- Completed the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge
- Raised £160,000 for teenage mental health
- Transitioned to a coach for stress and resilience
Tim Harris is a living testament to the power of mental resilience. Faced with depression, severe arthritis, and a shoulder reconstruction, Tim embarked on one of the world's most challenging endeavours—the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge, an unassisted row across the Atlantic Ocean.
More exclusive than space travel or conquering Everest, Tim's journey was a physical and mental triumph.
Before his challenge, Tim had spent the past 12 years as Global Head of Fuel Oil for PVM Oil Associates. He was on the brink of burnout and realised something had to change. So, in 2020, motivated by a desire to raise awareness for mental health issues, Tim joined the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge.
Through this incredible journey, he and his friend Simon Calver raised £160,000 for a teenage mental health charity.
After achieving this extraordinary feat, Tim made a significant life transition. Leaving his role as Global Head of Fuel Oil, he embraced a new path as a coach, leveraging his experiences to guide others in managing stress, building resilience, preventing burnout, and navigating challenging life changes.
Tim's expertise has since been sought after by some of the world's largest organisations, including Google, the NHS, and the Royal Navy.
Topics, sessions and talks
Mastering Stress Management
In 2020, at the halfway mark in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Race (a 3000-mile unassisted row across the Atlantic Ocean), Tim Harris was 1,500 miles from any means of medical assistance. Even just the thought of the pressure and stress associated with this would overwhelm many. In this talk, Tim explains how he was able to master stress management during this time and cope in such a high-pressure environment, so your team can do the same.
Often, we hear stories of how large teams have come together to win a World Cup or launch their next big idea. However, day to day, many of us are working in much smaller teams, just like Tim Harris and his friend Simon Calver did when they rowed 3000 miles unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean in the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. Candidly sharing his experience, in this talk, Tim will take your team through the lessons he’s learnt being part of a small, intricate team who are highly dependable on each other.
Tools For Building Mental And Physical Resilience
The physical feat of rowing 3000 miles is hard to comprehend. This, coupled with the utter repetitiveness of constantly rowing two-hour shifts for 52 days straight, requires unprecedented levels of both physical and mental resilience. Having joined a club more exclusive than space travel or conquering Everest in the form of completing the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Race, Tim can testify to countless times his resilience was tested. Now he’s here to share his story and the methods he used to make it happen.
Overcoming Adversity: From Suicide Ideation To Atlantic Rowing Race
During his darkest times, suicide ideation was a real threat to Tim Harris. In his talk, Tim addresses this challenging subject with honesty and sympathy about what it is and how he pulled himself from such adversity into competing and completing the Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Rowing Race, a 3000-mile unassisted row across the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to spread awareness and open up the conversation around mental health with your team, Tim’s talk will pave the way.
Why we recommend booking Tim
Tim's firsthand experience in overcoming extreme physical and mental challenges, including his transformative journey across the Atlantic, equips him with unparalleled insights into resilience, stress management, and personal growth. His proven track record in both high-stakes corporate environments and adventurous endeavors makes him an invaluable resource for teams and businesses aiming to inspire and cultivate a culture of perseverance and well-being. Booking Tim as a speaker will not only motivate your team but also provide practical strategies for navigating life's toughest challenges, ensuring your organization thrives in the face of adversity.
Trusted by Google, NHS, Royal Navy
Tim's approach is enjoyable, highly effective and rewarding. He helped me unearth important and useful action points. Tim challenged me to reflect on my style, particularly picking up on what was unsaid. I value Tim's use of humour at times, not something one automatically expects in coaching. I always look forward to spending time with Tim.
After Tim presented to the Royal Navy aboard HMS Warrior the Vice Admiral, Martin Connell CBE, commented 'Tim gave a masterclass in self-awareness and resilience by telling his personal life story about his Atlantic row, what he learned about himself and how he is now seeking a renewed purpose in his life. Sincere, thoughtful and charming with powerful and memorable messages applicable to all. I would very much recommend Tim as a speaker and leadership coach.
Tim is an excellent coach and sounding board. His executive experience gives him a very real understanding of the pressures and challenges managers face but a calm, highly-personable, demeanour means he is easy to talk to. His guidance is sensible, to the point but delivered with clear thought and empathy.
