18518
Monty is a former Royal Marines Officer, who has specialised in lecturing on change, on the creation of nimble, reactive cultures, and in dealing with the unexpected. In this he has vast experience.
During his time as a commando he worked for Nelson Mandela as the South African nation navigated a period of supreme upheaval. He then went on lead expeditions in some of the most unpredictable environments on earth, and was awarded the Bish Medal for services to exploration. This led to a career in the production of wildlife and adventure documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery.
Of these, the best known are the three hugely popular BBC series Great Escapes, where he lived on the west coasts of Scotland and Ireland with his dog Reuben.
Monty Halls | Into the Blue
Monty’s career began in the Royal Marines, where he developed the resilience, discipline, and leadership skills that would underpin his later adventures. After working briefly with Nelson Mandela, Monty transitioned into the world of exploration, qualifying as a Marine Biologist and travelling to some of the most remote and challenging environments on the planet. In 2003, he founded his own expedition company, leading groundbreaking journeys to study Malawi’s lake ecosystems, investigate poaching activity, explore South African caves for prehistoric settlements, and complete four circumnavigations of the globe.
Monty Halls | TV Career
Monty’s expertise and adventurous spirit quickly drew the attention of television producers. He has presented and worked with Channel 4, Channel 5, the BBC, the History Channel, and National Geographic. He is best known for the BBC series Great Escapes (2018–), where he lived on the coasts of Scotland and Ireland with his dog, and has also presented shows including Great Barrier Reef (2012), Great Ocean Adventures (2006), Monty Hall’s Dive Mysteries (2013), Lost Worlds (2015), The Fisherman’s Apprentice (2012), WWII’s Great Escapes: The Freedom Trails (2017), and My Family and the Galapagos (2018–2020).
He was also the winner of the one-off BBC programme Superhumans (2004), demonstrating extreme physical and mental endurance.

Monty Halls | Keynote Speaking
As a speaker he is in demand nationally and internationally, speaking on topics such as leadership under duress, team culture, and operating in stressful environments. His messaging is built around the power of strong culture, and how it can be a still point in a turning world. It is a message that is more resonant than ever in the current climate.
In his latest signature keynote, Monty explores what it took to change the deeply embedded culture of the British military and how a team of eccentrics, outliers, and innovators collaborated to create one of the most effective military units in history. The talk also highlights how these principles can be applied to any organisation seeking rapid cultural evolution and enhanced performance.
Monty Halls | Keynote Topics
A Celebration of Effective Group Culture: This talk reveals the secrets of highly effective cultures, from the military, from blue chip business, and elite organisations that operate on the front line of change. Perfect for conferences, away-days, and seminars.
Ripping Yarns: Tales of Travels, Travails, Trails and Tribulations: Stories from television, from the open road, and from thirty years of working at the edge of chaos (and beyond). Pure, unbridled entertainment. Perfect for after-dinner talks and celebrations.
Being a Good Ancestor: An expression drawn from an ancient Māori saying, this talk looks at ESG, how we can interact in a positive way with the world around us, and build a sustainable culture into our everyday lives. Perfect for conferences, exhibitions, and seminars.
Monty Halls | Corporate Events
Drawing on his experience as a Royal Marine, scientist, and explorer, Monty has become a highly sought-after keynote and corporate speaker. In 2016, he founded Leaderbox, a corporate training system inspired by elite sports, military, and business practices, designed to foster leadership cultures within organisations. Through his company, Monty Halls Ltd, he delivers tailored leadership programs that combine practical tasks, performance analysis, and actionable takeaways to improve performance immediately.
Monty Halls | Writing
Monty is also an accomplished author, contributing articles to global magazines and newspapers and publishing over 13 books on exploration, adventure, and history. Notable works include Dive: The Ultimate Guide: 70 of the World’s Top Dive Destinations (2008), The Great Escape: Adventures on the Wild West Coast (2010), The Fisherman’s Apprentice (2012), Escaping Hitler: Stories of Courage and Endurance on the Freedom Trails (2017), My Family and the Galapagos (2020), and Commando: The Inside Story of Britain’s Royal Marines (2022).

Monty’s newest book (set for 2026 release) delves into the origins of Special Forces culture, focusing on the founding principles of the Commandos during Britain’s “darkest hour.” It is a compelling story of cultural transformation in the face of overwhelming adversity and demonstrates the power of lateral thinking to achieve extraordinary outcomes.
Monty Halls | Awards and Recognition
In 2003, Monty was awarded the Bish Medal from the Scientific Exploration Society for services to exploration. In 2010, he received an Honorary Doctor of Science from Plymouth University, and in 2016, he was awarded Outstanding Contribution to Diving by Sport Diver magazine.
Monty Halls | Clients
Monty has worked with a wide range of organisations, including Citibank, BMW, Virgin, BP, IBM, Barclays, Henri Lloyd, Durrell, Garmin, Dacia Cars, Royal Geographical Society, Microsoft, Royal Marine Commandos, Fourth Element, Galapagos Conservation Trust, AstraZeneca, O2, Visa, and many more, delivering keynote presentations, workshops, and leadership programs that inspire, challenge, and transform teams.

Monty Halls | EcoTourism, Wildlife, and Sustainability
Your professional future is closely connected to the environmental culture we create — as individuals, organisations, and communities. Monty Halls is deeply committed to conservation and sustainable exploration. He serves as President of the Galapagos Conservation Trust and is a global ambassador for both Durrell and the Ocean Conservation Trust. Additionally, he is an ambassador for HX Expeditions, collaborating with them as pioneers of sustainable exploration and eco-tourism.
Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers today to book Monty Halls for your corporate event.
Every year we ask our delegates to fill in an evaluation form for the day and Monty is the highest scoring keynote speaker we’ve ever had… Bear Grylls was a close second!
TFL Research, IBM
I have been attending these conferences for a decade, and that is the best presentation I’ve ever seen.
We are lucky enough to have speakers at all our conferences and can safely say, Monty’s speech was one of the best I have ever heard.
Flight Centre
[Monty’s presentation] matter comes through.
P&O Cruises