Jim McNeill

With over 23 years of Arctic travelling, Jim McNeill is an accomplished polar explorer, presenter and keynote speaker.

In January 2001 he conceived the idea of combining his professional rescue expertise with his polar expeditioning into a long term vision known as the Ice Warrior Project.

Jim has worked in the environmental science sector, trained army personnel to use mountains safely and has 12 years of blue-chip marketing communications experience at consultancy level. Last year he resigned his fire and rescue operations for the Royal Household, to engage in professional exploring.
Throughout his career Jim has selected, trained and led teams in key business situations, where the reputation and share value of corporations is won and lost on strategic and tactical media relations; to critical life saving situations, where effective leadership and hands on teamwork are key to preserving the lives of car crash victims; through to longer term life-threatening situations in extreme climatic situations with multiple risks over long periods of time. Jim thrives on challenge and change. He has a passion for leadership and getting the very best performance out of individuals and teams, at any level.

He has written for numerous publications, scientific papers and is currently writing his first book. Last year Jim was ITV News own "Ice Warrior" reporting directly from some 200 miles into the Arctic Ocean on the actual effects of global warming on the Arctic ice cap - bringing the reality of global climate change to audiences around the globe.

Next year the story will continue on ITN as he attempts to be the first person in history to reach the Northern Pole of Inaccessibility at the very centre of the Arctic Ocean. He is going alone and without re-supply on a treacherous journey of 735 miles and 75 days duration. At the same time he will gather crucial climate data for the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NASA supported work). He will also be writing a weekly diary piece about his expedition for BBC Online and a national newspaper.

Jim spent most of this summer on Ellesmere Island in the Arctic where he was guide and safety advisor for the BBC's Natural History Unit. Jim located the elusive Arctic Wolf for the BBC and has written a diary about the wolves and their environment for BBC Online

As a person, Jim believes that consideration for others, an enthusiasm for life and broad-based experience makes for a balanced soul and says his greatest attributes are empathy, initiative, a good measure of common sense - and the ability to communicate and motivate.
46 year old Jim is married to Lori, has two daughters, Kirsty, 25 and Helen, 21, a 9 year old son, Mac and currently lives in Royal Berkshire, England.

Recent Testimonials:-

Jim McNeill offers his audience an entertaining and fascinating insight into his truly remarkable adventures. His courage, unyielding determination and dedication to achieving the seemingly impossible left all those in the room feeling humbled and inspired. Any business serious about success should hear his message.
Sue Thexton Managing Director, ITN Source

Why it worked for us:
Ice Warrior: Jim McNeill with Ice Warrior has helped turn ordinary people's dreams into a reality. An extraordinary man enabling ordinary people to take the ultimate challenge of Arctic exploration.
Arctic Exploration: The tales of Jim's many Arctic expeditions are unique and thrilling. They are relevant to everyone that has undertaken a personal challenge, the fear of failure or the sacrifice for success each connect very powerfully with the audience.
Commercial Connection: There are some powerful learning's for the commercial world. Here Jim draws strong parallels to the business arena and provides some compelling insights into the key areas of leadership and teamwork that provide some invaluable and graphic lessons.
John Gillett - Chairman Candour Event Marketing

Jim proved an amusing and engaging speaker who enthralled our audience with his tales of modern adventure. His personal insights into the effects of climate change were delivered with passion and detail. Everyone was both entertained and educated; we will definitely use him again.
Chairman - Sign-Up.To

Jim McNeill's presentation to the Captain Scott Society on the subject of his "Ice Warrior" endeavours was colourful and entertaining but most of all it was thought provoking. Jim gave an honest and unsentimental view of the difficulties he faced in his quest for the four North Poles and also a clear assessment of how global warming is changing the face and nature of the Arctic. The extraordinary images used to good effect during the presentation were graphic, evocative and often dramatic. The knowledge Jim has acquired of the Arctic was obvious and allowed him to speak with authority and assurance.
Julian Salisbury - Chairman, The Captain Scott Society

The presentation Jim gave (to my marketing leadership group) was nothing less than inspirational. He combined an authoritative blend of raw experience with practical coaching on leadership skills which has further energised an already highly motivated group of senior executives. We plan to bring him back and extend our learning with him to our wider team.
Jon Geldart, Director of Marketing, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP