The event
In September 2026, Paris Norriss visited Horizon International School in Dubai to talk to a group of aspiring adventurers. “There’s something special about speaking to the next generation of adventurers,” he wrote.
What Paris spoke about
Paris told the story of rowing across the Pacific Ocean: 39 days at sea, thousands of kilometres of open water, huge setbacks, and plenty of moments when continuing would have been much easier to talk about than to do.
The message he wanted students to leave with was that adventure doesn’t start on the start line. It starts the moment you decide to attempt something that feels slightly beyond you.
The audience
The part Paris enjoyed most wasn’t telling the story. It was seeing the curiosity in the room. The students were full of questions about preparation, fear, resilience, teamwork and what it actually takes to turn an ambitious idea into reality.
He thanked the school for having him and the students for their brilliant energy and questions. “Hopefully there were a few future explorers, athletes and adventurers sitting in that audience.”
Talks for schools
Paris works with schools through The Grit Generation, his programme for young people that builds grit, a growth mindset and entrepreneurial thinking.
About The Grit Code keynote
The Grit Code is built on real stories from extreme environments. Paris rowed 4,800km across the Pacific Ocean in 2023 with the Brothers N Oars crew, a row that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation. He also ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
From those experiences he draws practical lessons on purpose, vision, limiting beliefs, adapting a plan and keeping a clear head under pressure. He has delivered the keynote for audiences including the UN Tourism General Assembly, TEDx Amman, COP28, Expo 2020, DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Durlston Partners in London and Surfbreak in Honolulu. Every talk starts with a briefing call, so the stories connect to your theme, your industry and the challenges your people are facing right now.
“Adventure doesn’t start when you cross an ocean, climb a mountain or stand on a start line. It starts the moment you decide to attempt something that feels slightly beyond you.”
— Paris Norriss on LinkedIn
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Want Paris for your own conference or leadership event? Read more about The Grit Code, see more past speaking events or send an enquiry. Planning an event in the region? See Paris as a keynote speaker in the UAE.
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