British Polar Explorer, Environmentalist & Founder of the Ice Warrior and Ocean Warrior Projects
Jim McNeill Biography
Jim McNeill has spent over 40 years on the frontlines of polar exploration and environmental change. His passion was sparked at the young age of 16, on a winter Outward Bound Mountain course in the Lake District. From that moment on, there was no turning back.
McNeill’s path has taken him from scientific research to military training, high-stakes business to life-or-death emergency response, all while leading some of the toughest expeditions on Earth. Every chapter demanded performance, leadership, and teamwork.
Since 2001, his Ice Warrior Project has transformed everyday people into polar pioneers, collecting vital data on climate change and putting it in the hands of the world’s leading scientists.
His ability to turn raw, often brutal experiences into unforgettable stories, laced with insight, humor, and purpose, makes him a commanding voice on leadership, motivation, risk, and human potential.
McNeill’s latest venture, Ocean Warrior, launched in January 2023, is an ambitious 11-year commitment to uncover the true state of our oceans - exposing the unseen impacts of climate change in some of the most important and remote marine environments on Earth.
What sets McNeill apart is how openly he shares the truths he’s learned about human performance under pressure. He speaks from experience, twice coming close to losing his own life on expedition, about what it takes to lead, adapt, and endure when conditions are anything but ideal.
Leadership, for McNeill means trust, clarity, and a deep sense of care, values he’s lived and led with on every high-risk expedition. His talks unpack these with refreshing honesty. Kindness and good communication are just as vital as strategy, resilience and strength.
At the heart of his work is a tireless commitment to climate advocacy. Through his explorations, McNeill gathers vital scientific data to drive awareness of global environmental shifts, while also delivering citizen science and public engagement.
His storytelling style is both gripping and unapologetically human. He turns complex data and extreme experiences into messages that have true impact - authentic, inspiring, and impossible to forget.
Through Ocean Warrior, keynote speaking, his unique Icons Interviewed series and writing, McNeill continues to shape how we think about leadership, purpose, and the urgent need to protect our world.
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Jim McNeill Speaking Topics
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Critical Leadership
- What polar expeditions teach us about leading under pressure
- Lessons from commanding teams in life-threatening, critical crises
- How to lead with clarity, courage, and calm when everything is on the line
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The Edge of Human Performance
- Unlocking resilience and potential in extreme environments
- Stories of near death, endurance and survival
- How to push beyond perceived limits, mentally and physically
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What are the speaker fees for Jim McNeill
Speaking fees for Jim McNeill, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Jim McNeill are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Jim McNeill, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Jim McNeill speak about?
Jim McNeill is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Adventure, Animals & Wildlife, Climate Change, Conservation, Crisis Management, Environment, Environmental Activism, Environmental Science, European Heritage, Finance, Human Resources, Leadership, Motivational, Research & Exploration, Resilience, Sustainability, Teamwork & Teambuilding, TED -
Where does Jim McNeill travel from?
Jim McNeill generally travels from London, UK, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Jim McNeill is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Critical Leadership, The Edge of Human Performance, Risk, Crisis & Calm, The Climate Frontline, Purpose and Passion and The Power of Ordinary People. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jim McNeill for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Jim McNeill generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Robert Ballard, Doc Hendley, Meg Lowman, Jasmine Crowe-Houston and Alex Honnold. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jim McNeill for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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