About Tori
“We were paddling into the unknown. No-one had ever completed this journey in a sea-kayak before. It was exhilarating and terrifying in equal measures.”
Tori James FRGS is a record-breaking adventurer who has taken on some of the most extreme challenges on our planet.
She was the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest, aged 25. Tori stars in the BBC television documentary ‘On Top of the World’ which was produced about her expedition and she is also the author of ‘Peak Performance’ which describes her climb to the summit.
She was a member of the first all-female team to complete The Polar Challenge, a 360-mile race to the Magnetic North Pole. She also set the record for the longest open sea kayak crossing in UK waters (200km) when the Beeline Britain team became the first to travel in a straight line from Land's End to John O'Groats.
Among her notable journeys, Tori has also cycled the length of New Zealand, a total of 2400km.
It was quite modest and understated considering what she had achieved was truly remarkable. The content was excellent. There were many ways she brought what she had done as being relevant in people's lives by showing them what can be achieved by perseverance and what achievement can do for people's wellbeing and mental health.
Nikki Palser, Personal Assistant, Hywel Dda University Health Board Staff Development day
Keynote Speaker & Trainer
Tori is a sought-after keynote speaker. She inspires audiences across the globe at some of the world’s best-known companies and frequently uses her adventures to encourage young people in schools, colleges and universities to realise their potential.
Her presentations provide insightful lessons and unique insights that challenge individuals and businesses to perform at a higher level.
Tori also delivers adventure-inspired courses. Specialising in leadership development and high-performing teams she offers engaging masterclasses and multi-day training programmes to teams in a broad cross-section of organisations.
“December’s Capgemini Consulting meeting was one of the best, ever. The high-point of the day was Tori’s presentation, being very interesting, motivating, stretching. The lessons about personal challenge, seeing things through, staying motivated, etc. were all spot on...like consulting life but from an unexpected perspective!”
“Please convey The Earl of Wessex’s special thanks to Tori James for speaking so eloquently at the Mansion House. It gave His Royal Highness much pleasure to meet her and learn of her great adventure to Mount Everest.”
S Lofthouse, Assistant Private Secretary to The Earl & Countess of Wessex
Charity Support
Tori is a prolific charity supporter.
Tori is President of Girlguiding Cymru and the Honorary President for Girlguiding in Pembrokeshire. She is an ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Wales and has been a guest speaker at the Gold Award Presentations at St James’ Palace several times.
Tori is a Fellow of British Exploring and supports the charity to ensure equal access to adventure and learning in the wilderness.
She is also a patron of the Tour of Pembrokeshire, a cycling event which passes through the magnificent scenery of the St David’s Peninsula in west Wales.
Throughout her career, she has raised thousands of pounds for different charitable organisations. In 2014 she was honoured for this work when she received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award for outstanding volunteering and fundraising.
“It’s not just the adventure that motivates me. It’s being able to give something back. People have supported me to do amazing things, and I am very grateful for every bit of help I have received. If there’s an opportunity for me to pay this back, I take it.”
Media, Mountains & Motherhood
Tori holds a degree in Geography from Royal Holloway University of London and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS). She is a qualified Mountain Leader and regularly leads groups in the mountains with Expedition Wales, an approved activity provider for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition section.
She is passionate about using these skills to inspire and educate others about the natural environment and engage with the outdoors in sustainable ways.
Her adventures have featured on television, radio, podcasts and many newspapers and magazines.
Her most recent adventure, which will no doubt be her biggest endurance challenge, is a foray into motherhood. Not even training for and conquering Everest prepared her for the euphoric highs and lack of sleep she’s experienced since the birth of her son.
Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about Tori’s availability for training and keynote speaking.
