Sean Chapple

Sean is a serving officer with the Royal Marine Commandos who has achieved a remarkable career in which he has established himself as an inspirational leader of men, an inspirational speaker, accomplished author and a record breaking polar explorer earning himself a place in military and polar history.

In 2006/07 Sean planned and led the first UK Armed Forces expedition to the South Pole since Captain Scott, remarkably Sean had just returned from leading another team to the North Pole earlier in the year. After hauling to the pole and raising the Union Flag Sean and his team then retraced their steps, and in doing so completed the longest military overland journey in Antarctic history and, for Sean the first Royal Marine to walk unaided to the pole. His team faced near starvation, suffered from frostbite and snow blindness and during the return leg Sean fell and dislocated his shoulder whilst using one of the giant kites that provided wind traction. Committed to success Sean continued to motivate and lead his team, and through determination and exceptional teamwork they completed the gruelling 1,400-mile journey in seventy-one days. Live updates broadcast direct from the ice engaged a global audience attracting international media interest, and generating 2 million pounds in advertising for the commercial backers of the expedition.

Leaving school at seventeen Sean joined the elite Royal Marines, successfully completing commando training, the longest and toughest training course in the world. Sean soon displayed a natural talent for leadership and was swiftly promoted through the rank and file, receiving a commission into the Officer Corps. During Sean's extensive career he has deployed on active service across the globe becoming a specialist in mountain, Arctic and desert operations. Parallel to his military career Sean has forged an record breaking expedition career becoming a pioneering figure in pushing the envelope of military expedition achievements and setting world records in the process.

This unique career is a testament to his ability to motivate and inspire those around him, even under the most demanding circumstances. Sean's belief is that we each have the spirit of adventure coursing through our bodies and by tapping into this energy the seemingly impossible becomes possible. Combining 20 years of leadership and team working skills, Sean has joined with industry leaders, in developing his Spirit of Adventure philosophy and complimentary toolbox and associated methodologies. Sean really does 'walk the talk', with his keynotes bringing home the real challenges of leadership and team development.

Working alone, or in conjunction with management consultants, Sean delivers practical workshops, with course material and exercises directly transferable to the business world. These powerful workshops, underpinned by Sean's Spirit of Adventure philosophy, are individually tailored to ensure that the gap between training and work environment is narrowed to ensure benefits can be directly translated to the clients needs.

Sean is a cold weather Subject Matter Expert to the Army's High Risk and Remote Expedition and Royal Marine's Major Expedition Committee's. Sean also advises civilian teams and organisations on operating in extreme environments on issues such as team selection and alignment, communications, risk management, and equipment selection often working in consultation with business leaders to negotiate partnership and sponsorship programmes.

Sean is author of 'No Ordinary Tourist' a gripping account of his ground breaking crossing of Iceland. A television documentary of his recent South Pole expedition is being produced, with a book publication capturing Sean's extraordinary journey from school to the South Pole planned for release later in the year.

Walking the Talk

Sean has planned, managed and led over twenty high risk and remote expeditions that include: