About Tom Clowes
Tom is an Adventurer and a Storyteller.
Tom is highly personable, authentic and his passion for adventure is infectious. His approach to speaking is powerful and inspiring as he draws from his unusual adventures and experiences on the Land, Sea and Air. (For example, getting lost on way down from the Matterhorn, running out of oxygen at the top of Everest, riding a Penny Farthing across the Outer Hebrides, rowing across the Atlantic, flying a powered paraglider into the Venezuelan jungle or riding the ‘South Downs Way’ on a unicycle!)
In his talks, he explains the secret to success is often as simple as just saying ‘YES’ and to break ambitious goals down into small steps. He speaks about how important it is to believe in yourself and to work with people who believe in you as well as being passionate and getting comfortable with uncertainty.
Tom works with organisations and teams to inspire them to take intentional steps towards success, in both their personal and professional lives.
By shifting one’s mindset or attitude, Tom helps organisations break through fear of failure and unlocks their potential for growth and innovation.
Powerful and inspiring, drawing from his numerous adventures and experiences on the Land, Sea and Air. His messages come from real-life challenges, pushing boundaries, and learning to thrive under pressure and not to stress, one small step at a time. His key themes resonate with many people and organisations, focusing on risk, teamwork and the right attitude.
Previous clients include companies such as Hewlett Packard, British Telecom, Exxon Mobil and Slaughter and May.
“The passion oozes out of you when you speak about climbing which makes listening to you an absolute pleasure.”
How often do we hear people say,
“I’d love to but haven’t got time; I can’t be bothered,; I can’t afford it; I’m not good enough; I’m not clever enough; I’m too tired.”
Some people just love to give excuses. Don’t they? Why? Because it’s easy!
Or they set themselves a huge challenge, to then become overwhelmed with the scale of it and give up.
Or they are afraid to fail so they instead think of an easier challenge and the bar is lowered.
Better to keep the bar high and to keep trying until you succeed. Then, when you do succeed, raise the bar a bit more. This is how your full potential is reached.
- Fear of failure is a common barrier for individuals and organisations alike, preventing them from seizing opportunities or even starting their journey. The unknown can seem intimidating, leaving many stuck in a cycle of hesitation and uncertainty, unable to reach their potential.
- Without a clear vision, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, unsure of how to move forward, or paralysed by the fear of failure. This holds organisations back from innovation, growth, and team success. Stagnation erodes productivity, morale, and future opportunities.
- The solution is a change in attitude or mindset. Tom encourages people to say yes, thereby creating opportunities, and removing barriers. Failure is part of the journey and it’s how we learn, grow, and ultimately succeed. With vision, a supportive team, and a willingness to embrace challenges, there is nothing you can’t achieve.
Some Fun Facts About Tom
- In 2026, he completed the World's Toughest Row arriving in Antigua on 21st January, 2026 with 3 friends. It took them 38 days and 4 hours and they came 9th out of 43 boats.
- He has ridden the Crest Run in St Moritz and fallen at ‘Shuttlecock Corner’, He has the tie to prove it!
- He has a BA International Business Studies Degree with Spanish and lived in Madrid for a year.
- He has two passports (English and French).
- In 2006, he founded Pinnacle Renovation Projects Ltd which still operates to this day.
- He used to work as a bicycle Courier in London – he gave up after 2 accidents.
- He has cycled from John O’Groats to Lands End – he broke 3 spokes but never got a puncture!
- He made a winter ascent of Ama Dablam (Himalayas) – perhaps the most beautiful mountain in the world?
- In 2006, Tom and his brother Ben became the first British Brothers to stand on the summit of Everest together. This was their second attempt.
- He has a Guinness World Record with 139 others for the longest Penny Farthing ‘Stack’.
- He has run with the bulls, through the streets of Pamplona, in Northern Spain.
- He has sailed back to England in KWAI MULI, (a 30.5″ sloop) from the Azores with friends and also sailed DUET, (a 50” wooden gaff rigged yawl) back from Santander in Northern Spain.
- He can do the Rubik’s Cube, he loves to knit and he owns 3 unicycles.
- He is married and has two children – the greatest adventure of all!
