Dwayne Fields is an explorer, adventurer, and now the UK Chief Scout, having succeeded Bear Grylls in 2024. He is the first black Briton to walk over 400 miles to the Magnetic North Pole and also serves as an Ambassador for the Scout Association, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust. Dwayne is also a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
Born in Jamaica, Dwayne moved to the UK at age six. After experiencing knife and gun crime, he chose to change his life. He pursued a combined honours degree in Psychology, International Development, and Business Management, before dedicating himself to exploration. In 2010, Dwayne reached the Magnetic North Pole, earning an invitation to Buckingham Palace for a reception marking the centenary of Scott's South Pole expedition, attended by Queen Elizabeth II. He also received the Freedom of the City of London in 2013.
In his latest television series, Dwayne joins Ben Fogle in the BAFTA nominated "Endurance: Race to the Pole," where they experience the lives of Edwardian explorers Scott, Shackleton, and Amundsen. Their upcoming series, "Endurance: Race to the Nile," will explore the story of Dr Livingstone, the Victorian explorer who sought the source of the River Nile. Dwayne's series, "Seven Toughest Days," features him in extreme locations during harsh conditions and is currently available on Disney+.
In late 2019, Dwayne and Phoebe Smith undertook an expedition from the northernmost to the southernmost points of mainland Britain to engage young people in adventure and environmental issues. Their inaugural trip to Antarctica with underprivileged youth was completed in 2022, and they plan a project to the Galapagos Islands in late 2024.
In this session, Dwayne Fields, UK Chief Scout and the first black Briton to reach the Magnetic North Pole, will share his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity to become a global advocate for environmental conservation. He will discuss how adventure and exploration can transform lives and foster positive change, drawing on his remarkable experiences from expeditions, television series, and youth advocacy. Attendees will learn how to harness their own adventures for personal growth and environmental impact.
