Mark Kalch is an experienced explorer who’s determination and thirst for adventure have lead him to plan and carry out several expeditions. Born in Australia, Mark trained as a guide, leading clients on river-rafting and climbing trips all over the world. In the last 12 years he has walked the length of the Omo River in Southern Ethiopia, rafted down the mighty Amazon River from its source in the Peruvian Andes to the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Brazil, run rivers in Southern Africa, trekked in the Andes of Peru, forged trails through dense jungles in East Africa and explored deserted tropical islands off the coast of Australia by sea-kayak.

"Amazing! Risk management takes on a whole new meaning when your very life is on the line.  The parallels you drew were simply outstanding and thoroughly examined.  Bravo!"
Alan Tait, Rio Tinto Limited

This autumn Mark will be setting out on a new expedition, walking solo and unsupported from the northernmost point of the Islamic Republic of Iran to its most southerly border in the Persian Gulf. Mark’s goal is to see the real Iran, to dispel the negative view of the country perpetuated in the media and by governments. In his own words, “I travel there to live amongst it’s people, journey through it’s amazing geography and experience what was, once upon time, the greatest empire on earth.”

Mark running some heavy rapids on the Apurimac River, Peruvian Andes

Marks experiences of planning small, unsupported expeditions into the wilderness, far from any help and with only himself and his team to rely on, has given him an incredible insight into successful team dynamics, leadership and risk management. On his Amazon adventure alone (a successful human powered, source to sea journey of the Amazon River) Mark faced acute mountain sickness, dysentery, turbulent whitewater, 30 km wide tidal river waters and being shot at by both the military and narco-terrorists. After the team medic was struck down with a mystery virus and forced to return home, Mark and his other team mate were left to row the remaining 4500km between them, at times rowing 24 hours a day in alternating 6 hour shifts to reach their goal.

Mark’s ability to apply his experiences to a business framework has made him a popular speaker. As he explains:

“I love taking people away from the world they know, on a journey to unknown lands - be it the dense jungle of Southern Ethiopia, on the mighty Amazon River or across the globe. More than anything, I love being able to share the insights, strategies and lessons I have learned from these expeditions. When I take the stage, my goal is always the same: to give each audience member a bolstered sense of what is possible, what they can achieve.”

Mark is an inspirational and engaging speaker with experience of speaking to a range of audiences, from corporate clients to school children. If you are interesting in booking Mark, please contact us.