Ben Saunders
Arctic Explorer | TED Speaker Pushing Human Limits in Extreme Environments
About
Ben Saunders transformed the impossible into reality by completing some of the most challenging Arctic expeditions ever attempted. As a pioneering polar explorer, he has traversed landscapes that few humans could survive, documenting extraordinary journeys through Earth's most unforgiving terrains.
His remarkable expeditions reveal profound lessons about human resilience, demonstrating how individuals can overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges through strategic thinking, mental fortitude, and unwavering determination. Saunders translates his extreme exploration experiences into compelling narratives that inspire audiences to expand their perception of human potential and personal limitations.
Talks3
To the South Pole and back — the hardest 105 days of my life
This year, explorer Ben Saunders attempted his most ambitious trek yet. He set out to complete Captain Robert Falcon Scott's failed 1912 polar expedition — a four-month, 1,800-mile round trip journey from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. In the first talk given after his adventure, just five weeks after his return, Saunders offers a raw, honest look at this "hubris"-tinged mission that brought him to the most difficult decision of his life.
More Talks
Why did I ski to the North Pole?
At a Glance
Is this you?
Claim this profile to edit your bio, add talks, and get verified.
Know a talk we're missing?
Get in Touch
Save for Later
Frequently Appeared With
Speakers who have appeared at the same events
Aaron Horowitz
Co-Founder & CEO, Sproutel | Designing Therapeutic Robots for Children
1 shared event · TED
Aaron Maniam
Government Advisor | Navigating the Future of Work
1 shared event · TED
Aaswath Raman
Renewable Energy Researcher | Pioneering Space-Based Cooling Technologies
1 shared event · TED
Abe Davis
Video Technology Researcher | Revealing Hidden Properties Through Advanced Imaging
1 shared event · TED
Abha Dawesar
Fiction Author | Navigating the Digital Age
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Disney
Workers' Rights Advocate | Champion of Workplace Dignity and Fair Labor Practices
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Marsh
Researcher | Exploring the Psychology Behind Human Altruism
1 shared event · TED
Abigail Washburn
Musician | Bridging Folk and Global Sounds
1 shared event · TED
Similar Speakers
Related by topic and shared stages
Ray Kurzweil
Google Director of Engineering | Pioneering the Future of AI & Human Potential
Both at TED 2005, TED 2014
Robert Full
Biologist | Revolutionizing Robotics Through Nature's Engineering
Both at TED 2005, TED 2014
Frans Lanting
National Geographic Photographer | Environmental Storyteller Revealing Global Ecosystems
Both at TED 2005, TED 2014
Simon Sinek
Author of "Start With Why" | Third most-viewed TED talk ever
Both at TED 2014