Keynote Speaker in Bath: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. He was born in Bath, which he calls his home town, and grew up in Somerset, where he went to Millfield School and was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association. He brings The Grit Code to events in Bath and across the county.
My home town
Bath is where I was born, and it is still the place I call my home town. I grew up in Somerset, and a lot of what I have done since started here: the schooling and the sport.
A keynote in Bath would be a home crowd, and a home crowd will not accept a polished story that does not ring true. The Grit Code is built on things that actually happened, which is why it works in front of people who know where I come from.
Somerset, Millfield and the athletics track
I went to Millfield School in Somerset, and I was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association. County athletics teaches you things that a classroom cannot: how to train when nobody is watching, how to lose a race and come back the next weekend and how to keep turning up.
Those are the same lessons I later learned again, much harder, on the ocean and on seven continents. When I talk about grit to a Somerset audience, I start where it started for me: on a running track in this county.
After Millfield I studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MA (Hons) in Business Studies, and worked in the City of London for a short time before my career moved into adventure and television.
What came next
7 marathons, 7 continents. I ran marathons in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
The Pacific row. In 2023 I rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific Ocean with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Television. I presented Guy in Dubai, four seasons and 26 episodes with more than 22 million views. My shows are distributed in 123 countries, and my recent work includes 39 Days to Paradise (2026) and Guy in the Sky, now in production. I founded Blazing Sand Studios in 2019 and lead it as CEO.
Why grit, why Bath
Bath has always been a city that keeps reinventing itself without losing what it is. The whole city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and it is listed among the Great Spa Towns of Europe. The Roman Baths draw more than a million visitors a year, while the local economy has moved towards advanced electronics, software and services, alongside the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.
Reinvention takes grit. Heritage organisations, tech firms and universities here are all balancing long histories with fast change, and The Grit Code gives their teams a practical method for staying the course while everything around them moves.
What organisers say
"I've had the privilege of witnessing Paris Norriss in action as a storyteller, motivator and a true catalyst for transformation. Through his powerful awe-inspiring adventures, he doesn't just recount tales of endurance and grit, he lives them."
"Paris is both captivating and uplifting. We appreciated his open, honest, and heartfelt journey. His raw and genuine account of his pioneering adventure underlines his resilience and grit against any obstacle he faced. His story is highly impactful and we found it inspiring to deliver more passion, energy and a collaborative spirit."
"Recently, Paris visited our offices and delivered a keynote speech that left a profound impression on all of us. It was more than a talk—it was a moment of deep resonance. With eloquence, humility, and piercing insight, he invited us to reflect not only on leadership and business, but on what it means to truly live with purpose… One of the most powerful themes he shared was grit—not as a superficial buzzword, but as a sacred force."
"We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Paris Norriss to speak on "The Grit Code", and his message couldn't have come at a better time… His stories weren't just motivational, they were tactical, relatable, and immediately applicable. Our team walked away with renewed energy and clarity, particularly in areas such as staying focused under pressure, thinking beyond setbacks, and maintaining purpose even in the toughest moments."
"Paris captivates audiences with his fascinating insights and shares personal, real-life experiences from his incredible adventures. His ability to connect with people and inspire them through storytelling sets him apart as a keynote speaker… He has a unique talent for making profound lessons accessible and relatable, leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to hear him speak."
Watch the showreel
Keynote topics
The Grit Code. My flagship keynote breaks grit down into habits that teams can practise, using stories from the ocean, the ice and the start line, with tools people can use the next working day.
The age of AI needs more grit. A variation for organisations working through technology change. As tools take on more of our hard tasks, the human edge is the ability to keep going when the plan breaks.
Grit and change management. For teams in restructuring, growth or a new strategy, a version I have delivered for Nokia.
7 marathons, 7 continents. A story-led keynote about planning, endurance and teamwork under extreme pressure, delivered at events such as IHG Ignite.
The Grit Generation. A programme that helps students meet difficulty as something they have trained for.
Who I speak to in Bath and Somerset
- Schools. Millfield shaped me, and The Grit Generation programme brings The Grit Code to students across the county.
- Universities. Students, researchers and staff at the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.
- Sport. Clubs, academies and performance staff. As a former county athletics captain, I speak their language.
- Tech and engineering. Product and engineering teams in Bath's software and electronics businesses.
- Heritage and hospitality. Visitor-economy teams in one of Britain's best-known destinations.
- Business groups and charities. Dinners, award nights and fundraising events across Somerset.
Global clients
Clients include DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG and the UN Tourism General Assembly, and Durlston Partners in London.
Where Bath meets
Georgian halls, the Pump Room and the two university campuses host the city's dinners and conferences. The Guildhall, built in 1775 to 1778, has a banqueting room for formal events, and the Assembly Rooms sit close to the Circus and the Royal Crescent.
Formats
- The Grit Code keynote, 45 to 60 minutes.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop, 90 minutes to half a day.
- After-dinner talk or host, for dinners, award nights and charity events.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes.
Booking Paris in Bath
Send your date and audience through the enquiry form or WhatsApp. We hold a briefing call, I shape the talk around your organisation, and on the day I arrive early and work with your team. UK organisers typically book about three months ahead, so get in touch early to secure your date.
FAQ
Is Paris Norriss from Bath?
Yes. He was born in Bath, calls it his home town and grew up in Somerset.
Which school did Paris go to?
Millfield School in Somerset.
Did Paris compete in athletics?
Yes. He was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association.
Does Paris speak at schools in Somerset?
Yes. The Grit Generation programme brings The Grit Code to students.
Can Paris speak to sports clubs?
Yes. His keynote draws on county athletics, 7 marathons on 7 continents and a Pacific row, and suits clubs, academies and performance staff.
What is The Grit Code?
Paris's signature keynote: a practical method for building perseverance that teams can use at work.
Can Paris give an after-dinner talk?
Yes. He gives after-dinner talks and can host award nights and charity events.
Where else in the UK does Paris speak?
Across the UK, including London, where he spoke for Durlston Partners, and Edinburgh, where he studied and has spoken at the University of Edinburgh.
How far ahead should we book?
About three months is typical for UK events.
Your Bath audience, fired up
Ask about availability, or book a call, and we will come back to you with availability.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · TV shows · Contact