Available to book
Paula Reid
Transform resilience and performance under pressure with Paula Reid, speaker, adventure psychologist and resilience expert. Paula works with organisations to navigate uncertainty and embrace change, delivering evidence-based strategies backed by South Pole expedition experience and Royal Geographical Society fellowship.
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.
Topics, sessions and talks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
To book Paula Reid, email paula.reid@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 Paula's 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.
Paula Reid draws on first-hand expedition experience — including skiing the full distance to the South Pole and sailing around the world — to illustrate frameworks from her Adventure Psychology research. She structures sessions around practical models and tools derived from her Master's in Positive Psychology and her published research, translating field-tested strategies into actionable guidance for organisational audiences.
Paula Reid speaks on adventure psychology and resilience, leadership under pressure, and the psychology of risk and uncertainty, drawing on expeditions including skiing the full distance to the South Pole and sailing around the world in the Global Challenge. She holds a Master's in Positive Psychology and is the founder of Adventure Psychology, having authored five books including her research publication Adventure Psychology: Going Knowingly into the Unknown, and is recognised as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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