TEDx Speaker
Adventurer, Ocean Rower AND Mental Health Advocate
Invited to speak by
Epic Adventures and Storytelling
Insights and Inspiration for Every Audience
FROM POST ROOM TO PACIFIC OCEAN
MAKING ADVENTURE ACHIEVEABLE
Barry Hayes isn't your typical adventure speaker. He's the man who went from delivering the post to rowing across the Pacific Ocean proving that extraordinary achievements aren't reserved for the elite few.
As a TEDx speaker and accomplished ocean rower and adventurer, Barry has mastered the art of turning vulnerability into strength, fear into fuel, and inspiring ordinary people into extraordinary achievers.
His unique perspective comes from living both sides of the story: the corporate world (Bank of America, post room to executive floors) and the raw edge of human endurance (7,000+ miles rowed across oceans).
What sets Barry apart?
“He doesn't just inspire, he makes adventure feel achievable and accessible to all. Audiences don't leave thinking I could never do that
They leave thinking If a post room guy can do it, so can I.”
SPEAKING TOPICS
SIGNATURE KEYNOTE - ‘Post Room to Pacific Row’
The incredible true story of going from zero ocean experience to rowing 7,000 miles across the Pacific. This isn't about elite athleticism, it's about proving that with the right mindset, ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things. YOUR AUDIENCE WILL DISCOVER: · How to overcome imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs · The power of taking action despite fear · Building resilience when everything goes wrong · Why background doesn't determine your potential
MENTAL HEALTH & PURPOSE - ‘Finding Purpose in the Chaos’
A vulnerable, personal journey through burnout, addiction, mental health struggles, and the discovery that sustainable success requires purpose in the day-to-day, not just the big peaks. Raw, honest, and transformational. YOUR AUDIENCE WILL DISCOVER: · Why chasing achievements without purpose leads to burnout · How to find sustainable motivation in daily work · The importance of mental health in high performance · Creating meaning in the journey, not just the destination
BESPOKE EXPERIENCES - Custom-Built for Your Goals
Every organisation is different. Barry works with you to craft a talk that speaks directly to your team's challenges, whether that's resilience, teamwork, mental strength, or breakthrough thinking. POPULAR THEMES INCLUDE: · Leadership under extreme pressure · Team dynamics and trust-building · Risk management and decision-making · Innovation through adversity
TESTIMONIALS
"Our colleagues were blown away by your awe-inspiring story Barry. You could hear a pin drop in the room as they hung on your every word. It makes you realise that everyone has the potential to do just about anything, it is all about ‘feeling the fear and doing it anyway’. You gave people a reason to believe that anything is possible when you come out of your comfort zone."
Chris Woolnough, Digital Transformation Director - Shop Direct
“Barry has the rare ability to capture and maintain his audience’s attention, delivered with humour and honesty. Barry’s insight in his endeavours are conveyed with humility and provide real inspiration and motivation at both personal and corporate levels.”
Mick Everett, Human Resources Director - SPS Swiss Post Solutions
“Barry is the kind of speaker who can hold the room's attention without trying, he’s a naturally fluent orator who injects a level of humour just when you are not expecting it. The content was not only informative but drew you in and you felt you were part of his experience. Of course not many of us would undertake this kind of adventure, but Barry proved that in his own words ‘he’s just an ordinary guy wanting to do something special’ that if we really wanted to we could all have a go at some kind of adventure no matter how small or how big.”
Malcolm Quick, Club Member - Porsche Club GB
Barry delivers impact wherever stories matter
Each talk is tailored to the audience, with a balance of humour, honesty and valuable takeaways.
Barry delivers powerful talks for:
Corporate & Enterprise Leadership conferences, employee engagement events, annual meetings, team building initiatives
Adventure & Charity Communities Expedition launches, fundraising galas, supporter events, outdoor festivals
Education & Youth Schools, universities, youth programs, career events, mental health awareness days
Public Events & Festivals TEDx stages, panel discussions, literary festivals, community events
Industry Events Conferences, summits, professional associations, networking events
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What kind of events does Barry speak at? Conferences, corporate away days, TEDx stage
s, adventure festivals, schools, fundraisers, and more. Each talk is tailored to the audience and format.
Can Barry tailor his talk to our theme or audience? Yes, every talk is customised to
suit your goals, tone, and message, whether it's resilience, leadership, storytelling, or social impact.
Does Barry offer virtual talks? Absolutely. Barry delivers engaging keynotes and work
shops via Zoom or your platform of choice.
How far in advance should we book? The earlier the better especially during expeditio
n season but Barry’s happy to help, so get in touch as soon as you can.
How long are Barry’s talks? Most keynotes are 30–60 minutes, with optional Q&A. Timin
g can be flexible based on your event schedule.
Can Barry help me write my expedition talk? Yes! Barry offers one-to-one speechwritin
g support for adventurers preparing talks for sponsors, schools, or charity events.
What makes Barry different from other adventure speakers? Barry's the guy who went fr
om delivering your post to rowing oceans. He doesn't make adventure feel elite or impossible - he makes it feel achievable. Audiences leave thinking 'If the post room guy can do it, so can I.'
SPEAKING INVESTMENT
Barry’s speaking fees vary depending on the format, location
and level of customisation required.
Whether it’s a 20-minute TED-style spark, a virtual team building session or a full keynote that drives impact and leaves a legacy, Barry offers flexible packages tailored to your needs.
Speaking fees and availability:
Online talks and virtual presentations - start from £1500
In-person events start at £3,000 based on location, format, and customisation required. Let's chat to find what works for your audience and budget
Based in Wales, UK and available to deliver talks and presentations worldwide
Please get in touch for a tailored quote
Speechwriting for Adventurers
Got a talk coming up? Let Barry help you turn your story into something unforgettable.
Many adventurers are asked to give talks after their expedition, for sponsors, charities, schools, or fundraising events.
Barry can help shape your story, structure your message, and make sure you deliver a talk that connects. From writing to rehearsing, he’s your secret weapon behind the microphone.
Get Help With Your Post-Expedition Talk
Ready to inspire your audience?
Whether you're hosting a leadership retreat, school assembly, charity gala, adventure festival, or global conference, Barry brings energy, insight, and honesty your audience won't forget.
