Grit keynotes for Raleigh and the Research Triangle
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and a corner of the Research Triangle. Paris brings The Grit Code to its tech and research teams.
The Triangle
Raleigh is North Carolina’s capital. With Durham and Chapel Hill it forms the Research Triangle, home to Research Triangle Park.
NC State University and the area’s other universities feed a large tech and life-sciences workforce.
Research takes years; grit is what keeps teams going. Paris ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Who Paris speaks to in Raleigh
Tech and software
Keynotes for product teams.
Life sciences
Talks for research teams.
Universities
Sessions for students and faculty.
State government
Keynotes for public-service leaders.
Rooms and stages
The Raleigh Convention Center hosts tech, research and association events.
- Raleigh Convention Center – downtown
- Research Triangle Park venues – between Raleigh and Durham
Pick the format
Most Raleigh organisers book the 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote. Teams that want depth add a Grit Deconstruction workshop of 90 minutes to half a day, remote audiences get a 30–45 minute virtual version, and Paris can also host and moderate full-day events. Compare formats →
Why audiences believe him
5 days, 21 hours, 51 minutes
The time it took Paris to run 7 marathons on 7 continents: Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
More than £150,000 raised
For marine conservation, by rowing 4,800 km across the Pacific in 2023.
Read about the Founders Dubai AI fireside chat Paris hosted. Founders Dubai AI fireside chat · The Grit Code keynote
On stage or on screen
Available for in-person events in Raleigh, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers typically book US speakers three to five months ahead, and shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is worth asking.
See also keynote speaker in the USA, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
An adventurer with American chapters
Paris Norriss's biggest adventure ended in the United States. With the Brothers N Oars crew he rowed 4,800 km from California to Hawaii in 39 days, 4 hours and 28 minutes, as part of a self-supported, unassisted team in the World's Toughest Row. The row raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation, and Paris went on to live in Hawaii for three months.
In 2025 he delivered his keynote to the US Army at Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor, and he has spoken at Surfbreak in Honolulu. Miami was one of the stops when he ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
For Raleigh conferences, sales kick-offs and leadership offsites, The Grit Code turns those experiences into practical habits: purpose, vision, challenging limiting beliefs, adapting the plan and keeping a clear head under pressure. Organisers in the US typically book speakers three to five months ahead, and Paris also delivers 30 to 45-minute virtual keynotes in your time zone.
Raleigh’s economy and who the talk is for
Raleigh has a population of about 467,665 (2020 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
Raleigh is the head-office city for organisations such as Red Hat (software industry), First Citizens BancShares (economics of banking) and Martin Marietta Materials (mining).
Technology and software (Red Hat). For software and tech companies, the talk focuses on resilience during constant change, including the shift to AI. As CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company, Paris speaks from inside that change rather than about it.
Banking and financial services (First Citizens BancShares). Financial services teams often ask for a keynote that respects their intelligence. The Grit Code uses real numbers (5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes for 7 marathons; 4,800 km rowed) to show how high performers manage risk, fatigue and decision-making under pressure.
Mining (Martin Marietta Materials). Mining and resources teams work in tough environments where endurance matters. Paris’s stories from the Antarctic marathon and the Pacific row translate directly to remote-site and safety audiences.
Other large venues in Raleigh
Beyond the main conference halls, Raleigh also has large venues for major events, including Lenovo Center, Dorton Arena, Reynolds Coliseum and Federal Building.
Paris is comfortable on any stage, from an arena to a boardroom, and can also host the main stage as MC. Event host and MC →
How a Grit Code session works
- Before the event, Paris speaks with the organiser about the audience and the outcome they want.
- On the day, the 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote mixes adventure film, stories and practical tools.
- Afterwards, teams can go deeper with a Grit Deconstruction workshop of 90 minutes to half a day.
The content is shaped around Raleigh organisations and their goals, so the room hears examples that match its own challenges. Paris presents as an adventurer and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, not as a theorist.
Where the talk fits in Raleigh
In Raleigh, the most common bookings fall into a few groups:
- Kick-off meetings for new financial years, projects or teams.
- Industry association conferences and trade-show main stages.
- Executive retreats that pair the keynote with a Grit Deconstruction workshop.
- Hybrid all-hands meetings with a virtual version for remote staff.
Credentials at a glance
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
- His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
- Past speaking clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in Raleigh?
Yes. He is available for Raleigh conferences, offsites and leadership events, on site or online.
Does Paris speak to tech audiences?
Yes. He has hosted founder and AI events and spoken for Nokia.
Has Paris spoken in the United States?
Yes. He delivered his keynote to the US Army at Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor, in 2025 and has spoken at Surfbreak in Honolulu.
How far ahead should US events book Paris?
Organisers in the US typically book speakers three to five months ahead. Virtual keynotes can often be arranged at shorter notice.
Which Raleigh industries is The Grit Code suited to?
The keynote is tailored to each sector. In Raleigh it suits technology and software, banking and financial services and mining audiences in particular, along with leadership teams, sales kick-offs and all-hands meetings in any industry.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Raleigh?
Yes. The Grit Deconstruction workshop runs from 90 minutes to half a day and turns the keynote’s ideas into team habits and actions.
Can the keynote be delivered online for teams in Raleigh?
Yes. A 30–45 minute virtual version is available for remote or hybrid audiences, delivered in your local time zone.
Who has Paris spoken for?
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Planning an event in Raleigh?
Tell us about the room and the date. You can also book a call.