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Keynote SpeakerAlex Honnold

Greatest rock climber of all time

Keynote SpeakerAlex Honnold

Greatest rock climber of all time

Star of The National Geographic documentary Free Solo
Founder of the Honnold Foundation, an environmental non-profit
Profiled by 60 Minutes, the New York Times, featured on the cover of National Geographic, appeared in international television commercials and starred in numerous adventure films including the Emmy-nominated “Alone on the Wall.
Speaking Fee: $100,000
Travel Buyout: Dependent on Location

Determination, Preparation, Risk Assessment

Alex Honnold is a true risk-taker. And he’s now set himself apart as the greatest rock climber of all time. On June 3rd, 2017 Alex began his ascent of the 3,000 foot vertical granite cliff El Capitan in Yosemite National Park with no ropes and no room for error. If he had slipped, he would have fallen to his death. 3 hours and 56 minutes later, he was celebrating a perfect execution.

The result of this death-defying climb into nature was an Academy Award in 2019 for the National Geographic documentary Free Solo. The film was directed by award-winning filmmakers Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi and Jimmy Chin, who followed Alex for over two years as he prepared for this climb of his life.

But the preparation for this climb took much more than 2 years.

THE SPEECH:

Alex Honnold’s multi-media keynote begins with a 30-second clip of what he calls “the best day of my life.” In 30 seconds on the face of the monolith 3,000 foot El Capitan, Alex ascends about 10 inches. The most important thing to Alex on that day was that he felt as comfortable as a walk in the park–which is what most people at Yosemite were doing that day.

As preparation is the key to any valued outcome, Alex then shares how he planned for this most important summit of his life on El Capitan, and how a free solo summit of the smaller Half Dome was an important part of this preparation. Half Dome is the famed 2,000 foot half-circular rock formation that helps to brand Yosemite National Park and acts as its landmark mountain. As Alex describes this similar but shorter climb that was 8 years prior to his now famous ascent, he shares how he hit a perilous point in that climb where he didn’t have an answer. It was a foothold that he didn’t trust. After a series of panicked moments which seemed like hours as he could hear tourists laughing on the trails above, Alex took danger out of the mix and took a step to balance with his right foot–which worked–and then he charged from there up to the top of the summit. As he reaches the summit of Half Dome with no ropes, no gear, and no backpack, the throngs of tourists who typically gather around a climber for selfies didn’t bat an eye. He knew that to those tourists he just looked like a shirtless hiker who had gotten too close to the edge.

The laughter continues as Alex tells of his descent down the hiking trails barefoot when he is stopped by a tourist who remarks “You’re hiking barefoot?? That’s SO hard-core!”

Never satisfied, Alex Honnold felt that this summit did not represent true mastery, so he set out to master El Capitan in a free solo climb that wouldn’t take place for another 8 years. His preparation for that famous climb was intense, and included over 50 treks of that mountain with ropes. Using rehearsal, repetition, preparation, and memory, 3,000 feet of climbing represented thousands of distinct hand and foot movements. Every step had to feel absolutely automatic, so Alex memorized each sequence of the climb.

Understanding that free soloing is an effort more of the mind than it is physical, Alex used visualization techniques to prepare and he imagined the entire experience before he did it. He also had to prepare for the What If’s: What if he couldn’t stretch to reach a point? What if it got too scary? What if he was too tired? Alex shares that Doubt is the precursor to Fear and these rehearsals both on the mountain and in his mind left no room for doubt. Conquering El Capitan meant enough to Alex that he had to continue his quest.

June 3, 2017. Alex felt confident and ready and prepared. It was a perfect execution. 3 hours and 56 minutes of glorious mastery.

Alex Honnold’s TED talk has over 5 million views. As a hugely popular keynote speaker, Alex shares the risks involved with this decade-long dream to complete one of the most dangerous free solo climbs ever. Because taking risks in business is tantamount to success, Alex’ keynote speeches detail the similarities between his risks and the preparation for them and the uncertainties we all face on a daily basis.

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Alex Honnold’s approach to free soloing El Capitan, one of the most challenging and dangerous climbing feats in the world, highlights the critical role of mental preparation and visualization in such extreme endeavors. Here’s a breakdown of his mindset and techniques:

Visualization Techniques: Alex Honnold used visualization as a crucial part of his preparation. By mentally imagining the entire climbing experience before attempting it, he could familiarize himself with the route, anticipate challenges, and develop a mental map of the climb. This mental rehearsal helped him feel more confident and prepared.

Alex Honnold’s successful free solo of El Capitan showcases the extraordinary mental strength and preparation required to undertake such a daunting feat. His ability to manage doubt, visualize the climb, and mentally prepare for various scenarios played a pivotal role in his historic achievement.

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Alex reveals the strategies he employs to master his craft, for which the stakes could not be higher. He dives deeply into his meticulous preparation as well as his mental and emotional management to impart lessons that anyone, in any field, can benefit from.

The Significance of the Challenge: Conquering El Capitan was a monumental goal for Alex Honnold. This challenge held deep personal meaning for him, driving his determination to continue his quest despite the immense risks involved. The significance of the climb acted as a powerful motivator, reinforcing his commitment to achieving his goal.

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Preparing for “What If” Scenarios: Honnold also had to prepare for various hypothetical scenarios that could unfold during the climb. These included situations where he might not be able to reach a certain point, moments when fear might overwhelm him, or instances when fatigue could become a significant factor. This preparation involved considering potential obstacles and mentally strategizing how to handle them.

Eliminating Doubt: Alex Honnold understood that doubt could lead to fear, and fear could be detrimental in such a high-stakes climb. By meticulously preparing for every aspect of the climb and addressing his doubts through visualization and mental rehearsal, he aimed to eliminate any room for uncertainty. This allowed him to approach the climb with greater confidence and a clearer state of mind.

Review Image

“Honnold recounts his ascents on some of the world's most dangerous rock walls. You'll come away questioning his sanity for choosing this controversial sport…But it's also impossible not to feel awe.”

- Editor - People Magazine

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in fact his 2018 TED Talk generated over half a million views in the first 24 hours alone. You can view his TED talk at TED.com
Likely it's his his 2017 climb of El Capitan in Yosemite which The New York Times called “one of the greatest athletic feats of any kind, ever”. This accomplishment was captured in the Academy Award winning film, Free Solo
The Honnold Foundation, that supports solar projects around the world. Alex notes that "I a lot of contentment through the work that I do with the foundation and even from the work events that I do, like corporate speaking and appearances and things like that. There’s always satisfaction in doing something well—particularly when it has a positive impact on the world"
In September 2020, Alex Honnold tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Sanni McCandless. The couple established their home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their family grew in size as they joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named June, on the 17th of February in 2022.
Renowned for his groundbreaking ascent of El Capitan, Alex captivated the world with his death-defying climb in the iconic documentary "Free Solo," directed by the acclaimed Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi. His mastery of rock climbing and free solo climbing has set him apart as a true legend in the world of adventure sports.From his collaborations with fellow climbers like Tommy Caldwell and Hans Florine to his awe-inspiring feats on routes like The Nose of El Capitan and the Regular Northwest Face of Half Dome, Alex's career has been a testament to pushing the limits of what is physically and mentally possible. His mastery of the Yosemite Decimal System and his innovative approach to climbing have redefined the sport for generations to come.Inspired by legends like Dean Potter and John Bachar, Alex's dedication to his craft and unwavering focus have propelled him to the summit of success in the world of rock climbing. His partnership with fellow climber and friend, Steph Davis, has further solidified his place as a trailblazer in the realm of ascents and vertical exploration.Through his groundbreaking achievements, Alex Honnold has not only rewritten the rules of rock climbing but has also inspired a new generation of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to pursue their passions with unwavering commitment. His story, immortalized in "Free Solo" and through his numerous ascents with climbers like Kevin Jorgeson, continues to serve as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human will when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges in the pursuit of greatness.

Alex Honnold Sample Videos

Alex Honnold Keynote Speeches

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Alex Honnold’s approach to free soloing El Capitan, one of the most challenging and dangerous climbing feats in the world, highlights the critical role of mental preparation and visualization in such extreme endeavors. Here’s a breakdown of his mindset and techniques:

Visualization Techniques: Alex Honnold used visualization as a crucial part of his preparation. By mentally imagining the entire climbing experience before attempting it, he could familiarize himself with the route, anticipate challenges, and develop a mental map of the climb. This mental rehearsal helped him feel more confident and prepared.

Alex Honnold’s successful free solo of El Capitan showcases the extraordinary mental strength and preparation required to undertake such a daunting feat. His ability to manage doubt, visualize the climb, and mentally prepare for various scenarios played a pivotal role in his historic achievement.

empty

Alex reveals the strategies he employs to master his craft, for which the stakes could not be higher. He dives deeply into his meticulous preparation as well as his mental and emotional management to impart lessons that anyone, in any field, can benefit from.

The Significance of the Challenge: Conquering El Capitan was a monumental goal for Alex Honnold. This challenge held deep personal meaning for him, driving his determination to continue his quest despite the immense risks involved. The significance of the climb acted as a powerful motivator, reinforcing his commitment to achieving his goal.

empty

Preparing for “What If” Scenarios: Honnold also had to prepare for various hypothetical scenarios that could unfold during the climb. These included situations where he might not be able to reach a certain point, moments when fear might overwhelm him, or instances when fatigue could become a significant factor. This preparation involved considering potential obstacles and mentally strategizing how to handle them.

Eliminating Doubt: Alex Honnold understood that doubt could lead to fear, and fear could be detrimental in such a high-stakes climb. By meticulously preparing for every aspect of the climb and addressing his doubts through visualization and mental rehearsal, he aimed to eliminate any room for uncertainty. This allowed him to approach the climb with greater confidence and a clearer state of mind.

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