Keynote Speaker in London: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a British keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. He began his career in the City of London, and in August 2025 he delivered The Grit Code in London for Durlston Partners. He has rowed the Pacific and run 7 marathons on 7 continents in under six days.
Where it started: the City
After graduating from the University of Edinburgh with an MA (Hons) in Business Studies, I went to work in the City of London. I was only there for a short time, but it was long enough to understand how London's financial and professional world works: the early starts, the pressure to deliver, and the culture of people who are very good at what they do and expect the same from everyone around them.
I left to build a career in adventure and television, but I never lost respect for that world. When I speak to a London audience in finance or professional services, I know the room. The pressure they face is different from an ocean, but the question is the same: what keeps you performing when the easy option is to stop?
Durlston Partners
In August 2025 I delivered The Grit Code to the team at Durlston Partners in London, a smart team working in a high-pressure environment. The keynote centred on one idea: in high-pressure environments, grit and resilience are a daily requirement. For a team like that, grit is not something you save for a crisis. It is the habit of showing up, adapting and keeping standards high, day after day.
Built for London's busiest rooms
London runs on some of the most demanding work cultures anywhere: the trading floors and advisory firms of the City and Canary Wharf, fast-scaling tech companies, and agencies and studios that live deadline to deadline. Talent is everywhere. What separates teams is how they respond when the pressure does not let up.
That capacity has a name. Grit, the mix of passion and perseverance that keeps people working towards a long-term goal, is not fixed. The Grit Code breaks it into habits that can be trained, and gives London audiences, who have heard every motivational cliché going, something concrete instead: stories with the miles behind them, and tools to use the next morning.
The stories behind the talk
7 marathons, 7 continents. Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes. It is a story about planning, recovery and teamwork as much as running.
The Pacific row. In 2023 I rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates and raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation. Four people in a small boat, with no way to walk out of a bad day, is a fair model of a team under pressure.
A business of my own. I founded Blazing Sand Studios in 2019 and lead it as CEO. My shows, including Guy in Dubai, with more than 22 million views, are distributed in 123 countries. Recent work includes 39 Days to Paradise (2026) and Guy in the Sky, now in production. Running a studio keeps the keynote grounded in hiring, cash flow, deadlines and change.
A British speaker, start to finish
I was born in Bath, grew up in Somerset, went to Millfield School and was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association before university in Edinburgh. I am also an active member of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (formerly the British Business Group). My style is straight-talking and humorous, which tends to suit London audiences who are wary of hype.
What organisers say
"Paris gave my team a gripping talk on grit in London this Summer, filled with his real life stories and passion for adventure. The impact was super positive and something my team can relate to and use on a daily basis to not only overcome any challenges using the grit code but also help perform at their peak as elite head hunters in a super competitive market. Thank you, Paris!"
"Paris took us through his incredible journey of not only his risky extreme adventures, but also how those helped him form who he is today, how he built his successful businesses and indeed the true power of grit & resilience. Highly recommend getting Paris along to inspire & uplift any team!"
"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
Who I speak to in London
- Financial and professional services. Conferences, partner meetings and offsites for banks, funds, recruiters and advisory firms in the City and Canary Wharf.
- Tech and scale-ups. All-hands and kick-offs for teams growing fast and changing direction often. The age of AI needs more grit, a variation of the keynote, works well here.
- Leadership offsites. A shared language for pressure and a plan for leading through change.
- Associations and industry conferences. A main-stage story with real expedition footage for delegates.
- Sales kick-offs. Energy and focus for the year ahead, with a method for the months when targets feel out of reach.
Global clients
Clients include Durlston Partners, DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Where London meets
I speak at venues of every size, from a boardroom in the Square Mile to a main stage. London's major conference venues include ExCeL London in the Royal Docks, the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, Olympia London in Kensington and the Business Design Centre in Islington.
Formats
- The Grit Code keynote, 45 to 60 minutes.
- Grit Deconstruction workshop, 90 minutes to half a day, for leadership and sales teams.
- Host, MC or panel moderator, drawing on years of presenting TV. I am a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes, live in your time zone.
Booking Paris in London
Send your date, venue and audience by enquiry form or WhatsApp. We hold a briefing call, I tailor the stories to your organisation and sector, and on the day I arrive early to check the AV and work with your team. UK organisers typically book speakers about three months ahead, so get in touch early to secure your date.
FAQ
Has Paris Norriss spoken in London?
Yes. In August 2025 he delivered The Grit Code in London for Durlston Partners.
Has Paris worked in London?
Yes. He worked in the City of London for a short time after university, before moving into adventure and television.
Is the keynote suitable for financial services audiences?
Yes. It was delivered to Durlston Partners, and Paris's own background in the City and in business studies means he understands high-pressure finance cultures.
Is Paris British?
Yes. He was born in Bath, grew up in Somerset and was educated at Millfield School and the University of Edinburgh.
What is The Grit Code?
A practical keynote on building perseverance, drawn from rowing the Pacific and running 7 marathons on 7 continents.
Is there a version for tech teams?
Yes. The age of AI needs more grit is a variation of The Grit Code for organisations working through technology change.
Can Paris host or MC our London event?
Yes. As a TV presenter he hosts conferences, panels and fireside chats.
Which venues does Paris speak at?
Any size, from boardrooms to main stages such as ExCeL London, the QEII Centre and Olympia London.
How far ahead should we book?
About three months is typical for UK events.
Can the talk be delivered virtually?
Yes. A 30 to 45 minute virtual keynote is available.
Bring grit to your next London event
Share your date and audience, or book a call, and we will come back to you with availability.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · TV shows · Contact