmental science before being selected by the British Army to help train and lead corporate groups on high-risk expeditions. His military precision and methodical planning enabled teams to operate safely in extreme and remote regions, including Antarctica and mainland Canada, as well as multiple attempts to reach the North Pole of Inaccessibility. Earlier in his career, he also served for 15 years as a fire officer within The Royal Household, where he developed exceptional composure, rapid decision-making skills and mental toughness under pressure. These formative roles laid the foundation for his later success as an expedition leader responsible for the safety and performance of others in life-threatening conditions.
Over the years, Jim has combined exploration with education and conservation. He founded the Ice Warrior Project to train ordinary people to become polar explorers while raising awareness of the fragility of our planet. He later launched the Ocean Warrior Project, a long-term citizen science initiative focused on revealing the realities of ocean health and climate change. His expertise has supported major broadcasters, contributing to landmark BBC series such as Frozen Planet, Human Planet and Natural World, and advising on survival and logistics for challenging productions. He also leads the Icons Interviewed series, speaking with global climate and exploration figures including Sir David Attenborough and Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
As a motivational speaker, Jim stands out for his authenticity and emotional impact. Having faced extreme danger, isolation and near-death experiences, he speaks with credibility about courage, teamwork and performing under relentless pressure. He translates expedition lessons into practical strategies for business resilience, leadership and collaboration. Audiences leave with a renewed sense of perspective, a deeper understanding of their own potential and the confidence to step beyond perceived limits, making Jim McNeill a truly transformative presence on stage.
