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Elite climber & resilience speaker

Emily Harrington

Transform teams through resilience with Emily Harrington, speaker and elite climber. Emily works with organizations to master strategic risk-taking and breakthrough performance, delivering insights from her groundbreaking El Capitan achievements and five US National Championships.

Trusted by TEDx, SalesForce, The North Face

Emily Harrington, Speaker | Climber & Adventurer
Emily Harrington

Emily Harrington

Los Angeles, United States

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This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Los Angeles, United States

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Emily Harrington's biography

At a glance

  • Five-time US National Sport Climbing Champion
  • First female ascent of multiple 5.14 sport routes
  • Featured in the Red Bull documentary, Girl Climber
Emily Harrington is one of the world's most accomplished professional climbers, combining elite competition success with groundbreaking outdoor achievements including the first female free climb of El Capitan's Golden Gate route in under 24 hours. As a five-time US National Champion and second-place finisher at the IFSC World Championships, Emily has successfully transitioned from competition climbing to pioneering expeditions. Her remarkable accomplishments include summiting Mount Everest, setting a speed record on Cho Oyu with a complete ski descent, and becoming only the fourth woman to free climb El Capitan in a day. Emily transforms extreme climbing experiences into practical business insights, helping organizations navigate challenges through lessons in resilience and strategic risk-taking. Her presentations demonstrate how calculated risk assessment, adaptability, and perseverance directly translate to breakthrough performance in professional environments facing uncertainty or significant change. Audiences leave Emily's talks with concrete strategies for reframing failure as essential feedback, practical approaches to breaking seemingly impossible goals into manageable steps, and techniques for maintaining focus under pressure. Her authentic storytelling resonates with diverse groups from TED stages to corporate boardrooms. Book Emily to inspire your team with real-world lessons from someone who consistently pushes boundaries while balancing elite performance with purposeful living.

Emily's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

From El Capitan to Everest: Lessons in Risk and Resilience
Emily Harrington has spent her life testing the boundaries of human endurance, from world championship climbing walls to the vertical expanse of El Capitan and the summits of the highest mountains on earth. Emily reflects on the risks, failures and triumphs that shaped her journey, including her history-making ascent of Golden Gate. With honesty and humour, she shares how resilience, adaptability and perspective can transform daunting challenges into opportunities for growth and achievement.

Why we recommend booking Emily

Emily Harrington transforms extreme climbing achievements into practical business insights, helping organizations navigate challenges through powerful lessons in resilience and strategic risk-taking. Book this five-time US National Champion and Everest summiteer to equip your team with concrete strategies for reframing failure, breaking down impossible goals, and maintaining focus under pressure.

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Trusted by TEDx, SalesForce, The North Face

Testimonials

Whether you are an aspiring athlete, an entrepreneur, a CEO or simply someone looking to feel inspired, you will first be amazed at Emily Harrington's global achievements and then immediately motivated through her relatable storytelling of adventure, vulnerability, strength, passion, perseverance through failure and the lessons we can all use in our lives to be more in line with our purpose.

Robin D.

TEDx

Emily paints a picture of trust, vulnerability, risk-taking, and curiosity. It is remarkable to hear her speak of experiences that are out of reach for so many but relatable for all.

SalesForce

Emily stands and delivers with real passion and humanity. When you hear her speak, you can tell it is coming from the heart. Her authenticity and humanity lend a depth to her message and leave you inspired. It is remarkable to see someone so physically strong be so vulnerable.

Tom H.

Global VP of Marketing, The North Face

Featured Projects

Emily Harrington - Girl Climber book cover
Emily Harrington - The Edge Of The Earth documentary cover
Emily Harrington - Dangerstik TV cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Emily Harrington for my next event?
Email emily.harrington@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Emily's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.

Emily Harrington draws on first-person accounts of documented climbing expeditions — including her history-making free climb of El Capitan's Golden Gate route — to extract transferable frameworks around risk assessment, failure analysis, and goal sequencing for professional audiences.

What is Emily Harrington's speaking style like?
Emily Harrington draws on first-person accounts of documented climbing expeditions — including her history-making free climb of El Capitan's Golden Gate route — to extract transferable frameworks around risk assessment, failure analysis, and goal sequencing for professional audiences.

Emily Harrington draws on first-person accounts of documented climbing expeditions — including her history-making free climb of El Capitan's Golden Gate route — to extract transferable frameworks around risk assessment, failure analysis, and goal sequencing for professional audiences.

What topics does Emily Harrington specialise in?
Emily Harrington speaks on risk and resilience, high performance under pressure, and translating extreme challenge into professional growth. She is a five-time US National Sport Climbing Champion who became the first woman to free climb El Capitan's Golden Gate route in under 24 hours.

Emily Harrington speaks on risk and resilience, high performance under pressure, and translating extreme challenge into professional growth. She is a five-time US National Sport Climbing Champion who became the first woman to free climb El Capitan's Golden Gate route in under 24 hours.

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There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.

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I need a last-minute speaker. Can PepTalk help?

Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.

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Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.

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Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.

How quickly will I get a speaker shortlist?

You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a booking?

Most bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker and are set out clearly in the contract before you confirm, so there are no surprises. PepTalk's team supports you through any change. Contact hello@getapeptalk.com as soon as plans shift.

Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.

What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What logistics should I prepare before my speakers arrive?

Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.

What's the difference between a keynote speaker, an MC, and event entertainment?

A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

What information do I need to provide when booking a comedian?

When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.

What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.

Can I book entertainment and speakers as a package?

Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.

Can I request autographs, personal greetings, signed merchandise, or fan mail from the speakers?

Sorry, we do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, or any non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.

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If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, please email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.

How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Can I book a speaker for a virtual or hybrid event?

Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.

How do I brief an insights speaker on my organisation's strategic context?

Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.

Can event entertainers customise their act for my company or industry?

Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.