Available to book
James Whittle
Transform extreme challenges into business growth with James Whittle, speaker specialising in courage-based leadership and decision-making under pressure. James works with teams to navigate uncertainty and drive innovation, delivering actionable frameworks for global clients including Nike, Google, and Red Bull.
James Whittle is an adventure athlete and advocate for taking courageous action. He helps teams transform extreme challenges into practical lessons for business and personal growth. James' approach combines raw authenticity with actionable frameworks for decision-making under pressure.
As co-founder of The Tempest Two, James has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean despite having no prior experience, completed ultra-marathons through harsh desert environments, and built successful businesses from concept to reality. His client portfolio includes global brands like Nike, Google, Red Bull, and Samsung.
James specialises in helping organisations navigate uncertainty by developing courage-based leadership practices. His methodology breaks down how teams can make bold decisions when facing ambiguity, transforming fear from a paralysing force into a catalyst for innovation. This approach is particularly valuable for companies undergoing significant change or entering competitive markets where conventional thinking limits potential.
Audiences leave James' presentations with concrete tools for identifying courage gaps in their decision-making processes, practical techniques to build incremental courage through deliberate practice, and frameworks for distinguishing between productive fear and limiting beliefs. His signature talks include "Courage Is the Key," "Fear as Fuel," and "The 5 Stages of Courage."
Book James when your organisation needs to stop waiting for certainty and take action.
Topics, sessions and talks
In his talk, James Whittle shares that courage is a process rather than a single act. He outlines five key stages observed in every courageous journey, guiding attendees from idea to action. Whether launching a new initiative or navigating change, this presentation provides a roadmap for developing resilience, clarity, and conviction. Attendees will learn how to approach challenges with confidence and effectively transform their ideas into actionable steps.
In his flagship talk, James Whittle explores the mindset essential for making bold decisions and leading authentically. He shares real-world stories from his expeditions and personal growth, demonstrating how to access courage on demand. Attendees will learn to overcome hesitation and take decisive action, empowering themselves and their teams to embrace movement and growth.
In his leadership-focused keynote, James Whittle challenges conventional notions of control and confidence. Drawing from his experiences with extreme challenges, risk, and uncertainty, he reveals valuable insights on effective leadership. Attendees will learn how to apply these lessons to enhance business strategies, foster a positive team culture, and improve personal leadership skills. This talk promises to reshape perspectives on leadership in today’s dynamic environment.
Drawing from his extraordinary experiences as an adventure athlete who rowed across the Atlantic with no prior experience, James Whittle delivers transformative insights on courage-based leadership that have empowered global brands like Google, Nike and Red Bull to make bold decisions amid uncertainty. Book James to equip your team with practical frameworks that convert fear into fuel for innovation and breakthrough performance.
Testimonials
often considered together
Tommy Caulfield
Growth Mindset
High Performance
Resilience
The Tempest Two
Growth Mindset
High Performance
Resilience
Squash Falconer
High Performance
Growth Mindset
Team Building
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book James Whittle, email james.whittle@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 James' availability and speaking fee. 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 about your audience.
James Whittle structures his talks around a five-stage framework for courageous action, walking audiences through each stage from initial idea to decisive action, supported by first-person expedition narratives drawn from experiences such as rowing the Atlantic Ocean.
James Whittle speaks on courage-based decision-making, leadership under uncertainty, and resilience through change. He co-founded The Tempest Two and has rowed across the Atlantic Ocean with no prior experience, with clients including Nike, Google, Red Bull, and Samsung.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
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