Available to book
Paula Reid
Mental Health
Resilience
Adversity
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.
Positive Psychology
Personal Wellbeing
Author
Inspirational
Personal Development
Adventurer
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.
Testimonials
Featured Projects
often considered together
Aldo Kane
Adversity
Resilience
Team Building
Steve Peters
Behavioural Science
Mental Health
High Performance
Tom Turcich
High Performance
Effective Leadership
Resilience
frequently asked questions
Something we've not covered here?
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 fees. 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 a bit 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.
No. PepTalk adds no booking fee, so you pay the speaker's fee and nothing beyond it. The service, from shortlist through to contracts and event-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, PepTalk can agree preferential rates with your procurement team.
Share your event date, audience, format, objectives and budget, and PepTalk sends a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours. Each suggestion comes with a profile, a fee and a recommendation on the strongest fit. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, travel and logistics through to event day.
The typical fee range is the speaker's standard in-person fee in their home market, shown in their local currency. It moves with format, location, date and session length: virtual sessions and shorter slots usually cost less, while international travel and peak dates cost more. Send your brief to PepTalk and the team will confirm the exact fee in your currency.
Not all of them, and it makes no difference to your booking. PepTalk's network of 15,000+ speakers covers talent the team works with directly alongside speakers represented by agents and agencies worldwide. PepTalk approaches the speaker, negotiates the fee and handles contracting either way.
To get the sharpest shortlist, share your event date, audience, format, key objectives, and budget. A rough idea is enough to start. The more context PepTalk has, the more precisely the team can match a speaker to your brief. Send it via getapeptalk.com.
There is no additional cost to you beyond the speaker's fee. PepTalk's service, from shortlist to on-the-day logistics, is included. For repeat or multi-event bookings, the team can agree preferential rates with your procurement department. Email hello@getapeptalk.com to discuss.
Booking a speaker with PepTalk starts with a short brief: your event, audience, date, budget, and format. Send it through getapeptalk.com or hello@getapeptalk.com and you'll get a shortlist within 24 hours. Once you choose, PepTalk handles contracts, fees, travel, and logistics end to end.
Yes. PepTalk regularly handles last-minute requests and can secure or replace a speaker, host, or comedian quickly, often within days. Availability narrows as the date nears, so get in touch as early as you can. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with your requirements.
Speaker fees vary by profile, format, and location. In the UK and Europe, virtual keynotes typically start around GBP 2,000, with top in-person speakers reaching GBP 25,000+; in the US, fees run from about USD 5,000 to USD 100,000+. Share your budget at getapeptalk.com and we'll shortlist to fit.
Yes. If a speaker isn't listed, tell PepTalk their name and the team will approach them for you. The network extends well beyond the public roster, and PepTalk regularly books speakers who don't appear on the site. Email hello@getapeptalk.com with the name.
You'll receive a hand-picked shortlist within 24 hours of sharing your brief. Each suggestion comes with profiles, fees, and PepTalk's recommendation on the strongest fit. If you need options sooner for an urgent event, say so and the team will move faster. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Yes. Beyond booking a single speaker, PepTalk helps shape a full programme, matching voices to your agenda, audience, and goals across a day or a series. It is a consultative service, not just a booking. Tell us about your event at getapeptalk.com.
Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.
Before your speakers arrive, confirm AV is tested, a green room is ready, and printed schedules are on hand. Prepare warm introductions for each speaker and brief your team on timings. PepTalk speakers come fully briefed, making event-day logistics smoother and stress-free from the start.
A keynote speaker delivers an inspiring or informative talk. An MC hosts and guides the event, keeping things on track. Entertainment — like a band or comedian — creates atmosphere and fun. Each serves a different purpose, and PepTalk can help you book the right talent for all three.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
When booking a comedian, share your event format, audience size and demographics, any sensitive topics to avoid, and the tone you're after. PepTalk makes this easy — their booking process guides you through a simple checklist so nothing gets missed and your comedian is perfectly matched to your crowd.
When booking a speaker, you'll need your event date, audience details, format, key objectives, and budget. Having these ready makes the process smooth and straightforward. PepTalk's team uses this information to match you with the perfect speaker quickly and efficiently.
Yes! At PepTalk, you can absolutely bundle entertainment and speakers into one seamless package. It's a great way to create a fuller event experience while enjoying simplified booking and better value. Our team handles everything together, making the process effortless for you.
Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.
Yes. Most PepTalk speakers deliver virtual and hybrid sessions with live Q&A, and virtual keynotes usually cost less than in-person because there is no travel. Tell us your platform and format and we'll match speakers experienced in online delivery. Start at getapeptalk.com.
Share your organisation's top 3 strategic priorities, current challenges, and the audience's role in delivering them. A simple one-page brief works perfectly. PepTalk speakers use this context to tailor insights that feel genuinely relevant — making your event far more impactful.
Yes! Most event entertainers are happy to tailor their act to your brand, industry, or theme. From weaving in company jokes to incorporating your branding into their performance, personalisation makes all the difference. PepTalk's entertainers specialise in bespoke experiences that feel made just for your audience.
Three to six months ahead is comfortable for most events, and 12 months is better for large conferences, peak-season dates or one specific in-demand speaker. Shorter timelines are workable, and PepTalk regularly fills last-minute and replacement bookings within days. Availability is the constraint, so get in touch as soon as you have a date.
Get the right person
Tell us what you’re working on and we’ll match you with the talent your audience won’t stop talking about.
