Aventurers and Explorers - Pen Hadow
Pen Hadow, one of the worlds leading explorer-guides, against seemingly impossible odds, has made it possible for people from all walks of life to make ground-breaking expeditions to the most remote points on planet Earth - the North and South Poles. The secret behind his success has been his exceptional ability to motivate individuals and teams to perform at their peak in even the most extreme situations. His superbly illustrated presentation reveals the inspirational story behind this remarkable leader and polar pioneer.
Pen (aka 'Polar Pen) is a rare breed amongst explorers, because he chose to bridge the divide between his professional achievements and the potential he saw in the wider public to undertake substantial polar expeditions. He had made a series of progressively bold expeditions of his own in the high Arctic in the 80s and 90s, culminating in three extreme solo expeditions on the Arctic Ocean.
Pens eyes had first been opened, when he was just fifteen. He completed a solo marathon, long before marathons became a mass-participation sport. Teachers, coaches and doctors had all advised against the attempt. But Pen ran it anyway and discovered for himself that the vested interests of experts could create barriers to progress. He encountered the same negative attitude again in the polar world . and knew what had to be done. He set up the only specialist guide service in the world - The Polar Travel Company - and dedicated himself, single-handedly, to opening up the Arctic and Antarctic to everyone.
First he had to change a nations perception of what was possible - the Poles were regarded as the exclusive domain of the professional explorer. He also had to create a new market - travel industry experts assuring him that no-one would be attracted to high-cost, sub-zero temperature, expedition-style holidays. Then, in the most inhospitable conditions on Earth, he had to lead novice teams on pioneering expeditions to the remotest points on Earth. Effective teamwork and leadership techniques were critical to each expeditions outcome.
The national wake-up call to launch his commercial venture was to be dramatic, testing his entrepreneurial and management skills to the limits. He devised, promoted, and organized the first all-women expedition to the North Pole . and three years later, the internationally-acclaimed McVities Penguin Polar Relay reached the North Pole - on schedule to the day, with no injuries, and a catalogue of 'world firsts by the team of twenty-two. Two years later he supported the high profile British all-women expedition to the South Pole - the M&G ISA Challenge. Public demand for expedition places began to grow rapidly. Armed only with a laptop, a phone line and a total dedication to success, Pens vision had become a reality.
In May 2003, Pen was catapulted to international fame when he became the first person in history to sledge from Canada to the North Geographic Pole without any outside help - a feat of endurance thought to be harder than climbing Everest solo, without oxygen. It had taken him three attempts and fifteen years dedication to achieve his goal.
In February 2004, Hadow guided 63 year old international businessman, Simon Murray, to the South Pole - thereby enabling him to become the oldest person by a decade ever to walk to the Pole, while Pen became the first Briton to walk without re-supply to both Poles, and all inside twelve months.
Pens is an inspirational story because many of the lessons he has learned and the skills he now applies on his expeditions are of equal importance in the less hazardous environment of the workplace. He has come to recognize the real value of vision, preparation, and leadership - and above all, mental attitude, the universal key to success, in the reaching of ones chosen goal.
Pen always leaves his audiences on a high, excited, challenged and inspired yet contemplative - emotionally charged by an experience they will never forget.
