British Round the World Yachtsman, top International sailor and co author of Boat to Boardroom, Alex Alley has spoken all over the world on his racing experiences, from teaching himself to sail to representing and winning for his country by the age of 19. Leading a team around the world through the freezing expanse of the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn, dealing with serious medical emergencies thousands of miles from help, yet still managing to keep the team motivated and continue to achieve records.
Alex talks candidly about living, and working, with the same team 24/7 for up to 8 weeks at a time through storms and life threatening conditions. How do you motivate a team when they are 1000 miles from civilisation, 3 crew down, one seriously injured, it’s freezing cold outside with huge waves pounding the boat day and night. Still a month from the finish and dry land, 2000 miles behind the rest of the fleet, the team are completely alone, but they don’t give up…
Join him as he takes you onboard with powerful video footage and feel the highest highs and the lowest lows as the team battle against the odds – and beat them.
Hear the story from someone who has really been there – an ordinary man who has achieved, and is still achieving, extraordinary things.
"Many thanks for an excellent presentation enthusiastically delivered. Feedback has been excellent and many references made to it during the following mornings workshops"
Chris Borrill, Director, Military Customer Support, Thales Group
"Alex was an enthusiastic and engaging speaker, bringing to life the trials and tribulations of the Global Challenge. His talk was very interesting with some great stories and anecdotes. Moreover, he made it relevant to our business need with the theme of "challenge" cleverly interwoven into his talk. The group found him very motivational and took away some useful learnings. A terrific speaker who can be highly recommended."
Sarah, Commercial Analytics Team, GSK
"Alex has the most extraordinary leadership skills. He has an innate way of understanding what is required to motivate the team at any given moment. The difference is his blend of expertise, and his unending optimism and energy. Whenever I needed support or a hand, there he was helping out without taking over - the sign of true leadership. Alex has my enormous respect. I have lead teams and facilitated large groups and have never seen it done better."
Sharon Callaghan, Manager British Airways Executive Club
"When I met Alex I was impressed by his determination and relaxed attitude to the Global Challenge Yacht Race. His presentation style is equally impressive, a mix of adventure stories, hardship, success, setback and the one over riding message that you should never, ever, give up. Alex was an inspiration to our team, and whatever challenges we face there was motivation and techniques to help succeed for all of us."
John Mobly, Managing Director, Newnet plc
"I sailed over 7000 miles with Alex from Cape Town to Boston in 2005. Our Challenge boat was racing hard 24 hours a day and as a watch leader Alex showed a special combination of practical sailing skills, teaching ability and above all calmness under pressure when leading his team through tough conditions. I would recommend him to anyone who is seeking an exceptional person to help develop leadership and motivational skills as well of course his undoubted ability in a sailing boat."
Rob Packham QPM, Consultant. Previously Deputy Director General, National Crime Squad
"Possibly the most motivated and positive person I have met."
James Smith, Supply Chain Integration Project Manager, Unilever UK Foods
"What an excellent presentation. Alex was confident, interesting and as inspirational as the subject he was presenting. He captured the attention of the audience with his warm personality and held it throughout; a truly motivational speaker"
Sue Quinnan, Senior Intelligence Officer, HM Revenue and Customs
Book him to re-energise and re-motivate your team, it's what he does best.