Ann Daniels - Polar Explorer

World record breaking polar explorer Ann Daniels is an inspiration to those who hear her speak. Her warmth and honesty make her presentations compelling and her positivity, grit and determination illustrate what can be achieved by the many and not the few. Ann is one of the world’s leading female polar explorers. In the year 2000, as part of an all women expedition she walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and in 2002 walked from Canada to the North Geographic Pole to become the first all women’s team in the world to 'manhaul' to both the North and South poles.

In 2002 Ann put together and took part in an 80 day expedition to the North Pole that became the first female team in the world to ski to both poles. Temperatures as low as -50º for the first 26 days severely hampered progress and success looked doubtful from the start. Pulling sledges weighing 250 lb the team were hit by three storms so severe they were unable to erect their tent and huddled together for 3 days surviving with little food and water. They suffered frostbite, back problems and carbon monoxide poisoning. On day 37 of the 80 day expedition the team had travelled just 69 miles of the 500 mile journey. On day 47 Pom Oliver was evacuated due to frostbite and wet gangrene, leaving Ann and Caroline over 300 miles to cover in just 33 days on the melting pack ice. Despite these setbacks they achieved their goal and reached the pole triumphantly. On top of the world is a story of persevering against the odds, of teamwork, motivation and a will to succeed when all looks lost. It is also about managing the most changing environment in the world and achieving impossible targets. In 2001 Ann became the first British female North Pole guide. She leads groups from varying backgrounds the last degree to the North and South Poles. In 2000 Ann and four other women became the first all British women’s team to reach the South Pole on foot. Pulling sledges weighing over 140 lbs and navigating by the sun the team travelled 700 miles across Antarctica, the most inhospitable continent in the world.

Arctic Survey

Setting out in February 2009, Ann was a member of the Catlin Arctic Survey, with Pen Hadow and undertook a 100 day crossing of the ice cap in temperatures as low as minus 50ºC. The survey team departed from Alaska, walking, skiing and on occasions swimming stretches of open water to reach the North Geographic Pole in May. The survey captured detailed information of the ice thickness and its snow layers. Vital information that will be used by the scientific world to determine just how long the permanent ice cap will last. Ann's first public speaking engagement on her return from the Survey was made for a client of The CBS Group in Buckinghamshire on 1 July 09.

Ann tailors every speech to her audience and illustrates the importance of strong leadership, teamwork, the correct attitude, setting goals, managing change, overcoming the odds and the importance of persistence. There is no doubt she is an ordinary woman who has achieved the extraordinary.

"A brave and stoic explorer" Kirsty Young – Desert Island Discs

"Her energy, belief and determination is inspiring…….she is living proof that humans really can reach new peaks" - The Times

A wonderful example of determination and true British grit" - HRH The Prince of Wales