- Expert in Adventure Psychology and Resilience
- Skied to South Pole and cycled across 19 countries
- Author of Five Books on Performance and Well-being
Paula Reid is an endurance adventurer and psychologist renowned for her adventure psychology and resilience expertise. With over 30 years of expedition experience, Paula has mastered the art of thriving in challenging environments, making her insights invaluable for individuals and organisations.
Her extensive journey has included skiing the full distance to the South Pole, yacht racing around the world in the Global Challenge, and cycling across 19 countries, testing her physical limits and shaping her understanding of mental toughness, leadership, and well-being.
As the founder of Adventure Psychology, Paula combines her practical experience with a Master’s in Positive Psychology to equip leaders with tools and strategies to manage fear, risk, and uncertainty. Her work focuses on helping teams navigate challenges and embrace change, encouraging them to "Go Knowingly into the Unknown," underpinned by her belief that we are more capable than we often realise.
Paula has authored five books, including her research publication, Adventure Psychology: Going Knowingly into the Unknown, which has contributed to her recognition as a thought leader in her field. Her speaking engagements are highly sought after, and she delivers workshops and masterclasses, helping attendees strengthen their resilience and maintain performance under pressure.
Her commitment to adventure extends beyond her pursuits; she actively volunteers in Ukraine and engages with various organisations, including Barclays and GSK, to foster enduring performance in their teams. Recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Paula has presented prestigious awards, including the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at St James’s Palace.
As a motivational speaker, Paula Reid’s blend of adventure and psychological expertise inspires audiences to confront their challenges and thrive in adversity.
Paula's showreel and videos
Topics, sessions and talks
Adventure Psychology: Going Knowingly into the Unknown
Paula Reid explores how to survive, cope, and thrive in challenging times through the lens of adventure psychology. She addresses critical issues such as building resilience, managing risk and fear, and navigating uncertainty and adversity. Attendees will learn practical strategies, models, and tools to effectively tackle challenges, empowering them to face the unknown with confidence and clarity.
Skiing Full Distance to the South Pole
Paula Reid shares her remarkable journey of skiing the full distance to the South Pole, focusing on inspiration, resilience, and the courage to achieve seemingly impossible goals. She reflects on the challenges faced during this expedition, highlighting the mental strength required to persevere. Participants will gain insights into cultivating enduring performance and harnessing their mental fortitude to overcome obstacles, making for a motivational and transformative session.
Boat to Boardroom: Sailing Round the World
Paula Reid draws parallels between sailing around the world and effective leadership in business. She discusses key themes of teamwork, crisis management, and motivation under pressure, sharing stories from her time at sea. Attendees will learn how to enhance teamwork and performance while leading through challenging situations. Paula’s unique blend of adventure and business acumen ensures an engaging experience that inspires actionable leadership insights.
Paula Reid presents her inspiring experience of cycling across Ukraine, embodying the spirit of daring greatly and navigating the hero’s journey. She addresses crucial themes of risk management, courage, and the commitment to action in the face of adversity. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and practical insights on embracing challenges, making this session a powerful testament to the human spirit and resilience.
Why we recommend booking Paula
Book Paula Reid to inspire your team with her unique blend of adventure and psychology. Her insights on resilience, authentic leadership, and thriving in uncertainty will empower your organisation to navigate challenges effectively. Experience transformative strategies that foster mental toughness and enhance performance in today’s unpredictable landscape.
Paula is great! She's interesting, full of humor yet serious and knows how to connect & relate her personal story to business insights.
She was brilliant! Very well received by everyone and a truly inspirational lady. She also pitched at just the right level for our group.
Paula Reid deftly wove in her own amazing adventures with a deeper understanding of the psychology within them and the life-enhancing results.
Scientific Exploration Society
Scientific Exploration Society
