Joe Simpson

Writer and mountaineer, Joe Simpson, has a fascinating story to tell. Joe’s climb up the unconquered route of Siula Grande in Peru with his climbing partner (Simon Yates) became a nightmare when he shattered his leg, hung on a rope over an overhanging rock (unable to contact his partner), and then finally was left for dead down a deep crevasse.
Joe’s story is one of remarkable courage and determination, and although he tells it with self-deprecating humour, his example is awe-inspiring as he dragged himself back to the base camp against all the odds.

Joe was born in Kuala Lumpa in 1960. As a child, Joe moved several times in Europe because his father was in the British Army. It was while he was at Edinburgh University studying English Literature that Joe discovered the thrills and dangers of climbing.

Following his life-changing experiences on Siula Grande, Joe was determined to climb again and he has worked all over the world as a mountaineering guide and he has also built a successful career as an author, writing several fascinating books. Among Joe’s acclaimed publications are ‘The Beckoning Silence’ and ‘Touching the Void’: the latter was a best-seller translated into 14 languages and won the Boardman Tasker Prize (1988), NCR Non-fiction Award (1989), Deutches Literaturpries (1990), and Premio del libro do Montagna (1993). Joe is also the author of the novel ‘The Water People’ and non-fiction works such as ‘This Game of Ghosts’, ‘Storms of Silence’ and ‘Dark Shadows Falling’.

To date all his books have been short-listed for the Boardman Tasker Prize. As a professional speaker, Joe brings his knowledge and powerful stories to the corporate sector in an amazingly inspirational presentation that can be tailored to provide relevance and motivation for virtually every type of business audience. His presentations can be focused on a variety of topics including: – Teamwork, Leadership, Personal development, Risk assessment, Management style, and Training. An excellent “Conference Speaker.”

Bromford Housing Group
“Without doubt we were unanimous in voting Joe Simpson's presentation, outstanding, the best item of the day, one of the most moving, perception changing and interesting events of the year- we are all buying the book!”

Prime Health
“Joe really captivated the audience and was a refreshing change to the motivational speakers we have had in the past. Everyone without exception was impressed by his performance, and given the opportunity, we would certainly use him again”

Hoechst Marion Roussel
“I am writing to heap enormous praise on Joe Simpson for the incredible presentations he gave at our conferences. Joe completely absorbed the briefing and showed true professionalism in relating the story of his disaster in Peru to our Conference theme of 'Success is about Choice not Chance'. He stayed on to answer many questions and mixed with delegates who were bowled over by the incredible nature of the story and the humility of the man”

Project Manager, Russell Investment
“I’m still on site in Las Vegas, but I wanted to send you a quick message to let you know we had rave reviews from all of our clients. Joe is truly one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to meet. We are already talking about booking him for next year.”

Director, Russell Investment
“There is no question that your talk was superbly delivered, was the highlight of the conference and that our clients walked away impressed.”

Customer Service Manager, Abbott Diagnostics
“Joe Simpson flew in from the USA, shrugging off jet lag, he proceeded to captivate our entire sales and service teams, holding them in the palm of their hand and taking them on an emotional roller coaster ride from shock, horror to humour. We were all overawed and inspired by Joe’s amazing story. Needless to say we will be beating a path to the bookstore to buy Joe’s recently released book, The Beckoning Silence.”

Executive Director – Human Resources, St James's Place
“Many, many thanks for your excellent contribution to our Double