BIOGRAPHY
Hannah McKeand is a record-breaking polar explorer who in 2006 became the fastest person ever to trek to the South Pole, solo and unaided completing her polar expedition in just 39 days, 9 hours and 33 minutes.

Hannah began her caeer as a polar explorer in 2004. Despite having no experience of skiing, she joined a team and skied to the South Pole completing the journey in 56 days. Just two years later Hannah beat both men and women to claim her South Pole record, pulling a sledge weighing 100kg (16st) for 690 miles from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, and losing three stone in weight along the way.

Hannah’s next challenge is to take on the toughest route to the North Pole to achieve a world first - to become the first solo woman to travel successfully from Ward Hunt Island (Canada) to the Geographic North Pole on foot, without re-supplies and with no outside assistance. The terrain is hostile with open leads of water that must be swum across, potential threats from Polar Bears and temperatures as low as -50 ºC. The frozen Arctic Ocean is constantly in a state of flux and forms rubble and huge pressure ridges of ice that have to be negotiated (many stand two-storeys high). In March 2008, Hannah was forced to abandon her initial attempt at this record after falling and injuring herself in a deep hole in the polar ice. She is already planning her return in 2011. As she says, she has unfinished business!

MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING
Hannah's energy, vitality, dedication and resourcefulness were clearly evident in her South Pole success. Focus, determination, positive visualization and a will to face adversity are vital in the polar environment. Hannah's inspirational story about extending your own limits and potential has some powerful messages for business and everyday life. She is also passionate about raising environmental awareness.

Hannah tailors each talk to meet her clients brief and her presentations are set against a backdrop of stunning images from the polar environment.

WHAT OTHERS SAY...
‘Hannah gave us a fascinating insight into her remarkable journey - proving that you can do almost anything if you have the spirit and courage to go out there and succeed.’

Bupa

‘Hannah showed us that nothing is impossible and how women can excel in anything they desire. Her passion and enthusiasm made us want to sit and really listen to her presentation. Impressive.’

IBN International (Women of Independence Conference, Malaysia)