A keynote speaker with West Country roots, from Millfield to the Pacific
Paris Norriss is British-born and British-educated, and his story starts in the West Country. He was born in Bath, grew up outdoors on the grounds of Longleat, went to Millfield School in Somerset and was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association. Today he is a keynote speaker on grit and mindset and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, and The Grit Code draws on a journey that took him from Somerset athletics tracks to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Where the grit started
Paris spent most of his childhood outside, and sport came early. He won a scholarship to Millfield School, where he competed as a decathlete. The decathlon rewards consistency across ten disciplines rather than brilliance in one, and that idea became the foundation of how he thinks about grit. As captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association, he learned early what it means to lead a team and to keep training through wet West Country winters when no one is watching.
From Somerset he went to Edinburgh University, graduating in 2008 with an MA (Hons) in Business Studies, worked briefly in the City of London and then moved to Dubai, where he has built his career ever since.
The Grit Code
The keynote is built on real stories from extreme environments:
- Rowing the Pacific. In 2023, Paris and the Brothers N Oars crew rowed 4,800km from Monterey, California, to Kauai, Hawaii, in 39 days. They faced 40-foot waves, a flooded cabin and a cargo ship turning towards them, and raised more than £150,000 for the Blue Marine Foundation.
- Seven marathons, seven continents. In February 2025 he completed the World Marathon Challenge in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- Building a business. As founder and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, Paris has learned first-hand how pressure, uncertainty and setbacks shape people and companies.
From those stories he draws practical lessons on purpose, vision, limiting beliefs, adapting a plan and keeping a clear head under pressure.
For organisations in Somerset and the South West
The Grit Code works for leadership offsites, company conferences, sales kick-offs, schools and sports clubs across the region, from Taunton, Yeovil and Wells to Bath and Bristol. For schools and young athletes, Paris's own path, from Millfield and county athletics to oceans and continents, makes the message personal: grit is built, one training session at a time. For businesses, he connects the same lessons to leading teams through change.
UK credentials
Paris has delivered The Grit Code in London for Durlston Partners and has spoken at Edinburgh University. He is an active member of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai, keeping close ties with British business.
"Paris gave my team a gripping talk on grit in London this Summer, filled with his real life stories and passion for adventure."
Booking for the West Country
Paris is based in the UAE and travels to the UK for engagements. For UK events, about three months' notice is ideal, so travel can be combined with other UK engagements. A virtual keynote of 30–45 minutes is available if travel is not possible.
From Longleat and Millfield to the world stage
Paris grew up on the grounds of Longleat in Wiltshire and has deep West Country roots that organisers in Somerset and the wider South West recognise. He presents as a British local on UK stages, not as a visitor. The Grit Code still draws on the same expeditions he uses worldwide: 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, and the 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km.
He studied at Edinburgh University, specialising in finance, and is CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries.
Business, education and community
- Company conferences and leadership offsites across Somerset, Bristol and Bath.
- Schools, colleges and university events.
- Charity dinners and community celebrations.
- Sales kick-offs and industry association days.
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly. Paris is also an ambassador for the charity Gulf for Good.
In person across the West Country
Share the date, venue and audience. Paris briefs on the outcome you want, then delivers a 45–60 minute keynote or a longer workshop. He can also host as MC. For the wider UK map see keynote speaker locations.
FAQ
Is Paris Norriss from Somerset?
He was born in Bath, grew up in the West Country, went to Millfield School in Somerset and was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association.
Has Paris spoken in Somerset before?
Not yet. His recent UK keynotes include Durlston Partners in London and a talk at Edinburgh University, and he welcomes West Country bookings.
How much notice is needed for a UK booking?
About three months is ideal, because Paris travels from the UAE and combines UK dates where possible.
Does he speak to schools and sports clubs?
Yes. His story from Millfield and county athletics to ocean rowing resonates with young athletes, and he runs The Grit Generation programme for schools.
Is a virtual keynote available?
Yes, a 30–45 minute virtual keynote can be delivered live to UK audiences.
Is Paris from the West Country?
Yes. He grew up on the grounds of Longleat in Wiltshire and presents as a British local on UK stages.
Does he speak across Somerset and the South West?
Yes. He speaks at business, education and community events across the region.
Is a workshop available?
Yes. The Grit Deconstruction workshop runs from 90 minutes to half a day.
Can Paris host as MC?
Yes.
Who has Paris spoken for?
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
Bring grit to your next event
Tell us the date, the city, the audience and what you want them to walk out with. You will get a straight answer on availability and fit. Prefer to talk first? Book a call.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · Contact