Motivational speaker, Tori James, at the age of 25, became the first Welsh woman to climb Mount Everest. Tori stars in the BBC documentary ‘On Top of the World.’  This film was produced about her expedition. She is also the author of ‘Peak Performance’ which describes her record-breaking climb to the summit.

Background

Tori was born in Pembrokeshire and grew up on a farm where she claims to have gathered much of her toughness for venturing outside in all weather. After gaining a degree in Geography from Royal Holloway University of London, Tori secured her dream first job working for British Exploring.  This was a charity founded by a member of Scott’s Antarctic expedition and based at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Adventurer

In 2005 she was a member of the Pink Lady PoleCats, the first all-female team to complete The Polar Challenge, a gruelling 360 mile race to the Magnetic North Pole. Subsequently in 2010 Tori cycled the length of New Zealand, a total of 2400km, unsupported from north to south. Following on in June 2014 Tori was part of the Beeline Britain team who became the first to travel in a straight line from Land’s End to John O’Groats in aid of BLESMA (the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association). The 1,100km journey involved sea kayaking, road cycling, mountain biking and hiking. It is documented in the award-winning film “As The Crow Flies”. The team set a record for the longest open sea kayak crossing in UK waters kayaking non-stop for 200km from Land’s End to Pembrokeshire.

Motivational speaker

Tori lives in Cardiff and works across the country and internationally. She is an outstanding motivational speaker and consultant delivering leadership training, team and youth development projects. Tori has led teams in both corporate and charitable organisations in sectors including aviation, entrepreneurship and sport. Tori is the President of Girlguiding Cymru, a Fellow of British Exploring and an ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Wales. She has been awarded a ‘Points of Light’ Award by the Prime Minister in recognition of outstanding volunteering over the last 10 years.

What others have said:

“Emotional, inspirational and motivating talk from Tori James.” Kate Thorpe, Business Liaison Manager, Gatwick Diamond Business.

“It all went extremely well thank you. Everyone was really positive about Tori’s speech and really enjoyed it.” Cathy Girling, HR Director Acro Aero.

“Tori speaks of her own courage, joie de vivre, and sheer grit and determination in a way that is inspiring, and utterly compelling to listen to. She presents with a sincerity that can only come from a huge sense of personal achievement, and her passionate delivery taps into something in all of us.” Laura Greene, Senior Training and Development Officer Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

“December’s Capgemini Consulting CDC meeting was one of the best, ever. The CDCers found a high-point of the day was Tori’s presentation, being very interesting, motivating, stretching in terms of “I couldn’t do that!”, and inspirational…bringing a very topical insight into some challenges outside the realm of consulting. The lessons about personal challenge, seeing things through, staying motivated, etc. were all spot on…like consulting life but from an unexpected perspective!” Mark Burrell, CDC Lead.

“Tori’s presentation was motivating and inspirational. The lessons about personal challenge, seeing things through, staying motivated were all spot on…like consulting life but from an unexpected perspective!”  Mark Burrell, Capgemini.

“Fantastic story well linked to business.” LEAD Wales course participant (Swansea University).

“I followed Tori James [on stage], the youngest British woman to climb Everest. The prospect of realising just how inspiring she was and the prospect of facing 1500 young people made me go it alone, without a script.” Mrs MoneyPenny, Financial Times.

“Tori was simply fabulous … She was very professional in her preparation for the event … very personable and friendly with everyone on the night …  excellent and articulate talk that I think impressed everyone and she addressed the students as much as the parents in her remarks which was great.  From my PR perspective, I can see Tori is a very accomplished and experienced speaker.  I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.” Edward Funnell, Head of Communications, Eltham College 2022.

“Tori is an inspirational speaker. Our students were enthralled by her story and talked about it for weeks. It was presented with beautiful clarity and captivated the 300-strong audience, inspiring staff, students and parents to think about their own goals and ideas for the future.”  Mr Thomas Newell, Assistant Head, Broadoak Mathematics and Computing College.

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