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Jo Bradshaw is a high-performance keynote speaker, leadership coach and adventurer whose remarkable transformation from a self-confessed risk-averse business advisor to an accomplished mountaineer has inspired audiences around the world. Once afraid of heights, fearful of both failure and success, Jo made the courageous decision to step outside of her comfort zone in her late thirties – a decision that would change her life forever. Her powerful story of resilience, growth and saying “yes” to challenge is one that connects deeply with individuals and organisations striving for excellence in the face of uncertainty.
Jo began her professional life in the corporate sector as a business advisor, leading a stable but uninspiring existence. In 2004, a parachute jump for charity sparked a shift in mindset, leading to a gradual but profound transformation. She swapped suits for hiking boots and embarked on a journey that would take her to some of the most inhospitable environments on Earth. Now working as a leadership development coach and expedition leader, Jo guides individuals and teams through physically and mentally demanding environments, helping them to build resilience, manage risk, and lead with empathy. Her corporate background combined with her mountaineering experiences allows her to draw sharp, relevant parallels between boardroom pressure and life in high-stakes, high-altitude environments.
Among Jo’s many achievements, the most notable is completing the Seven Summits challenge, climbing the highest mountain on each of the seven continents – Everest (Asia), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Elbrus (Europe), Vinson (Antarctica), and Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania). In 2016, Jo successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest, a year after surviving the devastating earthquake at Camp 1 in 2015. She is also one of only a few British women to have summited Manaslu (8163m), the eighth-highest mountain in the world. Her achievements are underpinned by a deep sense of purpose – her climbs have helped raise over £45,000 for Place2Be, the UK’s leading children’s mental health charity.
Today, Jo shares her story with audiences across sectors, from education and business to leadership and sport. She speaks with honesty, humour and authority on themes including resilience, reframing fear, leading under pressure, and embracing change. Through bespoke keynotes and workshops, she equips leaders and teams with the mindset and tools required to thrive in uncertain and demanding environments. Jo’s story is not just one of personal transformation – it’s a blueprint for high performance that resonates on both a professional and deeply human level.
Jo Bradshaw is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“Working with Jo is exceptional. We have used her many times throughout the delivery of our High Performing Team programme and large off-site engagements. The insights shared help the client translate the learnings into the corporate leadership landscape. Jo’s story is delivered from the experience of climbing Mount Everest and tackling other extreme adventures. She is engaging, humble, relatable and a pleasure to work with. Jo also has a very unique perspective on leadership and one that resonates at all levels. We continue to use Jo and the feedback remains excellent.”
“An inspirational talk from an inspirational individual. Jo Bradshaw joined us for our Founders’ Day service on recommendation and we were absolutely thrilled by the outcome. What Jo has not achieved in her time is potentially not worth even thinking about! Selfless, determined, positive, adaptable and solution focussed Jo took on many a challenge to overcome her own fears and in support of those less fortunate than herself. The message was jaw dropping and such an appropriate message to the students who we empower to dream big and take every opportunity irrespective of where it may take them. She is an example to us all – I highly recommend her.”
“Jo spoke at our inaugural Women in Policing Conference, she was inspirational, engaging and made people think differently about confidently taking on new challenges that stretch you as a person.”
The High-Performance Speakers Agency is the UK’s leading bureau for teamwork, leadership, and marginal gains speakers. We hire speakers for corporate conferences and events across the world and cater to both in-person occasions and online webinars. Our roster includes sportspeople, business leaders, adventurers and more, to ensure audiences of all industries receive tailored, impactful advice on optimised performance.
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