Holly Budge – ‘The Risk Seeker’® – is a world-class adventurer, Everest summiteer, and the first woman to skydive Everest. With a rare perspective on risk, leadership, and mindset, she empowers leaders worldwide to rethink uncertainty and master the Art of Bold Action. Her sought-after keynote talks are inspiring, relatable, and packed with actionable strategies to turn risk into opportunity.
“BLOODY BRILLIANT!”
SUNDAY PAPERS LIVE
FIRST WOMAN TO SKYDIVE EVEREST
Holly became the first woman to skydive Everest when she jumped from a small aircraft at 29,500ft and landed at 12,500ft, the world’s highest landing area, before being swamped by a wave of global media.
EVEREST SUMMITEER FROM THE NORTH-SIDE
Holly has climbed Everest from the north side in a two-person team and spent 47 days on the mountain above 5000m. Her powerful life lessons will leave you feeling motivated and ready to climb YOUR Everest!
1000KM ACROSS MONGOLIA ON SEMI-WILD HORSES
Holly raced a grueling 1000km across Mongolia on semi-wild horses in this world-first expedition. It took her nine days, and she rode a total of 25 horses. This set a Guinness World Record for the world’s longest horse race.
“DOWN-TO-EARTH, FUNNY & INCREDIBLY INSPIRING”
HRH THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH
KEY AUDIENCE
TAKEAWAYS
OUTPLAY
YOUR FEAR
Holly’s adventures are a testament to the incredible things that can be achieved when one dares to step outside their comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
BELIEVE
IN YOUR POWER
Holly's down-to-earth, unique storytelling style and powerful life lessons will leave you feeling motivated, inspired, and ready to climb YOUR Everest!
LEADING
WITH PURPOSE
Whether you’re looking to advance your career, start a new venture, or build mental toughness to improve your outlook, Holly will share tools to make it happen.
“ENGAGING. THOUGHT-PROVOKING. INSPIRATIONAL”
ST JAMES PLACE
MEET HOLLY
‘The Risk Seeker’’™ | Award-Winning Keynote Speaker
Holly Budge is a world-class adventurer, Everest summiteer, and the first woman to skydive Everest, with a unique perspective on risk, leadership, and mindset. As a professional keynote speaker, Holly doesn’t just talk about risk—she lives it. Through her gripping, often nail-biting stories, she takes her audience on a journey up the icy slopes of Everest and back down to patrolling on the frontline with fully-armed female rangers in Africa. Holly’s deeply relatable and highly actionable talks help businesses build resilience and mental toughness in high-pressure environments, reconnect with their purpose, and take bold action. Described as 'down-to-earth, funny, and incredibly inspiring" by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Holly reveals the mindset shifts, strategic decisions, and resilience-building tactics that separate those who dream from those who DO. Holly believes we all have an Everest to climb, but the fear of failure or the unknown often holds us back. After her talk, you’ll not only be inspired—you’ll be compelled to climb your Everest!
Beyond Adventure: A Global Force for Impact
Off the podium, Holly is an award-winning designer, the founder of How Many Elephants NGO, and the visionary behind World Female Ranger Week. As a UN Women UK Delegate and recently voted ‘Female Thought Leader of the Year in Non-Profit,’ she has spent over a decade championing female rangers, witnessing first-hand their profound impact on conservation, communities, and gender equality. Her work has reached over 500 million people worldwide, earning Holly high praise from Sir David Attenborough. She has fundraised over £500,000 for conservation, supports >5,500+ female rangers, and has funded projects in 24+ countries across Africa, Asia, and South America. Holly’s powerful conservation initiatives have been featured on BBC Woman’s Hour, Sky News, Times Radio, BBC Wildlife, Marie Claire, Travel & Leisure, and Wanderlust. She recently launched Wildlife Positive Travel, offering immersive, on-the-ground experiences with ranger teams, led by Holly, that connect travellers directly with frontline conservation efforts in South Africa and Kenya.
“APPLYING HOLLY’S METHODS EVERYDAY”
LEADERS ROMAN GROUP
5 REASONS
TO BOOK HOLLY
-
Holly doesn’t just tell stories—she takes you there. With raw passion, humor, and humility, she brings her world-record adventures to life. Her gripping tales of pushing beyond limits and overcoming extreme challenges leave audiences fired up to tackle their own Everest—whether in life or work.
-
When Holly speaks, people listen—and feel. Her high-energy storytelling, jaw-dropping videos, and powerful insights keep audiences on the edge of their seats. She’s not just inspiring. She’s unforgettable.
-
No cookie-cutter talks here. Holly’s keynotes are laser-focused on your audience and your goals. She adapts her message in real time to connect deeply, making every event feel personal, relevant, and impactful.
-
Holly brings 110%—every time. Her passion is electric, her purpose crystal clear. She empowers audiences to believe in themselves, think bigger, and take bold, meaningful action.
-
Despite her epic adventures, Holly is refreshingly real. Audiences connect instantly with her down-to-earth style, authentic stories, and the powerful reminder that we’re all capable of achieving extraordinary things.