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George King, widely recognised as The Shard Climber, is a young pioneer in the world of extreme sports and urban free climbing.
His most talked-about achievement was scaling London’s iconic Shard in 2019 at the age of just 19, a stunt that catapulted him into the global spotlight.
George King BASE jumps from the buildings he climbs, using a parachute to descend safely to the ground. He has also climbed the Lotte Tower in Seoul, South Korea, and the Stratosphere Tower in London, Copenhill, and Copenhagen, Denmark.
With each climb, George King has further confirmed his reputation as a daredevil urban climber.
As a result of his radical feats and likeable, down-to-earth character, George has gained work as a TV presenter for Channel 4, presenting two extreme sports specials. In 2020, George was featured in a Channel 4 documentary called The Boy Who Climbed The Shard. It has currently gained an extraordinary 1.6M views on YouTube (Below)
A popular and engaging speaker, George talks openly on fear management, touching on the theme of neurodiversity, specifically ADHD, with his first-hand knowledge of the subject.
Contact Great British Speakers today to book the Shard Climber motivational speaker and fear management expert George King for your next event.
George King | Fearless Pursuit: Conquering the Heights Within
From a very young age, George was intrigued by fear. He was consumed by curiosity about fear and was obsessed with unravelling its mysteries so sought to understand, control and harness it.
His mission is to transform people’s lives through changing their relationship with their fears, because everyone has fears, whether they like to admit it or not.
George King | From Hindrance to Superpower: Reclaiming Strength through Neurodiversity”
Growing up, academic success within traditional educational settings eluded George, leading to premature (and often underestimated) judgments of his intelligence and pace of learning.
His journey took a significant turn for the worse following an ADHD diagnosis, which resulted in him being medicated with Ritalin. This treatment, however, felt like it stripped away my essence, transforming me into someone I hardly recognised. George feels strongly that if it’s necessary to give a child a drug for them to be normal in school, that’s a clear sign that schooling is not for them.
During this challenging period, George began to forge mental strategies to redirect the energies of his ADHD from a debilitating hindrance into a powerful and positive force. This experience taught him to view ADHD not as a limitation but as a unique strength or superpower when harnessed and directed appropriately.
As a consequence, he chose to discontinue medication, having learned to navigate and manage his ADHD effectively on his own terms. Central to his mission is empowering other individuals grappling with neurodiversity issues to reclaim control over their personal narrative and find what works for them from a position of knowledge
Fear Management
As a speaker, George focuses on the techniques used to control his mind and body in situations of extreme stress (including visualisation, mindfulness and disciplined physical preparation). He discusses how these strategies can be adapted to help anyone confront and conquer their fears for overcoming personal challenges, navigating tricky professional environments or conquering daunting physical endeavours.
Harnessing Mental Toughness: George illustrates the importance of mental resilience through his captivating stories of urban climbing and BASE jumping. His talks demonstrate how to cultivate mental toughness, which can be crucial for overcoming daunting challenges and achieving personal goals.
Transforming Disabilities into Strengths: George shares his personal journey with ADHD, including the challenges he faced in traditional educational settings and the subsequent misjudgments of his capabilities. His experience illustrates how perceived limitations, like neurodiversity, can be transformed into unique strengths, providing a powerful narrative on embracing individual differences.
Peak Performance: This topic explores the physical and mental preparation required to perform at one’s best in any field. George delves into his rigorous training regimens, the importance of discipline, and the strategies he employs to push beyond his limits. He offers insights into how these principles can be applied to achieve peak performance in various aspects of life, from career ambitions to personal goals.
Innovative Thinking and Risk Management: George discusses the importance of innovative thinking and risk management in extreme sports and beyond. He shares how he assesses risks, makes critical decisions under pressure, and leverages creativity to navigate challenges. This speech is particularly relevant for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to enhance their decision-making skills in high-stakes situations.
Self-Empowerment Through Self-Understanding: By discussing his decision to manage ADHD without medication, George encourages audiences to explore and understand their own conditions deeply. This empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, emphasizing the importance of personal autonomy in managing neurodiversity.
Practical Applications of Fear Management Techniques: George not only talks about high-stakes situations but also relates these experiences to everyday scenarios. This helps audience members see the practical applications of fear management techniques in their daily lives, from navigating social interactions to tackling new projects at work.
Inspiration Through Action: George’s stories are not just theoretical but are backed by his own daring actions. His narrative can inspire audiences to step out of their comfort zones and take action towards achieving their own seemingly impossible goals.
Advocacy for Neurodiversity: By sharing his own experiences with ADHD, George acts as a role model for others dealing with similar issues. He advocates for a better understanding of neurodiversity in society and promotes a more inclusive approach to different learning and working styles.
Although George’s talks touch on themes of neurodiversity and ADHD management, he does not do specific talks where the primary focus is ADHD.
“George King was one of the most incredible and impactful speakers we’ve ever had at HubDot. His story is so powerful, and his delivery style is engaging and deeply human. His words captivated the entire audience, leaving us all eager to work on our ‘fears’ and follow his advice on transforming them into superpowers. I wholeheartedly recommend George to any organization or group, regardless of age, interested in exploring a universal feeling we all want to overcome and control.”
Simona Barbieri, HubDot Founder
“There is something quite heroic about George King. This nation was built on daredevils and I think it is that buccaneering spirit that we have probably lost over the years. I admire the spirit and it is what made this country great.”
Piers Morgan
“During Neurodiversity Week, we had the pleasure of welcoming George King. His discussion on overcoming fear to scale some of the tallest buildings in the world, alongside his candid sharing about living with ADHD, was inspiring. George captivated the audience from start to finish, effortlessly weaving his personal experiences into an engaging narrative. His talk wasn’t just informative; it was an immersive experience. What started as an internal fireside chat, quickly transformed into a lively exchange of ideas. We’re grateful to George for sharing his unique perspective.”
Nicole Vettise, Neuberger Berman