Alan Hobson

Alan Hobson

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Calgary, Alberta

Mountain Climber & Cancer Survivor - Leadership, Change, Adversity & Teamwork Expert

Alan Hobson is a Canadian Mountain Climber, Cancer Survivor, Motivational Keynote Speaker, Adventurer & Bestselling Author that climbed to the top of Mt. Everest. Mt Everest climber summiteer Alan Hobson shares the skills developed for leadership, change and resilience from his indescribable persistence and determination in overcoming the challenges of surviving cancer and climbing Mt. Everest. Alan Hobson mesmerizes his speaking audiences on stage with his riveting custom-built presentations. Whether your organization wants to climb back from adversity or hit your peak performance, Alan Hobson delivers.

ALAN HOBSON BIOGRAPHY

Alan Hobson delivers keynote speaking that will help if your organization wants to climb back from adversity or hit your peak performance. He is a two-time cancer survivor and a world-renowned mountain climber and adventurer. He is also a bestselling author and one of Canada’s top public speakers in creating custom-built presentations for all types of audiences.

At 29, worldwide adventurer Alan Hobson set out to realize his greatest childhood dream. It took him ten gruelling self-guided and self-organized expeditions to high altitudes, including three expeditions to Mt. Everest, each of which required $250,000 to $500,000 in fundraising. When he finally stood on top of the world, his tears of elation froze. He could see the curvature of the Earth as the horizon bent in his peripheral vision at 29,035 feet (8,852 m). “Half the dream is done” the then 39-year-old radioed to base camp as his voice cracked with emotion. “If we’re persistent enough, we can do the dreams”.

Three years after stepping down from the top of the world, Alan Hobson found himself at the bottom when, in August 2000, at 42, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer of the blood and given less than a year to live. Using the hard-won lessons he learned on Everest, he chose to ignore solid medical evidence that there was an 85 per cent chance he would die. Thanks to raw courage, a strong spiritual faith, and the miracles of modern medicine, he not only survived but thrived. Alan is now one of less than a few dozen people in the world ever to regain an elite fitness level after an adult blood stem cell transplant for acute leukaemia and has been leukaemia-free for over a decade. In 2010, however, he was again diagnosed with cancer, this time with squamous cell carcinoma. After minor surgery, he was back cross-country skiing within a week. He is now considered medically cured and has no lasting significant side effects from his cancers or cancer treatments.

Alan Hobson mesmerizes his speaking audiences on stage with his riveting custom-built presentations. Using his exhaustive 5-step personal preparatory research process, he can make every presentation a one-of-a-kind experience that speaks directly to the specific needs of each group. This approach is unparalleled by any other presenter in the world and has earned him the distinctive title of “The Best Speaker in the World at Creating Custom-Built Presentations” and has appeared on many national television talk shows, including Oprah, and positively affected the lives of thousands of cancer survivors and caregivers worldwide.

Alan Hobson’s achievements go far beyond his inner and outer adventures. He is the internationally bestselling author of half a dozen books, a former nine-time All-American gymnast, marathon runner, hang glider pilot, white water kayaker, parachutist, journalist, and winner of the prestigious William Randolph Hearst Award for Excellence in News Writing. Alan has scuba-dived beneath the ice of frozen mountain lakes in the dead of the Canadian winter, visited sunken wrecks in Lake Geneva, and executed numerous night dives in the frigid and turbulent waters of the North Atlantic. He is a tough man for tough times – an expert at overcoming adversity, managing cataclysmic change, and enduring hostile and life-threatening operating conditions.

Videos

Podcasts

Coming Soon!

Alan Hobson Topic Presentations

the brilliance of resilience

  • Virtual PresentationKeynote PresentationWorkshop SessionHalf Day TrainingFull Day Training
  • After seven years of preparation, Alan Hobson’s first self-guided, self-organized, and corporately sponsored $500,000 expedition to Mt. Everest missed the summit by 3,000 feet when his team’s high camp was blasted off the mountain by gale-force winds. He returned home to judgments that he had failed. Instead of becoming disheartened and giving up, he used the hard-won lessons from his expedition to begin again more intelligently. Three years later he was back to Everest with half the budget of his first expedition, half the personnel, and no bottled oxygen. This time his team missed the top by just two city blocks when their lead climber developed severe high-altitude sickness. His team members decided to try to rescue him rather than continue blindly to the summit. They saved his life, but it cost them the summit.

    It ended Hobson’s second expedition. Again, he returned home to allegations that he and his team had failed. Undeterred, another three years of intense fundraising, training, and organizational work later, he returned a third time to Everest and finally made it safely to and from the summit. Ironically, an even harder climb lay ahead. Three years after reaching the top of the world, he found himself at the bottom when he was diagnosed with the very aggressive blood cancer, acute leukemia, and given less than a year to live. At diagnosis, 90% of the cells in his bone marrow were cancerous. Again, Alan defied the skeptics.

    Alan Hobson made a 100% recovery. Today he has been leukemia-free for over 12 years and is one of less than a few dozen people in the world ever to have regained an elite level of fitness after an adult blood stem cell transplant for the treatment of leukemia – a tiny fraction of the number of people who have climbed Mt. Everest. And, he is officially medically cured. Through the brilliance of resilience, Alan shows audiences how to triumph in turbulent times and turn setbacks into comebacks. If your group is struggling to overcome adversity, this presentation will give them the tools they need to win today — and tomorrow.

the triumph of teamwork

leadership from within

executing with excellence

the can & will of winning – what it takes to triumph in turbulent times

rising to the challenge of change

transforming uncertainty into opportunity

climb back from cancer!

alan's custom presentation topics

Testimonials

Alan Hobson is unique. In my many years working with professional speakers, I have never experienced one who invested so much time learning about our mission and goals and integrating them seamlessly and repeatedly into his presentation. He would have been great without that element but, with it, he was a smash hit. I also have never left an event while participants were still in line to meet him and get his autograph. On a 10-point scale, Alan is on an 11!

Paul J. Taylor

Senior VP
South Shore Hospital

Alan presented at our Marketing conference and did a great job of telling his compelling story of achievement despite overwhelming adversity. If you are looking for someone to inspire a team to overcome great odds, Alan’s your man.

Guy W. Longworth

SVP PlayStation Brand Marketing
Sony Computer Entertainment America

Alan gave an excellent presentation to a group of 16 of our top executives. The detailed research he had done on our company was very evident and it was seamlessly integrated into his program. He was able to draw powerful comparisons between the obstacles he has faced and those facing us, and share his solutions for overcoming these hurdles. It was a moving and emotional presentation that empowered our team to focus on how to climb our own mountain.

Bob McKenzie

Interim CFO
Saxon Energy Services

Alan was simply brilliant. Our entire organization could share in the excitement of his journey to the summit and thanks to his detailed preparation, we quickly grasped how his experiences relate to our business and culture in setting goals, preparation, and teamwork. Strengthened by his masterful and captivating presentation, we are all now believers in the power of “can” and “will.” He will take you on a journey you will never forget.

Karl Baker

SVP Sales & Marketing
American Hotel Register Company

Alan’s presentation was most definitely the highlight of our national sales meeting. Our sales force, management, and senior executives were still talking about it days later. He is captivating, authentic, inspiring and thanks to his meticulous research and preparation, absolutely in touch with our opportunities and challenges. He has a brilliant gift of connecting with people and inspiring others for greatness.

Beth Best

VP Corporate Communications & Engagement Marketing
ConforMIS

Alan was the opening keynote speaker for our global conference and exhibition. I knew we were in for something special when he requested to spend 60 to 90 minutes on the phone with us in advance of his session so he could learn about the needs of our group and tailor his presentation specifically to our attendees. During this call, Alan asked numerous questions so he could understand our business. Once done, this was followed shortly thereafter by another shorter call to verify the accuracy of what he had heard. That thorough and meticulous preparation led to an inspiring, informed and personalized story for our 1,000+ attendees as they joined Alan on an emotional journey of pain, hope, and...

Terri Hinkley

Deputy Executive Director
Association of Clinical Research Professionals

Articles & Media

Coming Soon!

Books

One Step Beyond - Rediscovering the Adventure Attitude
One Step Beyond - Rediscovering the Adventure Attitude
One Step Beyond - Rediscovering the Adventure Attitude
Climb Back From Cancer: A Survivor and Caregiver's Inspirational Journey
Climb Back From Cancer: A Survivor and Caregiver's Inspirational Journey
Climb Back From Cancer: A Survivor and Caregiver's Inspirational Journey
From Everest to Enlightenment - An Adventure of the Soul
From Everest to Enlightenment - An Adventure of the Soul
From Everest to Enlightenment - An Adventure of the Soul

Related Speakers

Rick Denley

Rick Denley

Personal & Business Growth through courageous leadership & Change | Peak Performing Leaders | Author

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Excellence & Success
Rick Denley, a Leadership visionary, change catalyst, and growth expert. With over three decades of experience leading Fortune 500 companies like...
Mark Breslin

Mark Breslin

Canadian Comedy Icon - Unleashing Laughter and Wisdom, Renowned Public Speaker, Entrepreneur, Author

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Business Leadership
  • Communications
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Humour At Workplace
  • Influence & Negotiation
  • Leadership
  • Mindset & Goal Accomplishment
  • Peak Performance
Mark Breslin is a true visionary in the Canadian comedy scene and has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born and raised in...
Keren Taylor-Hughes

Keren Taylor-Hughes

Former CEO - Agile Change Advisor & Transformation Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Alliances & Partnerships
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Growth
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Business Technology
  • Business Transitions
Keren Taylor-Hughes is an agile change advisor & business leadership strategist with a passion for implementing sustainable organizational change....
Gail Taylor

Gail Taylor

Expert in Levelling-Up - Unlocking Human Potential for Optimal Performance and Well-being

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Change Management
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Excellence & Success
  • Happiness & Positivity
  • Health & Human Performance
  • HR & Corporate Culture
Gail Taylor is a multifaceted individual whose life journey is a testament to the extraordinary power of reinvention and embracing new passions at...
Paul Karvanis

Paul Karvanis

Happiness and Performance Coach – Happiness, Impact and Performance, Worklife Balance, Leadership

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Burnout Prevention
  • Health & Wellness
  • Leadership
  • Peak Performance
  • Personal Growth
  • Work Life Balance
Paul Karvanis is a highly successful former lawyer turned Certified Professional Coactive Coach. Through his venture, Leader Rising, he offers...
Dr. James Makokis

Dr. James Makokis

Two Spirit Doctor - LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous, Diversity & Inclusion Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Mental Health
  • Health & Wellness
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Resilience & Adversity
  • LGBTQ2S+
  • Indigenous
  • Personal Growth
  • Leadership
  • Work Life Balance
Dr. James A. Makokis is a Nehiyô (Plains Cree) Family Physician from the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in northeastern Alberta and the recent winner of...
Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson

LGBTQ2S+, Two-Spirit and Diversity Expert

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Accessibility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Bullying At Work
  • Communications
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Employee Engagement
Anthony Johnson is a Two-Spirit Keynote Speaker, LGBTQ2S+ Advocate & ED&I Expert. Through his powerful story to bring awareness for LGBTQ &...
Amazing Two Spirit Couple

Amazing Two Spirit Couple

Indigenous & LGBTQ2S Experts | Amazing Two Spirit Couple | Winners of the Amazing Race Canada

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Accessibility
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse
  • Alliances & Partnerships
  • Bullying At Work
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Collaboration
Indigenous & LGBTQ2s+ advocates, The Amazing Two Spirit Couple, "Team Ahkameyimok" and winners of the Amazing Race Canada Season 7. Together, they...
Janice Makokis

Janice Makokis

Indigenous Rights Advocate | Legal Scholar | Consultant

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Gender Equality
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Leadership
  • Leadership & Change
  • Mindset & Attitude
Janice Makokis is an Indigenous Legal Rights Scholar, Advocate and Consultant. Janice Makokis currently holds a joint position between the Yellowhead...
Hon. Marion Buller

Hon. Marion Buller

First Nation and Indigenous Rights advocate, civil, criminal and human rights lawyer & retired judge

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Excellence & Success
  • Gender Equality
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Indigenous
  • Leadership
The Honourable Marion Buller, C.M., is a keynote speaker and human rights advocate who was the initial First Nations woman appointed as a judge in...
Laval St. Germain

Laval St. Germain

Mountain Climber, Airline Captain & Extreme Global Adventurer

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Adaptability & Agility
  • Burnout Prevention
  • Business & Corporate
  • Business Leadership
  • Business Management
  • Change Management
  • Collaboration
  • Disruption Management
Laval St. Germain is an expert at turning dreams into goals into reality. As an airline captain turned mountaineer and adventurer, Laval is the only...
Dr. Lynn Gehl

Dr. Lynn Gehl

THE TREATY / LAND CLAIMS PROCESS AND INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE HOLDER

Featured

Speaker Topics

  • Cultural Diversity
  • Disability
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Gender Equality
  • Genrational Differences
  • HR & Corporate Culture
  • Indigenous
  • Leadership
Dr. Lynn Gehl, Algonquin Anishinaabe-Ikwe, is an Indigenist Cultural Critic, Artist, Author, and Advocate. She is well known across Canada as a...

How to book Alan Hobson for an event?

Alan Hobson keynote speaker is an expert presenter and has a wide range of experience speaking to a wide variety of audiences and organizations. Alan Hobson delivers keynotes, workshops & training sessions. They may also host or emcee events. Hire Alan Hobson from Calgary, Alberta for your event to inspire the audience to take action and make change in their work and their lives. Your workplace will benefit from our keynote speaker and their keynote talks and speeches will shift the mindsets or behaviours for the audience members in Canada. 

Interested in booking Alan Hobson for an event?

Are you looking to hire Alan Hobson for your event? Alan Hobson Calgary, Alberta is a dynamic and engaging speaker that offers audiences researched content paired with expertise and a dynamic speaking ability. Alan Hobson is also a Canadian corporate consultant and coach and facilitates workshops and training sessions for a corporate audience. Alan Hobson is an expert keynote presenter and speaks on wide variety of topics. Hiring a great speaker for your event is important and working with a thought leader like Alan Hobson from Speakers Canada's roster will engage audiences into the content of the presentation to bring awareness and a fresh perspective for their approach to their work and their lives. Book Alan Hobson to educate, motivate and activate the audience through an interactive and entertaining presentation at corporate meetings and gatherings.

Known as a popular key note speaker in Canada, Alan Hobson creates life changing experiences for the participants with practical insights and strategic advice they can implement right after the session. Working with a one our leading expert speaker like Alan Hobson from Calgary, Alberta offers organizations a fresh perspective to assist the people of the organization. No matter if it is a government, association, or business crowd, Alan Hobson is a perfect speaker for your event. Through unique practical insights for trending topics and years experience speaking to different organizations, Alan Hobson focuses on changing individuals to make better decisions at work and their lives. No matter if you are holding an in person or virtual event, having an influential speaker such as Alan Hobson will engage, motivate, and activate the audience to make a change in their lives and inspire action for results to meet organizational goals. Your workforce will benefit from Alan Hobson's presentations and speeches, with measurable results set to shift the people of the organization and core direction of the company. Book Alan Hobson speaker for your annual general meeting, conference, summit, or convention in Canada.

How much does it cost to hire Alan Hobson for a keynote presentation or virtual event?

Alan Hobson is an expert professional key note speaker with a lot of experience speaking and delivering engaging talks to organizations and audiences in Canada. Each of Speaker Bureau Canada's talent have different ways to assess their fees, and Alan Hobson speaker fee ranges depending on the size of the audience, event format (in person or virtual), event location, and if the organization booking them is a non profit, association, government department/government agency or business/corporation. The speakers we work with are flexible with their fees, and it is important for us to learn more about your event before we approach them, as it is our role to work for you, and to help you find a speaker within budget. 

Please contact Speakers Bureau of Canada and provide us with your event details so that we can contact Alan Hobson to check availability or confirm the pricing and associated costs to hire a great speaker like Alan Hobson for your event. As Alan Hobson's agent and as a Canadian top speaker bureau and talent agency for speakers, we are able to propose each event opportunity from each host organization's behalf to try to help you get in touch with Alan Hobson and confirm them for your in person or online meeting/event. We can also provide and advise on the booking process and potentially negotiate their fee. Speakers Canada is a client focused speaker agency, and we work for you in finding good speakers for your team meetings and booking processes.

Alan Hobson Disclaimer

Speakers Bureau Canada assists companies and event planning teams seeking to hire talent like Alan Hobson for speaking engagements, virtual meetings, conference appearances, training sessions and workshops facilitations. Our Canadian speakers bureau does not claim to exclusively represent Alan Hobson, however they are represented by Speakers Canada, and we work with them closely for their Canadian speaking opportunities and bookings. As Canada's top speaker bureau, we represent Canadian motivational keynote speakers and professional guest speakers that will be available on your upcoming events date and location that are withing the budget. Our talented bureau speaker booking agency can help find business speakers or celebrity speakers that aligns with each organization, audience, event theme and the topic themes you hope for the speaker to address in their presentation. 

When SBC receives a request to book Alan Hobson we provide you with their speaker fees, travel costs and check their schedules. We work closely with the host organization's event planning team and the speaker to handle the logistics and to relay or negotiate associated costs. Our talented team members then will work with our talent directly or their agent/manager/assistant to confirm the Canadian speaker fee and travel expenses, so that event planning teams can receive an official quote for the speaker appearing at the event. Speaker fees and travel costs vary per speaker and our role is to contact Alan Hobson about your event, after we have connected with the event organizers to learn all the event details and/or conference program. Each booking request is unique since session durations and audience sizes can vary which may affect the speaker's fees. If you are looking to hire Alan Hobson, we recommend filling out the booking request form so a booking agent from Speakers Bureau Canada can get in touch with our talent to help you coordinate with your team to engage the speaker for a successful event.