George King Speaker

George King Keynote Speaker

  • Scaled London’s 310 m Shard aged 19 (2019)
  • Free-climbed Seoul’s 555 m Lotte World Tower (2023)
  • Channel 4 host & 8.4 M-view doc The Boy Who Climbed The Shard

George King's Biography

George King, widely recognised as The Shard Climber, is a young pioneer in the world of extreme sports and urban free climbing.

His most talked-about achievement was scaling London’s iconic Shard in 2019 at the age of just 19, a stunt that catapulted him into the global spotlight.

George King BASE jumps from the buildings he climbs, using a parachute to descend safely to the ground. He has also climbed the Lotte Tower in Seoul, South Korea, and the Stratosphere Tower in London, Copenhill, and Copenhagen, Denmark.

With each climb, George King has further confirmed his reputation as a daredevil urban climber.

As a result of his radical feats and likeable, down-to-earth character, George has gained work as a TV presenter for Channel 4, presenting two extreme sports specials. In 2020, George was featured in a Channel 4 documentary called The Boy Who Climbed The Shard. It has currently gained an extraordinary 1.6M views on YouTube.

A popular and engaging speaker, George talks openly on fear management, touching on the theme of neurodiversity, specifically ADHD, with his first-hand knowledge of the subject.

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George King's Speaking Topics

  • Fear Management

As a speaker, George focuses on the techniques used to control his mind and body in situations of extreme stress (including visualisation, mindfulness and disciplined physical preparation). He discusses how these strategies can be adapted to help anyone confront and conquer their fears for overcoming personal challenges, navigating tricky professional environments or conquering daunting physical endeavours.

  • Harnessing Mental Toughness

George illustrates the importance of mental resilience through his captivating stories of urban climbing and BASE jumping. His talks demonstrate how to cultivate mental toughness, which can be crucial for overcoming daunting challenges and achieving personal goals.

  • Transforming Disabilities into Strengths

George shares his personal journey with ADHD, including the challenges he faced in traditional educational settings and the subsequent misjudgments of his capabilities. His experience illustrates how perceived limitations, like neurodiversity, can be transformed into unique strengths, providing a powerful narrative on embracing individual differences.

  • Peak Performance

This topic explores the physical and mental preparation required to perform at one’s best in any field. George delves into his rigorous training regimens, the importance of discipline, and the strategies he employs to push beyond his limits. He offers insights into how these principles can be applied to achieve peak performance in various aspects of life, from career ambitions to personal goals.

  • Innovative Thinking and Risk Management

George discusses the importance of innovative thinking and risk management in extreme sports and beyond. He shares how he assesses risks, makes critical decisions under pressure, and leverages creativity to navigate challenges. This speech is particularly relevant for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to enhance their decision-making skills in high-stakes situations.

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Why Book George King as a speaker?

  • He catapulted into the global spotlight by free climbing London’s Shard in 2019 at the age of 19, giving audiences a rare first-hand account of operating under extreme pressure.

  • He pairs urban free climbing with BASE jumping, translating meticulous preparation and risk control into practical lessons on decision-making when the margin for error is zero.

  • He brings international credibility from high-profile climbs including Seoul’s Lotte World Tower, showing leaders how to stay composed, adaptive and focused in unfamiliar environments.

  • He connects viscerally with audiences through broadcast storytelling, having fronted Channel 4 extreme sports specials and featured in The Boy Who Climbed The Shard.

  • He speaks candidly about fear management and neurodiversity, using his experience with ADHD to help teams reframe pressure, channel energy and perform with greater control.

Videos of George King

The Boy Who Climbed The Shard
Climbing The Shard: One man’s dance with death
Shard Climber Showreel
Meet the Urban Explorer Who Climbed The Shard

Comments & Testimonials

“George King was one of the most incredible and impactful speakers we’ve ever had at HubDot. His story is so powerful, and his delivery style is engaging and deeply human. His words captivated the entire audience, leaving us all eager to work on our ‘fears’ and follow his advice on transforming them into superpowers. I wholeheartedly recommend George to any organization or group, regardless of age, interested in exploring a universal feeling we all want to overcome and control.”
Simona Barbieri HubDot Founder
“There is something quite heroic about George King. This nation was built on daredevils and I think it is that buccaneering spirit that we have probably lost over the years. I admire the spirit and it is what made this country great.”
Piers Morgan
“During Neurodiversity Week, we had the pleasure of welcoming George King. His discussion on overcoming fear to scale some of the tallest buildings in the world, alongside his candid sharing about living with ADHD, was inspiring. George captivated the audience from start to finish, effortlessly weaving his personal experiences into an engaging narrative. His talk wasn’t just informative; it was an immersive experience. What started as an internal fireside chat, quickly transformed into a lively exchange of ideas. We’re grateful to George for sharing his unique perspective.”
Nicole Vettise Neuberger Berman
“His speech was really good and he captivated the audience with his dreams / aspirations and of climbing the Shard. We all felt we were with him on that day! He was perfect for our students and I think the parents appreciated him encouraging them to have their own dreams, but to choose things that would not get them into any trouble!!”
Uxbridge College
"George’s workshop was inspiring, engaging, and deeply honest. His insights into fear, resilience, and neurodiversity encouraged important discussions and left a lasting impact on our team."
NHS

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