Inspirational. Business

Based: Johannesburg

Alex Harris is an athlete whose interests are varied and unique. He has been climbing mountains for two decades and has led more than 20 expeditions to some of the furthest corners of the planet. In 1996, Alex resigned from a career in sales and followed his passion for exploration. Within the year he led his first expedition to Mount Everest. He has climbed the seven summits, the highest mountains on all seven continents, and has led expeditions to both the north and the south side of Everest. He is also a multiple South African Track cycling champion and in 2006 won a silver medal at the World Masters Track cycling champs. On the 17th January 2008, Alex became the first African to walk unsupported to the South Pole, a journey that took 65 days and covered almost 1200km. Alex still has all his toes! Just…

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
Alex started his business career with the Hospitality Group International, and within the first year, became the number one salesman for Southern Africa. By 1996, with a chance to go to Mount Everest, he resigned and turned his passion for the mountains into a profession, by starting a mountain guiding business. Through this he not only guided people up some of the world’s highest mountains, but also motivated schools and organizations – through speaking and writing about his experiences. Alex combines his experiences in business and the mountains to draw life-changing and relevant parallels to both organizational teams and individuals. His experience is varied, interesting and unique. In 2012, Alex started Xplore, a brand focusing on providing authentic experiences to iconic places.

Alex has a BA in Sport Psychology (Cum Laude) and graduated top of his class from the University of Johannesburg.