Asia-based motivational keynote speaker and adventurer Rob Lilwall shares mindsets that inspire audiences to be more positive, courageous and resilient.
ROB LILWALL: A MOTIVATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER WITH A PASSION FOR ADVENTURE
Rob Lilwall, originally from the UK, has spent over 14 years living in Asia, primarily in Singapore and Hong Kong. His career began as a geography teacher in Oxfordshire, but a bold decision to embark on his first major expedition changed the trajectory of his life. This journey sparked a career in adventure, leading to acclaimed books, appearances in TV shows, and a global reputation as a motivational keynote speaker.
Rob now inspires audiences around the world with his unique ability to connect personal growth, resilience, and adaptability with practical strategies for overcoming challenges.
INSPIRING AUDIENCES WORLDWIDE
Rob has delivered motivational keynote speeches at corporate and business events in over 20 countries and 50 cities across four continents. Known for his authentic speaking style, Rob connects with audiences as an ordinary person who has faced fear, self-doubt, and the overwhelming nature of big challenges. Through his adventures, he has learned how to embrace challenges, foster a growth mindset, push through obstacles, and adapt to rapidly changing environments with agility.
WATCH A THREE-MINUTE SPEAKING TRAILER
ROB’S HARDEST EXPEDITIONS AND THE LESSONS HE LEARNED
CYCLING HOME FROM SIBERIA
Rob’s 50,000-kilometer, three-year bicycle journey took him from northeast Russia to London. His route passed through Japan, Korea, China, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Australia, and many other countries, exposing him to extreme environments such as Siberia’s -40°C winters, the thick jungles of Papua New Guinea, and the warzones of Afghanistan.
From this journey, Rob learned:
The power of collaboration and relying on others to navigate challenges.
The importance of preparation, resilience, and never quitting on a bad day.
How to confront fears, understand them, and make informed decisions about risk.
How adopting a growth mindset allows us to achieve goals we once thought impossible.
The role of agility in adapting to unpredictable and ever-changing environments.
This incredible expedition became the subject of Rob’s first book, Cycling Home from Siberia, and a National Geographic TV series. Along the way, he also met Christine, the love of his life, in Hong Kong.
WALKING HOME FROM MONGOLIA
In this 5,000-kilometer, six-month expedition, Rob and his teammate Leon McCarron trekked from the Gobi Desert to Hong Kong, enduring extreme cold, snowstorms, and mountainous terrain.
This gruelling journey taught Rob:
The value of self-care and prioritisation during long-term projects.
The importance of teamwork and effective communication under intense conditions.
How to stay focused on a mission, even when everything seems to go wrong.
Rob also raised over $100,000 USD for the children’s charity Viva during this walk and later served as board chair of Viva’s Hong Kong office, further demonstrating his commitment to making a difference beyond his adventures.
ALONE ACROSS THE “DESERT OF DEATH”
Rob’s solo 1,000-kilometer walk through China’s Taklamakan Desert was one of his most physically and mentally challenging expeditions. He pulled a heavy cart through endless sand dunes and swam across flooded rivers.
From this journey, Rob learned:
How to persevere through setbacks and find alternative paths when plans fail.
The power of breaking big goals into manageable steps.
The importance of purpose and how a clear mission can fuel determination.
How to improvise and stay agile when the original plan no longer works.
A LIFE OF ADVENTURE AND FAMILY
Rob’s latest adventure, which is certainly his most scary, but also his most rewarding, is raising his children with his wife, Christine, on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Before starting their family, Rob and Christine embarked on their first expedition together: a tandem bicycle ride across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York.
WATCH A 3-MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT TANDEM RIDE ACROSS THE USA
WHY EVENT ORGANISERS CHOOSE ROB LILWALL
Rob’s keynote speeches combine thrilling adventure stories with practical insights on resilience, adaptability, and overcoming challenges. With his authentic style and engaging delivery, Rob transforms corporate events, inspiring audiences to embrace change, conquer fears, and push their limits.
If you’d like to book Rob Lilwall for your next event, contact us today to inspire your team with stories of adventure and practical strategies for resilience and success!