David Grier: Inspiring Motivation

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David Grier cover 1
  • First person to run the entire length of the Great Wall of China in a single expedition (4,200 km)
  • Completed extreme runs across India, Madagascar, Cuba, and the South Pole
  • Co-founder of the Miles for Smiles Foundation, raising funds for cleft lip and palate surgeries
  • Author of five bestselling books chronicling his journeys and lessons
  • Michelin-trained chef with international culinary accolades
  • Featured speaker for global corporations, leadership summits, and wellness forums

Travel & Fees

  • Travels from: Melkbosstrand, Western Cape
  • In-Person: ZAR 37,500
  • Virtual: ZAR 22,500
5/5
5/5 (5 reviews)

Keynote Topics

David Grier’s keynote is a powerful journey into the heart of endurance, service, and human connection. Drawing on his extraordinary adventures — running thousands of kilometers across some of the most remote and challenging landscapes on earth — David weaves an inspiring narrative about the true meaning of resilience, compassion, and living with purpose. Every step he has taken across the Great Wall of China, the rugged terrains of India and Madagascar, and the icy expanses of the South Pole has been dedicated to changing lives through his humanitarian work with the Miles for Smiles Foundation.

Through gripping storytelling, striking visuals, and heartfelt authenticity, David shares how pushing physical limits became a pathway to unlocking deeper human potential — not just for himself, but for countless children born with cleft lips and palates who had little hope. His experiences show that adversity is not an end, but an invitation to rise, to give, and to lead with empathy.

For the audience, David’s keynote is a moving call to action: to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth, to recognize that individual actions can ripple outward to create profound change, and to reconnect with the values that drive true, meaningful success. Whether in business, leadership, or personal life, David’s message resonates — that fulfillment comes not just from what we achieve, but from what we give back.

Audience members leave not only inspired but armed with a renewed sense of purpose and practical tools for resilience, adaptability, and values-driven leadership. David’s keynote reminds everyone listening: “The real adventure begins when we step beyond ourselves in service of something greater.”

David Grier is more than an adventurer — he’s a force of human resilience, creativity, and compassion. A chef by profession and a humanitarian by passion, David has carved an extraordinary life path defined by endurance, empathy, and purpose. From grueling ultra-distance feats across some of the world’s harshest terrains to nourishing hope through his […]

David Grier is more than an adventurer — he’s a force of human resilience, creativity, and compassion. A chef by profession and a humanitarian by passion, David has carved an extraordinary life path defined by endurance, empathy, and purpose. From grueling ultra-distance feats across some of the world’s harshest terrains to nourishing hope through his charitable initiatives, David’s journey inspires individuals and organizations alike to reimagine what’s possible.

Blending the intensity of extreme adventure with the grounded wisdom of personal transformation, David captivates audiences with stories drawn from the front lines of human perseverance. As a bestselling author and celebrated speaker, he delivers more than just motivation — he offers tangible lessons on leadership, grit, adaptability, and purpose-driven success.

With a culinary career rooted in creativity and precision, David Grier has always understood the importance of discipline, detail, and determination. Yet it was through his humanitarian expeditions and ultra-endurance runs — covering thousands of kilometers across the Great Wall of China, India, Cuba, and Madagascar — that David discovered the deeper ingredients of human potential. His expeditions are not just athletic accomplishments; they are journeys of service, raising awareness and vital funds for children born with cleft lips and palates through the Miles for Smiles foundation.

David’s ability to intertwine physical challenge with humanitarian purpose gives him a powerful voice that resonates across corporate, academic, and global platforms. He’s completed over 25,000 km on foot in extreme environments — deserts, mountains, war-torn regions — facing both natural and internal obstacles. These are not merely adventures but catalysts for transformation, both personal and collective.

As an author, David has published five bestselling books that document these epic journeys, each filled with striking insights into the human condition. His storytelling is rich with metaphor, meaning, and humor, creating deep emotional connections with his audience. From boardrooms to auditoriums, he brings a fresh and inspiring narrative on how to manage change, maintain mental resilience, and lead with compassion in the face of adversity.

His authenticity sets him apart. There’s no bravado — just lived experience, honesty, and an unwavering belief in human potential. Whether speaking to Fortune 500 leaders or aspiring changemakers, David meets people where they are and moves them to where they never thought they could go.

David Grier embodies the spirit of endurance, generosity, and storytelling. From Michelin-starred kitchens to the unforgiving stretches of the Sahara, his life is a journey of purpose and possibility. As a speaker, he doesn’t just talk about resilience — he lives it. His keynote appearances are unforgettable experiences that move audiences from passive listeners to active participants in their own transformation.

With every step, every word, and every act of service, David reminds us that the greatest adventures begin the moment we say yes to the unknown. Book David Grier if you want to inspire your audience to push boundaries, embrace change, and make an impact that matters.

David Grier has run

  • The Great Wall of China West to East (4200 km in 93 days) in 2006 and then in 2019 East to West in 78 days,
  • The entire coastline of South Africa (3300 km in 80 days),
  • Paddled from Africa to Madagascar (500 km in 12 days),
  • Run the Island of Madagascar (South to North; 2700 km in 67 days)
  • The length of India North to South in 93 days, 4008 km.
  • Thailand 1000 km in 20 days.
  • Cuba 2300 km in 38 days,
  • Down the length of the UK (from John O’Groats to Lands’ End);
  • From South to North in Ireland, followed by a run along Hadrian’s Wall.

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David Grier | Inspiring Adventurer

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