Børge Ousland Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Børge Ousland is a Norwegian polar explorer, photographer, and author renowned for his pioneering solo expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic. Born in Oslo in 1962, he began his career as a saturation diver in the North Sea before joining the Norwegian Navy's Special Forces. His early adventures included a 1986 ski traverse of Greenland, which ignited his passion for polar exploration. In 1990, Ousland and Erling Kagge became the first to reach the North Pole unsupported. Four years later, Ousland achieved the first solo, unsupported journey to the North Pole. In 1997, he made history again by completing the first solo, unsupported crossing of Antarctica, covering 1,864 miles in 64 days. These feats established him as one of the most accomplished polar explorers of his time. Beyond his expeditions, Ousland has contributed to environmental awareness through the Ice Legacy Project, aiming to document and raise awareness about the world's largest glaciers and their rapid decline. In 2010, he purchased Manshausen Island in northern Norway, transforming it into an award-winning eco-lodge that blends modern design with nature, offering guests a unique Arctic experience. Ousland's work has been featured in numerous films and publications, including National Geographic. He continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his stories of resilience, environmental advocacy, and the spirit of adventure.