SIBF Georgia

Moving Mountains - Leadership Insights from Everest

Tuesday, March 10, 2026  - 12:00am EDT

What compels a person to stand on the roof of the world, not just one but six times and keep going back?

Join us for a captivating lunch with Gavin Bate, British mountaineer and adventurer, entrepreneur, and humanitarian as he shares a remarkable life shaped by exploration, endurance, and bold choices. From a solo six-month trek across the Sahara at just 21 to leading expeditions across deserts, jungles, polar regions, and the highest peaks on Earth, Gavin’s journey is one of constant challenge and discovery.

In this talk, Gavin recounts his experiences climbing Mount Everest six times, including three ascents without supplemental oxygen and one solo climb. Through gripping stories from the mountain and beyond, he reflects on risk, resilience, leadership under extreme pressure, and the mental strength required to keep moving forward when conditions are at their toughest.

Beyond exploration, Gavin’s journey led him to social entrepreneurship—building a successful business that helps fund his humanitarian work and supports communities in some of the world’s most remote regions. His story illustrates how ambition, purpose, and perseverance can extend far beyond personal achievement to create lasting impact.

This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about pushing personal limits, embracing uncertainty, and what it truly means to “move mountains” - on Everest, in business and in life. 

Speaker Bio

Gavin Bate is a British mountaineer, adventurer, and social entrepreneur renowned for his pioneering work in responsible tourism and community development. He is the founder and director of Adventure Alternative, an adventure travel company established in 1991, and the founder and chair of Moving Mountains Trust, a UK-based charity formalized in 2001, dedicated to sustainable development in Kenya and Nepal. He is also vice president and a director of Friends of Moving Mountains Inc, a US-based 501(c)3 supporting Moving Mountains Trust’s mission and works.

Early Life and Career

Born in Kent, England, Gavin's journey into adventure began with a solo six-month trek across the Sahara Desert at the age of 21. This formative experience ignited his passion for exploration and humanitarian work. He later studied English Literature in Northern Ireland and embarked on various global ventures, including scrapping oil tankers in Asia, driving overland trucks in Africa, and delivering aid to refugee camps in Somalia and Rwanda. His time in Nairobi's Kibera slum, working with street children and local schools, profoundly influenced his commitment to community empowerment through education and sustainable development

Expeditions and Achievements

Gavin has led multiple high-altitude expeditions, including six ascents of Mount Everest—three without supplemental oxygen and once solo. His 2000 Millennium Seven Summits Expedition, aiming to climb the highest peak on each continent in a single year, raising substantial funds for charity.  Additionally, he has trekked to the magnetic North Pole and participated in various polar, jungle, and desert expeditions.  

Adventure Alternative (https://www.adventurealternative.com)

Adventure Alternative was founded with the ethos of integrating adventure travel with meaningful community engagement. The company offers treks, climbing expeditions, and volunteer opportunities that contribute directly to local development projects managed by Moving Mountains Trust. This model ensures that tourism revenue supports education, healthcare, and infrastructure in underserved regions.

Moving Mountains Trust (https://www.movingmountainstrust.org)

Established in 2001, Moving Mountains Trust operates primarily in Kenya and Nepal focusing on long-term development goals such as  child education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In Nepal, the charity has revitalized communities in the Solu Khumbu region through projects like hydroelectric power, school construction, and healthcare services. In Kenya, Moving Mountains has supported numerous initiatives, including the rehabilitation of street children and the establishment of schools and clinics.

Recognition and Legacy

Gavin's contributions to responsible tourism and community development have garnered international recognition. He received the Points of Light Award from the British Prime Minister in 2016 and carried the Olympic Torch during the London 2012 Games for his charitable work. His innovative approach to tourism has been featured in academic studies and has influenced the development of Fair Trade Volunteering initiatives.   

Through his ventures, Gavin Bate has demonstrated how adventure and philanthropy can intersect, creating sustainable models that empower communities and inspire responsible travel.

If interested in attending please contact SIBF Member Brian Sadler.