Member Article

Polar explorer helps Grant Thornton reach its peak

Business advisory firm Grant Thornton will scale new heights when polar explorer Mark Wood inspires guests at the firm’s forthcoming ladies networking event by speaking about ‘maximising human potential’ and the extraordinary challenges he has undertaken.

Mark, who last January became one of only eight people in history to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole, was sponsored by Grant Thornton on his epic journey. Mark also led a team that included Grant Thornton’s global head of marketing, Harrogate-based Jon Geldart, in an expedition to the geomagnetic North Pole. Mark will be discussing the challenges and exhilaration faced in his expeditions and how he has maximised his own human potential to gain the best from others in extreme environments.

Mark has raced dog teams in Alaska and has completed solo exhibitions to both the North and South Poles covering thousands of miles of Polar ice. In April 2013, he will be climbing Everest and linking with schools via Skype as part of his quest to inspire and educate children about the challenges and marvels of the extremes of our world. He has also featured in televised documentaries and worked with the BBC as a guide leading the Top Gear team in its ‘Race to the Pole’.

“Mark is truly inspiring – the lessons he has learnt about persevering in the face of adversity are ones which can be applied in any walk of life,” comments Somaya Akhtar of Grant Thornton who helps organise the ladies networking events. “We are looking forward to his presentation about endurance and strength of character and how this links with our very own ambition as a firm to grow and unlock our clients’ ambition for growth.”

The event to be held on Wednesday 13 February from 4pm at the firm’s Whitehall Riverside offices is the latest in a series of events hosted by Grant Thornton and is open to women professionals in the region. If you’d like to attend, please contact Christie Douglas at Grant Thornton on 0113 200 2514 or email christie.l.douglas@uk.gt.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Grant Thornton .