Kenton Cool is one of the world’s foremost mountaineers, known for his remarkable achievements in high-altitude climbing. With 18 successful ascents of Mount Everest and a storied career guiding clients through some of the most challenging terrains on Earth, Kenton has established himself as an elite International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) guide. His approach to guiding, which focuses on small groups or one-on-one experiences, ensures that his clients receive a personalised, high-calibre service with a strong emphasis on safety and expertise.
Beyond his achievements in mountaineering, Kenton’s story is one of resilience and determination. Early in his climbing career, he suffered a serious accident that left him with shattered heel bones, challenging his ability to ever climb again. Yet, through rigorous recovery and dedication, he not only returned to the sport but reached new heights, joining the British Mountain Guides scheme and dedicating himself to pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
Kenton’s pioneering spirit has driven him to complete extraordinary feats, such as the “Everest Triple Crown,” which saw him summit Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse in a single continuous push. He also became the first non-Asian to summit Everest twice in a single week and achieved a historic ascent of K2 as the first British guide to lead a client to the summit. His notable accomplishments have attracted the attention of brands like Samsung and Jaguar Land Rover, with whom he has collaborated on unique campaigns that highlight his adventurous spirit and storytelling ability.
Living in Gloucestershire with his family, Kenton remains dedicated to inspiring others through his speaking engagements and guiding work. His presentations, built on over two decades of leadership experience in extreme environments, resonate with audiences who seek insights into resilience, mindset, and high performance. Whether guiding on mountains or motivating from the stage, Kenton brings a profound connection to the natural world and an unwavering commitment to pushing beyond the limits, leaving a lasting impact on those who hear his story.
What does success mean when the price may be too high? Kenton Cool faced this question in extreme conditions on the then unclimbed South West face of Annapurna III. His insights into leadership in extreme times hold audiences enthralled and teach them about the prices and perils of decision-making and teamwork.
Leading teams into uncertain danger in the mountains (and bringing them back alive) provides valuable guidance about the criteria for a peak-performing team. What are the ‘must-haves’ when the stakes are unsettlingly high? Kenton Cool shares his experiences in the mountains, moving from compelling stories of near-death experiences into deep insights about how to create great teams. Kenton’s keynote is a must-do experience for any team seeking success in today’s hyper-competitive business environment.
In this address, Kenton reveals his approach to decision-making as a leader under extreme pressure, at high altitudes, on unforgiving mountains.
He draws on practiced lessons that are precisely applicable in today’s deeply competitive business climate. How do we make decisions quickly when we have little information, when time is against us or when it’s life or death? What do we do when the options are dwindling and less than perfect? How to achieve the same goal by re-calibrating the pathway?
