Kevin Vallely

Kevin Vallely

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Leadership, Teamwork and Resilience Expert, Adventurer and Author

After spending nearly twenty years testing the limits of human endurance in the most inhospitable environments on the planet, Kevin Vallely inspires audiences with his core belief that it doesn’t take a hidden talent or a gift to achieve big goals, it’s something we’re all capable of doing.

As a keynote speaker, award-winning architect and internationally recognized adventurer, Kevin offers a unique perspective that no matter what the goal, the fundamentals to achieving success as a trusted leader is to walk the talk, create purposeful collaboration, and build psychological trust. Kevin has learned that these fundamentals allow any team to operate at their peak performance regardless of where they operate.

Kevin has proven that he can thrive in the most adverse conditions imaginable. He has overcome insurmountable setbacks by seeing them as opportunities for creative thinking and innovation rather than as impediments to success. Through his experiences he has garnered a powerful understanding of leadership, resilience and perspective in unpredictable and fast-changing environments and has translated this knowledge into a business acumen that activates and amplifies leadership instincts.

Connecting to WHY he does what he does – the purpose behind his goals – is key to what drives Kevin’s actions and the legacy he hopes to create.

Named one of Canada’ leading adventurers by the Globe and Mail, Kevin is a member of the esteemed Explorer’s Club and was an Explorer’s Club Flag recipient when attempting his first human-powered traverse of the Northwest Passage in 2013.

He has skied the length of Alaska’s 1180-mile Iditarod Trail in the dead of winter, has retraced the infamous Sandakan Death March through the jungles of Borneo for the first time since WWII and in 2009 broke the World Record for the fastest unsupported trek from the edge of the Antarctic continent to the Geographic South Pole.

A lead facilitator and expedition manager for the leadership development company The AIP Group (Adventures Inspiring Performance), Kevin uses exciting immersive learning adventure simulations with the latest in neuroscience and performance research to optimize leadership learning. 

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Speaking topics

Mindful Inclusion: The Strongest Teams are Diverse

In the modern world, creating an inclusive workforce is an imperative for all organizations and teams. The more insights and stories you can borrow from people of diverse backgrounds, ages, races, cultures and genders, the better equipped you will be to serve your customers.

Mindful inclusion is a powerful way of thinking that will allow you to get the most from all members of a team and organization. As a leader, being able to appreciate differing thoughts, ways of working and insights will not only help you to execute more effectively but will also lead to better results and outcomes.

In this session you will discover the secrets of how elite level performers mindfully
include all team members to go from ordinary to extraordinary results. And audiences will have a deeper understanding of  how to display mindful inclusion and the impact if can have on your business and team.

This session includes:
• Understanding the 4 key elements needed to create mindful inclusion and building a capacity to execute on it.
• Learning how to communicate and include all members of a team to unlock potential and drive results.

The Courage to Succeed: A Thrilling Multimedia Adventure with Kevin Vallely

Prepare to be inspired and challenged as Kevin Vallely takes you on a thrilling and immersive journey through the treacherous Northwest Passage. But this isn’t just any ordinary presentation – it’s an interactive multimedia experience that will put you in the driver’s seat of the adventure.

Through his own incredible experiences as an adventurer, Vallely has learned that courage isn’t about lacking fear, it’s about accepting it and taking action anyway. And he’s here to show you how you can do the same.

As you navigate through the challenges and decisions that Vallely and his team faced, you’ll come to realize that courage is a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. It’s about having a deep sense of purpose and resilience, and it’s what allows us to perform at our very best.

This isn’t just a keynote presentation – it’s a chance to reflect on your own personal experiences and learn how to maintain a positive mindset, understand why you do what you do, and take calculated risks to reach your full potential.

So come join Kevin Vallely on a high seas adventure like no other and discover the courage within yourself to overcome any challenge that comes your way. Get ready to be inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the world!

Unlocking Your Creative Potential: Why Innovation is Essential for Success in Today's World

Join Kevin Vallely as he explores the importance of creativity and innovation for individuals and businesses.

Drawing on his experiences as both an award-winning architect and world-record breaking explorer, Vallely keynote challenges the common misconception that creativity is limited to artistic pursuits. Instead, it highlights how innovation is crucial for finding new solutions to problems, improving processes, and creating ideas that can improve people’s lives.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to think creatively and innovate is no longer a luxury but a necessity for survival. Kevin Vallely will inspire and motivate audiences to tap into their creative potential and embrace innovation as a key driver for success.

Building High-Performing Teams: Lessons from the Wild

In the world of polar exploration, success depends on the ability of the team to work together, support each other, and overcome incredible challenges. However, studies show that despite the shared experiences, many polar expedition teams degenerate into a toxic environment where team members treat each other like prisoners rather than supportive teammates.

Internationally recognized explorer Kevin Vallely has spent years exploring the world’s most inhospitable environments, from the Arctic to the Antarctic. He understands that the art of cultivating a high-performing team is paramount to success, and that the difficult challenges a team faces should strengthen it, not tear it apart.

In this keynote speech, Kevin Vallely will share his insights and experiences on building strong teams that can withstand the rigors of polar expeditions and any other challenges that come their way. He will discuss the importance of inclusivity, connecting with people, practicing authenticity, building trust, and making your actions match your words.

Audience members will learn how to apply these lessons in their own teams, whether in business, adventure, or any other field where teamwork is critical. They will come away with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a team that can weather any storm and achieve success together. Join us for this inspiring and informative keynote speech with Kevin Vallely.

 

ILIRA - A Canadian Explorer's inspirational story of possibility

Get ready to be inspired on a thrilling journey of possibility with Canadian explorer Kevin Vallely. From a young age, Kevin dreamed of skiing to the pole, and his 35-year journey to achieve it resulted in him breaking the world record. He has organized and led extreme expeditions around the world, gaining a powerful understanding of leadership and resilience in fast-changing environments.

But Kevin’s story isn’t just about adventure and exploration. As a writer, architect, and happily-married father of two, he embodies a clear balance in life that translates into a unique business acumen. He knows how to activate and amplify leadership instincts, and he helps engage, inspire, and develop talent at every level of an organization.

Join Kevin Vallely as he shares his inspirational story and reveals the secrets of his success. Whether you’re a business leader looking to improve your team’s performance, or simply someone in search of inspiration, Kevin’s message is sure to resonate with you. Don’t miss this opportunity to go on a thrilling journey of possibility with one of Canada’s most extraordinary explorers.

Risking Failure for Ultimate Success: An Interactive Expedition with Kevin Vallely

Are you ready to challenge yourself and be inspired? Join Kevin Vallely on a thrilling and immersive journey through the treacherous Northwest Passage. But this is no ordinary presentation – it’s an interactive multimedia experience that will put you in the driver’s seat of the adventure.

Through his own incredible experiences as an adventurer, Vallely has learned that failure is not the opposite of success, but rather a necessary part of it. As you navigate through the challenges and decisions that Vallely and his team faced, you’ll come to realize that the only way to truly achieve success is to embrace the possibility of failure and to learn from it when it happens.

Being an explorer and adventurer means failure is a part of the equation. If you know you can succeed on a journey, then it’s not an adventure. Facing uncertain outcomes and embracing them is what makes an adventurer tick. But this is not just true for adventurers – it’s a skill that can be learned, practiced, and strengthened. It’s about having a deep sense of purpose and resilience, and it’s what allows us to perform at our very best.

So come join Kevin Vallely on a high seas adventure and discover the power of risking failure to perform at your best. You’ll leave feeling inspired and empowered to embrace challenges and push beyond your limits. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of Canada’s most extraordinary adventurers.

Video clips

Kevin Vallely: Speaker Reel

Kevin Vallely: Excerpt from Virtual Keynote

Kevin Vallely: NorthWest Passage Public Salon

Kevin Vallely - Architecture, Symmetry and Adventure

Speaker testimonials

Kevin’s Keynote was not only interesting (even scary at times) but very relevant for our Sales Reps. I love how he interacted with the audience, posing thought provoking questions to include us all in his journey, and creating relatability with the processes and decisions faced on a daily basis by our Reps. Our expectations were absolutely met and exceeded! I hope Kevin enjoyed it as much as we did.

Dirtt Environmental Solutions

People were super engaged; Kevin is a great storyteller. The moments we had to talk or discussed an issue in groups were just perfect, not too long and not too short, just enough to keep everyone in action. A lot of people took the time to talk to Kevin afterwards, I am glad he took the time to stay and have discussion with them, even though he had no obligations to do so. I am very happy with the conference, so were my superiors.

Soprema

VIRTUAL KEYNOTE: “Last comment on difference in quitting and stopping was very powerful. Great work in finding Kevin in these tough times.” “Very well spoken, good speed” “It was a very riveting seminar. The perseverance of the crew is amazing.” “That was an incredible story and very good example of teamwork and preparedness” “It provided you with a guide on how to respond to difficult situations.”

Jonas Construction

VIRTUAL KEYNOTE: I wanted to let Kevin know that his presentation was absolutely AMAZING!!!!! I loved it and so did our staff. The feedback has been nothing but outstanding (we usually have some people who state they “weren’t impressed”… that has not happened this time.) He is an amazing presenter, he kept everybody’s attention and his message is so pertinent right now. I would love to hear him every month!!! He was amazing, engaging, the message came close to home….. loved it!

Executive Director, Windsor Essex Community Health Centre

Kevin’s presentations are truly inspirational, engaging and gripping. His style is unique, upbeat and yet humble and unassuming. Kevin touches the inner adventurer in everybody and makes the audience want to go out and experience the real adventures of this world. Kevin is also our “back yard” hero from North Vancouver, proving that a regular person with a job and a family can still accomplish amazing things without being backed by hefty sponsorship dollars and media. Kevin is a true talent with a very present, open and immediate personality, and his genius continues to change the lives of many.

Director, Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival

Kevin Vallely presented at our Get Active Penticton Series and ‘Knocked it out the Park’. His enthusiasm to encourage your inner adventurer was infectious. Kevin has that unique ability to tell an incredible story but still appear like a ‘regular guy’ – this is what inspires others to take that first step to ‘be your own hero’. It was a pleasure to work with Kevin. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more feedback on this outstanding individual.

Active Living Recreation Coordinator : The Corporation of the City of Penticton

Kevin Vallely’s presentations at The Great Outdoors Show were exceptional! Kevin connected with his audience immediately and entertained and inspired with creative multi-media presentations that were delivered complete with humorous stories, videos and anecdotes about his adventures that kept the audience glued to their seats!

President, Encore Exhibitions Inc.

Kevin was highly regarded and awe-inspiring for sure… They loved the wow – the overpowering sense of adventure – very outside their comfort zone – the close was awesome – great job.

Independent Accountants’ Investment Counsel

Your presentation really set the mood for the day. Everyone really enjoyed your stories and the three p’s were actually referred to in sessions held throughout the day. Preliminary evaluation survey results are also showing your presentation as the most popular! So thank you very much for coming and enhancing our conference.

Alberta Construction Safety Association

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