Keynote Speaker in the UK: Paris Norriss
Paris Norriss is a British keynote speaker on grit and mindset, an adventure TV presenter and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios. Born in Bath and raised in Somerset, he was educated at Millfield School and the University of Edinburgh. He rowed the Pacific, ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in under six days, and has spoken for DHL, Nokia, UN Tourism and Durlston Partners in London.
British born, British educated
I was born in Bath, which I still call my home town, and I grew up in Somerset. I went to Millfield School, and I was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association. From there I went to the University of Edinburgh, studying from 2004 to 2008 and graduating with an MA (Hons) in Business Studies. I then worked in the City of London for a short time before my career took a very different turn into adventure and television.
So when I speak to a British audience, I am not an outsider looking in. I know the humour, the understatement and the healthy suspicion of anyone who sounds too much like a motivational poster. The Grit Code is built for exactly that kind of room.
From the athletics track to the Pacific
Athletics was where I first learned that talent only gets you to the start line. What happens after that comes down to training, recovering and turning up again, and that idea runs through everything I have done since.
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.
These are not stories told for applause. They are evidence that grit, the mix of passion and perseverance behind long-term achievement, can be built, and the keynote shows teams how.
Why UK organisations book The Grit Code
UK teams are being asked to do more with less: tighter budgets, stretched people and change that never seems to stop. The organisations that come through are the ones whose people keep moving when the short-term picture looks bleak. The Grit Code gives them a shared language for pressure and a practical method for staying the course, with tools they can use the next working day.
In August 2025 I delivered The Grit Code in London for Durlston Partners. As I put it then, in high-pressure environments grit and resilience are a daily requirement, not something saved for a crisis.
Television and business
I presented Guy in Dubai for four seasons and 26 episodes on Dubai Television, a series with more than 22 million views. My shows have aired on networks and airlines including OSN, Emirates and Etihad Airways, and are distributed in 123 countries. Recent work includes 39 Days to Paradise, released in 2026, and Guy in the Sky, which is in production now.
I founded Blazing Sand Studios in 2019 and lead it as CEO. Running a production company means hiring, pitching, managing cash flow and delivering to deadlines, so the keynote is grounded in the realities leaders face. I am also an active member of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (formerly the British Business Group), part of the network of British businesses working internationally.
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
Keynotes for UK events
The Grit Code. The flagship keynote: resilience, mental toughness and high performance, built from the Pacific, the ice and the start line.
The age of AI needs more grit. With AI taking on more of our hard tasks, the skill that never goes out of date is the ability to keep going when the plan breaks.
Grit and change management. For organisations in restructuring or transformation, a version I have delivered for Nokia.
Grit Deconstruction workshop. A 90 minute to half-day session for leadership teams and sales groups that maps where a team breaks under pressure and builds a plan to fix it.
The Grit Generation. A programme for schools and universities.
Global clients
Clients include DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG and the UN Tourism General Assembly, along with Durlston Partners in London.
Speaking around the UK
- London, where I worked in the City and spoke for Durlston Partners. Keynote speaker in London →
- Bath and Somerset, my home town and the county I grew up in. Keynote speaker in Bath →
- Edinburgh, where I studied at the University of Edinburgh. Keynote speaker in Edinburgh →
- Everywhere else in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, from Manchester and Birmingham to Cardiff and Belfast, I cover from this page. Tell me about your event wherever it is.
Formats
- Keynote, 45 to 60 minutes, for conferences, annual meetings and sales kick-offs.
- Workshop, 90 minutes to half a day.
- Host, MC or panel moderator, drawing on years of presenting TV.
- Virtual keynote, 30 to 45 minutes, live in your time zone.
How booking works
- Send your date and audience through the enquiry form or WhatsApp.
- Briefing call to agree the theme and the outcome you want.
- A tailored keynote with examples your people will recognise.
- On the day, I arrive early, 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
Is Paris Norriss British?
Yes. He was born in Bath, grew up in Somerset and was educated at Millfield School and the University of Edinburgh.
Where did Paris go to university?
The University of Edinburgh, from 2004 to 2008, graduating with an MA (Hons) in Business Studies.
Has Paris worked in the City of London?
Yes, for a short time after university, before his career moved into adventure and television.
Was Paris an athlete?
Yes. He was captain of the Somerset County Athletics Association, and he later ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Has Paris spoken in the UK?
Yes. In August 2025 he delivered The Grit Code in London for Durlston Partners.
Which organisations has Paris worked with?
DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG and the UN Tourism General Assembly, among others.
What is The Grit Code?
Paris's signature keynote: a practical method for building perseverance, drawn from rowing the Pacific and running 7 marathons on 7 continents.
Which TV shows has Paris made?
Guy in Dubai, 39 Days to Paradise (2026) and Guy in the Sky, which is in production.
How far ahead should we book?
UK organisers typically book about three months ahead.
Can the keynote be delivered virtually?
Yes. A 30 to 45 minute virtual keynote is available, live in your time zone.
Bring grit to your next UK 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