JAMES “CAS” CASTRISSION SPEAKING

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Speaking Overview

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JAMES “CAS” CASTRISSION SPEAKING

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Cas is an Aussie Explorer constantly pushing the boundaries of humanendurance.

Most recently, on the 26th January 2012, he made history by completing the longest unsupported polar expedition of all time, alongside his best mate, Jonesy. In 100 years of polar exploration no-one had EVER walked from the edge of Antarctica to the South Pole and back without assistance. Many had tried, none had succeeded. After 89 gruelling days they made it back to the coast after having skied 2275km with everything they needed to survive in the harshest environment on Earth.

Four years earlier they Crossed the Ditch – paddling 3318km without assistance across the Tasman Sea for another world first. They braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation and adverse winds and currents. They became the first kayakers to cross the Tas-man Sea as well as becoming the longest transoceanic double kayak expedition. Staggering upon the shores of New Zealand, the adventurers were sunburnt, bearded, underweight, and physically and mentally wasted…but most of all happy to be alive.

Cas is highly regarded as one of Australia’s premier public speakers. He has written 2 bestselling books: Crossing the Ditch and Extreme South.

What sort of young man would attempt such frightful feats?

Earlier in his life, James paddled the infamous Bass Strait and became the first to kayak the length of the Murray River, all 2560km. He have run numerous ultra-marathons, attained yachting crew quali-fications and duelled with the open waters under sail. International climbing expeditions have been led in America (Mt McKinley, Alaska and The Nose, El Capitan), New Zealand (notable ascents: Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring) and Papua New Guinea.

Cas has now shared his incredible story with over 320,000 people around the world. Insights into leadership, teamwork, risk management and how to overcome adversity have captivated global audi-ences.

James holds a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney, and has worked both as an Ac-countant and Management Consultant for Deloitte Touche Tomatsu.

This business and consulting foundation allows James to draw on relevant anecdotes to convey crucial business lessons in his keynote presentations.

No, he’s are not crazy. He is inspirational, successful and great motivating figures for us all.

James “Cas“ Castrission - Bio

Presentation Topics

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Global audiences are demanding to hear the story of how two Aussie mates have succeeded in completing two of the greatest adventures of all time. To date Cas has shared their story with over 320 000 people.

James’ presentation is the perfect compliment to open or close a conference, motivate staff or provide an inspirational after dinner speech. This young and savvy adventurer has created two unforgettable presentation. Stunning footage and imagery have been craftily moulded to convey messages that all can learn from.

To hell and back: A journey across a frozen wastelandAfter the crossing the Tasman Cas & Jonesy took on an even more audacious challenge - the first ever unsupported trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back. Starting with very limited experience they spent months researching, consulting with experts from all round the globe, training in the Arctic and NZ, rehearsing the skills they would need to survive in the highest, driest, windiest and coldest place on Earth.

Pulling loads that started at 160kg and temperatures as cold as -40 C, they battled frostbite, injury, whiteouts, crevasses , gear failure and slow starvation. During the 89 days it took them to ski 2275km without any outside support or assistence they lost a combined 55kg of body weight. Their adventure set a new benchmark and raised the bar of polar exploration globally.

Daring to dream then riding out the storm On November 13 2007, James and Justin departed Forster, Australia to embark on a journey that no other had ever achieved...62 days later, they arrived in New Plymouth, New Zealand. James Castrission and Justin Jones kayaked 3318km, braved 10 metre swells, howling winds, endured severe food and sleep deprivation and were set off course for over two weeks.

Why does a young successful Aussie sacrifice all to achieve a seemingly impossible dream? How did he go about planning for such an expedition? This intriguing presentation examines the key lessons learnt from his’ four year journey and is the perfect after dinner presentation. In this mind-blowing account, James will share with the audience what life on the Tasman was like. Plenty of laughter, banter and description of what it takes to become the first team to ever cross the Tasman by kayak.

Presentation Themes

James has craftily weaved themes & lessons he has learnt through a life of extreme adventure into all his presentations. These themes include:

- Risk Management & planning - Change Management - overcoming adversity - goal setting - High Performance team development - motivationDepending on the client’s needs, he can subtly touch on them or make these themes more explicit.

His presentations are enhanced by jaw-dropping video clips and stunning photography from his adventures. The old saying a picture paints a thousand words only partly explains the profound impact their multi-media has. Because much of it is unique and beautifully captured it sticks. People remember the imagery, and the inspiration long after the conference is over.

The length of presentation ranges from 15 minutes (NSW Waratah’s) - 90 minute keynote addresses to multi-day workshops.

To see James presenting at TEDx Athens, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_cD4pmfOtM (or google James Castrission TEDx Athens)

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Delegates will be pushed out of their comfort zone during the day, then absolutely pampered in luxury back in base camp. Here, you’ll be showered with hospitality and enjoy luxurious “glamp-ing” and bush catering at its best. Why choose us?:

- Premier provider of fully catered luxury adventure retreats in Australia - Conference facilities available- Cater for corporate teams up to 40 pax- Reach for the Summit interactive virtual adventure in Base Camp- Drawing on Cas’ 5+years as a management consultant, we’ll tailor the program to meet your desired outcomes.- World-class safety and the best guides, xervice and bush camp in Australia!

James founded MyAdventure Group in 2014. They delivers high energy, high impact multi day adventure based programs for corporate teams. James leads the program which have been designed to:- drive staff cohesion - trust- develop high performance teams for competitve advantage- mot vation

We believe the most effecitve way of achieving these outcomes is through authentic and real shared expereiences.

Adventure based staff development & incentive prgrams

“I highly rate this experience for all companies wanting to build a strongwork/ team culture!”

Andrew WalkerFebruary 2015 Participant

To find out more, please speak to James or visit: myadventuregroup.com.au

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Reach for the Summit is one of Peak Teams’ interactive Virtual Adven-tures. During a Virtual Adventure, business teams are challenged with real life scenariosthat Peak Teams facilitators have fiilmed while climb-ing mountains, on Safari in Africa or surfing around the world. These scenarios, combined with spectacular footage, personal stories and expert facilitation, provide powerful learning experiences.

James has joined forces with Peak Teams’ to deliver a high energy, high impact simu-lation.The program has been designed to:+ Fast track team spirit, trust and momentum+ Strengthen teamwork and leadership+ Align goals and improve communication+ Inspire and motivate participants+ Model the behaviors required to lead through change

Peak Teams Reach for the summit simulation

“Clear insights for the organization were provided in relation to identi-fying natural leaders, good team diversity and how our people adapt to change, risks and challenges. The Peak Teams program was a great way to reinforce our team’s commitment to short and long term goals and ultimately the success of the company.”

Clynton Bartholomeusz, MD, Beiersdorf Australia

The objective of Reach for the Summit is to virtually summit the highest peak possible, within a 14 day time frame and a $70,000 budget.Participants form teams and put themselves in the position of real climbers as they make decisions about a series of challenging scenarios that come to life on the big screen.Before the climb begins, each team has to choose a goal (small, medium or large peak), select a leader and agree on a set of guiding principles. After that, success will depend on each teams’ ability to interpret the environment, adapt to change, manage risks and solve an increasingly complex set of problems.

The program has been run for groups of 10-750 people, from 1.5 hours to many days.

To find out more, please speak to James or visit: peakteams.com.au

How does the program work?

Testimonials

Funny, inspirational, motivational – an hour with James makes the spirit soar. He spent 62 days in a leaky boat and proved that with dedication, determination and two very brave hearts, it is possible to achieve the impossible dream, to stare down your greatest fears, to do the undoable and enjoy the pure rewards of achievement and triumph. After spending 62 minutes listening to this can-do bloke from Sydney speak, I defy you to not be inspired and embrace your own challenge and reshape your own future.Sandra Lee, best-selling author and journalistSunday Telegraph and Sunday Magazine

What an inspirational story. James seem like an ordinary young man, until you hear his story and the journey they accomplished that you realise just how extraordinary he really is. The sheer passion he displayed is uplifting and inspirational. Todd Kardash, Head of Adviser Distribution CommInsure

Crossing The Ditch gave me the experience of hearing first hand what can be achieved through preparation, commitment, perseverance and a tough attitude. It also showed what special Australian Adventurer James really is. A truly great story which gets me excited as I feel this may only be the start for this Great Aussie Adventurer.Ricky StuartAustralian Rugby League and Cronulla Sharks Head Coach

He spoke of their adventure with a great balance of facts, emotion and humour, and most importantly, he linked in very well with our conference themes of planning and team-work.Anthony RoseFoster’s Group HIs ability to describe their incredible adventure in a light-hearted and entertaining way was also balanced with clear messages of the importance of planning, teamwork and persistence, giving our clients and lawyers a lot to talk about after the presentation.Melissa Lyon Business Development Manager, Financial Services Industry GroupMinter Ellison Lawyers

James gave us a timely reminder about digging in when times are tough and never giving up. By no means what we do goes even close to the what James and Justin have done but there are some general themes that we can take on board from their unbelievable journey. He’s a great bloke with an inspirational story and will always be welcome at the Waratahs.Phil WaughCaptain - NSW WARATAHSVice Captain - Australian Wallabies

THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING James FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

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