James Castrission is a famous Australian Explorer constantly pushing the boundaries of human endurance.
Most recently, on the 26th January 2012, he made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time, alongside his best mate, Jonesy. In 100 years of polar exploration, no-one had EVER walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. Many had tried, none had succeeded. After 89 gruelling days, they made it back to the coast after having skied 2275km with everything they needed to survive in the harshest environment on Earth.
Four years earlier they Crossed the Ditch – paddling 3318km without assistance across the Tasman Sea for another world first. They braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation, and adverse winds and currents. They became the first kayakers to cross the Tasman Sea as well as becoming the longest transoceanic double kayak expedition. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand, the adventurers were sunburnt, bearded, underweight, and physically and mentally wasted...but most of all happy to be alive.
In 2013, he founded MyAdventure Group – a business committed to providing Australia’s premier corporate Adventure-based development programs. Harnessing lessons learnt from the most hostile environments on earth, his corporate programs are designed to develop teams and drive competitive advantage in organisations.
He holds 2 Guinness World Records for his accomplishments and is highly regarded as one of Australia’s premier public speakers. He has written 2 bestselling books: Crossing the Ditch and Extreme South.
Speaking topics
Crossing the ditch & ice
Feel the excitement and danger of two of the greatest adventures in history.
These two keynotes–Crossing the Ditch & Crossing the Ice are highly motivating story-based presentations.
Cas will take your audience on an audio-visual journey through two of the greatest adventures in history. With lessons learnt from the most hostile environments on earth, his keynotes will stick with them for years to come.
These international keynote presentations
Learning outcomes:
- Inspiration/Motivation
- Challenge/Adventure
- Purpose/Vision
- Overcoming adversity
Collaborating to win
Effective collaboration is the most important element of success, whether you’re striving to grow a company or you’re voyaging across an ocean or tundra. Without real collaboration, both endeavors are bound to fail.
In this engaging keynote, you’ll learn critical steps in creating a tribe that is aligned and working together, supporting each other, and that doesn’t put personal ambition and success over that of the organisation.
This is the perfect session on how to develop a “culture” that is geared towards collaboration and ultimately, success.
Learning outcomes:
- Effective collaboration
- Teamwork
- Strategic Thinking
The 6-step journey from inspiration to execution
In this lively keynote, your delegates will learn the six critical steps that helped Cas achieve two Guinness World Records.
Cas has developed a six-step model that can be applied to any organisation that is looking to achieve a big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG). This model will help your team build clarity and alignment, and achieve the impossible.
Learning outcomes:
- Growth mindset
- Team/Individual assessment
- Vulnerability-based trust
Testimonials
"James gave us a timely reminder about digging in when times are tough and never giving up. By no means what we do goes even close to the what James and Justin have done but there are some general themes that we can take on board from their unbelievable journey. He’s a great bloke with an inspirational story and will always be welcome at the Waratahs."
- Phil Waugh Captain - NSW WARATAHS Vice Captain - Australian Wallabies
"HIs ability to describe their incredible adventure in a light-hearted and entertaining way was also balanced with clear messages of the importance of planning, teamwork and persistence, giving our clients and lawyers a lot to talk about after the presentation."
- Melissa Lyon Business Development Manager, Financial Services Industry Group Minter Ellison Lawyers
"Crossing The Ditch gave me the experience of hearing first hand what can be achieved through preparation, commitment, perseverance and a tough attitude. It also showed what special Australian Adventurer James really is. A truly great story which gets me excited as I feel this may only be the start for this Great Aussie Adventurer."
- Ricky Stuart Australian Rugby League and Cronulla Sharks Head Coach
"What an inspirational story. James seem like an ordinary young man, until you hear his story and the journey they accomplished that you realise just how extraordinary he really is. The sheer passion he displayed is uplifting and inspirational."
- Todd Kardash, Head of Adviser Distribution CommInsure
"Funny, inspirational, motivational – an hour with James makes the spirit soar. He spent 62 days in a leaky boat and proved that with dedication, determination and two very brave hearts, it is possible to achieve the impossible dream, to stare down your greatest fears, to do the undoable and enjoy the pure rewards of achievement and triumph. After spending 62 minutes listening to this can-do bloke from Sydney speak, I defy you to not be inspired and embrace your own challenge and reshape your own future."
- Sandra Lee, best-selling author and journalist Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Magazine
