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Robert Swan

Renowned Polar Explorer; Leader in Sustainability

Robert is a polar pioneer and leader in energy innovation and works closely with many of the world’s leading organizations on their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) practices. As the founder of the 2041 Foundation, Robert Swan has spent the last 30 years supporting the preservation of Antarctica.

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Bio

Robert Swan has spent the last 30 years supporting the preservation of Antarctica through the engagement of industry, business’, young people, and the promotion of renewable energy. Through his lifetime of achievements, his leadership on expeditions in extreme circumstances and continued commitment to creating a more sustainable planet, his talks inspire and build future and current leaders across the globe.

As a polar pioneer and leader in energy innovation, Robert works closely with many of the world’s leading organizations on their ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) practices, giving talks to a diverse range of audiences in the corporate, non-profit and educational world. His talks foster leadership, team building and sustainable practises. He has worked with Boy Scouts of America, BP, Coca-Cola, KPMG, NASA, Shell, TED Global, Unilever and many more.

Hire Robert for your next speaking event to hear his journey of overcoming the many challenges he has faced and lifelong lessons of resilience, teamwork and adjusting to a changing world.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)

Robert works closely with many of the world’s leading organizations on their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Robert has spent the last 30 years working toward the preservation of Antarctica through the engagement of industry and business, young people, and the promotion of renewable energy. His extraordinary story demonstrates leadership, teamwork, and the resilience that is necessary to overcome the challenges leaders face in the 21st century.

Awards and Commendations

Robert’s contributions to education and the environment have been recognized through his appointment as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. He was a winner of the United Nations Global 500 Award and honored with the United Nations NOVUS Summit Award for his contribution to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2003, the European Union named Robert as an Ambassador for the Environment.

In recognition of his life’s work, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II awarded Robert the Polar Medal and the high distinction of OBE, Order of the British Empire. Robert is also the winner of the Humanitarian Innovation Lifetime Achievement Award and became a Special Envoy to the Director General of UNESCO in 1994.

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Keynotes

Featured Keynote

Resilience

After experiencing unexpected setbacks and serious injuries on the way to completing his lifelong dream of being the first person in history to walk to both Poles, Robert had no choice but to become an expert on resiliency. Robert discusses the specific challenges he has faced on his expeditions, and how he and his team had to be resilient in their toughest moments to accomplish their goals. Robert relates these experiences to the specific challenges of your audience and inspires strength and resiliency in the face of modern-day setbacks.

Isolation

Isolation

As someone who spent nine months living 3,000 miles away from civilization in a 16 by 24-foot hut at the edge of Antarctica with zero communication to the outside world, Robert is no stranger to isolation. Robert recounts his feelings of intense isolation on his journey, the way he dealt with that isolation, and the valuable lessons he continues to draw from those experiences. He relates these lessons to the specific challenges your audience is facing, especially in the wake of the ongoing global pandemic.
Creating A New Normal

Creating A New Normal

As we emerge from the initial phases of the pandemic at different rates across the globe, many of us are being met with the stark realization that things may never return to our idea of “normal.” Robert divulges his experiences with returning to society after nine months of isolation in Antarctica and finding out that everything had changed – even himself. He gives advice on how to embrace these changes and deal with the confusion and disappointment that often accompany them so that we may create and thrive in our “new normal.”
ESG for Employees

ESG for Employees

After experiencing the effects of climate change firsthand on his expeditions, Robert uses his expertise to relay the importance of incorporating and improving sustainable practices within businesses and corporations. Robert discusses his trek to the South Pole powered entirely by renewable energy and why a global shift to renewable energy is crucial for the preservation of Antarctica and the survival of our planet. Robert tailors his speeches to discuss your company’s specific Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) policies as well as how your company can join Rob’s lifelong fight in protecting Antarctica for decades to come.