Polar explorer, writer, business coach and a truly inspirational motivational speaker. Sue was the first British woman to ski to the Magnetic North Pole. She has also participated in expeditions to Geographical North Pole, Greenland and Antarctica. She is a dynamic motivational speaker able to relate her adventures with clear and relatable relevance to business.
Stepping into the unknown is something that motivational speaker Sue Stockdale does every day. Her inspirational message empowers leaders to find the explorer, entrepreneur, creative and athlete inside, pushing past fears and uncertainties. Sue’s message is one of resilience, adaptation, and change. This is not the kind you’re pushed into – the kind of change you reach out and take hold of, especially if that means stepping out of your comfort zone. That pull is something Sue has harnessed time and time again.
What began with a celebrated role as one of British Gas’ youngest senior managers was enriched when Sue represented Scotland in Athletics. Then she forged a new path as an intrepid member of the United Nations civilian efforts in war-torn Yugoslavia. Not willing to be complacent, Sue would turn a newspaper clipping into a national record as the first British woman to ski to the Magnetic North Pole. Four further extreme expeditions followed. As a result Sue was recognised by HM the Queen as a “Pioneer to the Nation.” In 2024 Sue was presented with Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) following a presentation as part of their Inspiring People talks programme.
This unique journey makes Sue highly desirable as a motivational speaker. She has extensive qualifications including an MBA in Entrepreneurship; MSc in Quality Management; Master Executive Coach certification and Coaching Supervisor accreditation. Sue has spent the last 25 years coaching the world’s leaders to do the same – adapt and change. Her inspiring work with the CEOs and board-level executives of FTSE 250, Fortune 500 and hundreds of other multi-national organisations has paved the way for innovation and professional growth at scale. Over 15,000 leaders have directly benefited from Sue’s innovative approach.
For the wider business community, Sue has published 9 books. The most recent; “Explore: A Life of Adventure,” is a memoir and ode to the fearless drive & self-discipline which made her successes attainable. It’s highly recommended by business leaders and described as ‘“captivating and inspiring” by Dr Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek. There are many other glowing, high-profile reviews. Sue also hosts the “Access to Inspiration” podcast featuring popular interviews with international guests which is ranked in the top 10% globally via Listen Notes. Through her coaching, speaking, authorship and podcasting work, Sue endeavours to show the leaders of today and tomorrow how to embrace uncertainty. How to apply proven mindset techniques & behaviours to achieve dreams.
Video – TEDx presentation https://youtu.be/HZGkfLf66as
“The feedback that I heard was excellent. The CEO said he was amazed by the way you linked your story to business.” Arc Technologies Distributors conference
“Delegates were able to leave the conference with a greater understanding of leadership issues, and more importantly, with solutions to overcoming some of the challenges they face locally.” Delivering Leadership in the NHS conference
“Congratulations on winning the best workshop presenter award.” PROWESS Annual conference
“Thank you for an excellent presentation.” ICS Test UK conference
“Fascinating and inspiring … extremely relevant for business leadership and team building” Dell
