Extreme Adventurer

Tori James is a multi-talented individual with a passion for extreme adventure in sub-zero temperatures. She grew up on a farm in Pembrokeshire (West Wales); 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, Tori spent three years working for the British Exploring which is based at the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) in London. It was during her time working in the attic of the RGS that she became part of a team that was set on making the record books.

Tori James Pink Lady

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. In 2010 Tori cycled the length of New Zealand, a total of 2400km, unsupported from north to south. 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). Their 1,100km journey involved sea kayaking, road cycling, mountain biking and hiking and 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. Tori was invited to interview Bear Grylls on stage at the Hay Festival 2023 about his new book, Mind Fuel.

Beeline Britain

In June 2014 Tori James 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). Their 1,100km journey involved sea kayaking, road cycling, mountain biking and hiking; and 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. In November 2014 Tori was awarded a ‘Points of Light’ Award by the Prime Minister; in recognition of outstanding volunteering over the last 10 years.

Delivering Leadership

Tori James lives in Cardiff and works across Wales and internationally. She is a 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 James is an ambassador for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Wales, Girl Guiding UK and the Visit Wales Year of Adventure 2016.

Relevant Experiences

Tori’s achievements require a lot more than the technical skills and the right clothing. Her challenges have tested her to the limit both physically and mentally; and her experiences have relevance to all of us whether at work or at home. Not only will you gain an insight into life in extreme environments; but Tori James shares her passion for achieving things against the odds. She explains exactly how she turned her goals into reality, overcame numerous setbacks and used a variety of mental techniques to retain the positivity and self-belief; that ultimately lead to her and her team’s successes.

Tori James Speaker

Tori James is an accomplished public speaker and her presentations focus on success. Her talks are all accompanied by spectacular photography and unique video footage. Every talk is tailored to suit the audience each requirement is discussed in detail beforehand.

Beginnings

She 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, a charity founded by a member of Scott’s Antarctic expedition and based at the Royal Geographical Society in London.

Tori lives in Cardiff and works across Wales 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. Tori has been awarded a ‘Points of Light’ Award by the Prime Minister in recognition of outstanding volunteering over the last 10 years.

“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)

“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