Pedro Algorta has a story like no other. Though on the surface he may seem like an ordinary man, his experience of both tragedy and hope has shaped his outlook on life, motivating him to prove how capable humans can be through his storytelling.
Pedro is most recognisable for his unfortunate involvement in the Uruguayan plane crash whilst travelling with friends, an event which killed 30 people in 1972. As one of 15 stranded survivors, Pedro was forced into a survival situation lasting 70 days, an experience the rest of us couldn’t begin to fathom. Confined to the icy wasteland of the 4000-metre tall, snow-capped mountains, Pedro’s life hung in the balance; starving, freezing and with no experience in such conditions. Despite the perilous circumstances, and after several failed expeditions in search of help, the group was finally rescued.
Refusing to let his ordeal stop him from getting an education, Pedro went back to school in Buenos Aires to complete his degree in Economics. Not content with just one reputable degree, Pedro continued his studies in the USA, earning an MBA at Stanford University. With a wealth of knowledge and a new, determined outlook, Pedro set his sights on sharpening his business skills, resulting in him taking over as CEO of the largest brewery in Argentina.
Despite what he has achieved, Pedro remains convinced that he didn’t survive because he was born extraordinary, but because humans are more capable than we know, capable of overcoming even the most life-threatening challenges. In his public speaking, Pedro highlights how fair leadership and driven teamwork produces remarkable results, using his own experience to prove his point. Pedro is passionate about motivating others to achieve their goals and overcome their own 4000-meter tall challenges.
