“The Shard Climber” | Extreme Urban Athlete & Keynote Speaker

George King, known globally as The Shard Climber, is a pioneering figure in extreme urban performance, combining free solo climbing with BASE jumping. His most recognised achievement came in 2019, when—at just 19 years old—he scaled London’s The Shard, propelling him into international media attention and leading to Channel 4’s feature documentary The Boy Who Climbed The Shard, which has now gained over 1.8 million views

Since then, George has completed high-profile urban ascents and jumps around the world, further cementing his reputation for bold execution underpinned by meticulous preparation and risk awareness.

Alongside his athletic career, George has worked with Channel 4 as a presenter and is now an in-demand keynote speaker. He is known for a warm, direct delivery style and a rare, inside perspective on fear, focus, and composure in genuinely high-stakes environments.

George speaks candidly about fear management and neurodiversity—particularly ADHD—sharing the mental frameworks he has developed through lived experience to stay calm, assess risk, and perform under pressure.

Here’s George from a feather with the Telegraph newspaper talking about his Shard climb…

George King | Speaking Topics

1. Fearless Pursuit: Conquering the Heights Within

A powerful talk reframing fear as a predictable human response—and showing how to work with it rather than be controlled by it. George breaks down how he prepares for extreme consequences and translates those same tools into practical strategies for everyday professional and personal challenges.

Best for:
Leadership events • Sales conferences • Performance culture • Change and uncertainty

2. From Hindrance to Superpower: Reclaiming Strength Through Neurodiversity (ADHD)

George shares his personal journey growing up with ADHD—struggling within conventional systems and learning to channel intensity into focus, purpose, and performance. This keynote explores identity, self-understanding, and how organisations can build environments where different minds don’t just fit in, but thrive.

Best for:
Neurodiversity & inclusion programmes • Wellbeing initiatives • Education • Culture & People teams • Neurodiversity Month/Week

Speaking Topics (Bookable Themes)

Fear Management & Emotional Control – Practical tools for high-pressure moments

Decision-Making Under Pressure – Risk assessment, clarity, and calm execution

Mental Toughness & Resilience – Endurance, navigating setbacks, and maintaining composure

Peak Performance Habits – Discipline, preparation, consistency, and focus

Neurodiversity & ADHD – Lived experience, strengths-based framing, and practical insight

Innovation & Risk Management – Creative problem-solving under complex constraints

Audience Outcomes / Takeaways

Fear Framework – Recognise fear, regulate responses, and act with clarity

Performance Under Pressure – How preparation reduces panic and improves decisions

Resilience Tools – Staying functional through uncertainty, setbacks, and scrutiny

Strengths-Based Neurodiversity – Practical insights grounded in lived experience

Momentum & Action – Leave energised, with specific behaviours ready to apply

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book ‘The Shard Climber’ George King to speak at your event. 

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