SCHOOLS SPEAKING

Having given over 600 presentations to pupils of all ages across five continents, Charlie has a wealth of experience in motivating, inspiring and connecting with young people.

Charlie offers several illustrated presentations recounting tales from his various challenging expeditions that highlight the importance of determination, curiosity, ambition and open-mindedness.

Drawn from his experience of setting out to explore the world from an early age, and of battling through extreme elements in jungles, mountains, deserts and polar regions, Charlie's speeches inspire audiences to challenge themselves in all aspects of life by identifying their passions, setting ambitious targets and striving towards them.

Keen to share lessons learned from the wilderness, Charlie’s talks incorporate numerous themes including perseverance, goal-setting, empathy, positive failure, leadership, teamwork and resilience. Charlie welcomes the opportunity to discuss requirements so he can best tailor his talk for your school.
​

​"One of the most inspiring, thought provoking and memorable talks I’ve ever heard."
-
"We've never had so many audience questions before."
-
“A consummate storyteller with an infectious energy. Thoroughly recommended.”
-​
​"The kids were in awe of him!"​

To enquire, please email [email protected] ​or fill out the form below:

REFERENCES

'Put simply, Charlie is the best story teller I’ve ever heard. A remarkable and inspiring tale of his awesome journey around the world by bike. Even better, all will agree, years 7 to 13 alike."
-Shiplake College, Oxfordshire

​"Charlie was an outstanding speaker and broadened the students' horizons, literally and figuratively. There was simply not enough time for their endless questions after his talk. We will certainly be inviting Charlie back to Harrow in the future."
Harrow School, London

"My daughter came home last night with fire in her belly. She found Charlie Walker incredibly inspirational and said she wanted him to talk 'more and more'. He's made her want to do exciting things in life and different things too. Please can you arrange more talks like this, we need our children to inhale young people’s inspiring, interesting and positive journeys; all these experiences help our children on their own exciting path."
-Parent from Sandroyd School, Wiltshire 

"Thank you again for a truly brilliant talk.I was amazed at how engaged our students were and that they were willing to miss some of their precious lunch to ask extra questions and hear more about your adventures. It made me so happy and was a brilliant way to end our hectic week of school."
-Overseas Family School, Singapore

"Charlie was wonderful last night, absolutely perfect for our event. He pitched his speech excellently and he stayed to speak with pupils and parents afterwards which no speaker has done before and it was very much appreciated."
-Huddersfield Grammar School

"Charlie was an incredible speaker. His messages on perseverance and perspective not only hit a special chord but inspired so many in the audience to seek new ways to view the world and challenge themselves. I would highly recommend Charlie to any audience, but I feel like he is especially powerful to students who can use some motivation and insight on perspectives that only Charlie can bring."
-Future Farmers of America, Arizona

“A talk wonderfully illustrated by scores of photographs of geographical beauty which could grace any high-end coffee table book. The story itself contains more than enough material for a high-quality BBC2 documentary series. Charlie’s presentation is very deft, being fast-paced but also sensitive in its explanation of the life changing experiences of his journey. Boys and staff were riveted from beginning to end. Perhaps the best thing one takes away from this talk is the inherent decency of most people - all across the globe.”
-Radley College, Oxfordshire

​​"Students and teachers alike found his tales of adventure engrossing, entertaining and downright inspiring. A particular highlight were Charlie's stories from China and his escapades in Tibet, delivered with great humour despite the peril they involved!" 
-Harrow International School, Beijing

“Charlie truly inspired our students, teaching them about passion, determination and grit.  They latched onto his every word and couldn't stop talking about his adventures for days!  We would love to have Charlie back!”
-English Schools Foundation, Hong Kong

​"Inspiring, motivating and energising are just a few of the words to describe Charlie's lecture. He spoke passionately about his astounding journey which took him into the Arctic, through the Himalayas and twice across the Sahara. Humorous about the difficulties of overcoming the language barrier with the thousands of people he encountered on his journey, he spoke grippingly about digging deep to keep motivated, especially when facing -45°C weather, malaria and frostbite. Charlie held the audience's attention constantly."
-Gordonstoun School, Scotland

"It was brilliant to welcome Charlie back to Bryanston! He spoke with a real sense of passion and the audience instantly engaged with him. His journey was extraordinary and it has been lovely hearing students setting themselves ambitious challenges, as a result of his talk. Thank you so much for your visit, we look forward to seeing you again!"
-Bryanston School, Dorset

"Charlie's journey around the world is full of important lessons for us all and a perfect demonstration of determination and resilience. Our students were buzzing with enthusiasm afterwards." 
-Wimbledon High School, London

"Charlie’s talk was brilliant. With online talks it very much is voluntary for the pupils to listen and you often find numbers drop off throughout. However, Charlie’s attendance figures rose throughout as the pupils were clearly messaging each other and telling others to listen in."
-Kings College School, London

"The questions asked afterwards are the measure of a good talk and, judging from the response to yours, you were sensational… the students didn’t want to leave. You engaged with such a diverse audience – staff, sixth formers and year sevens were all keen to speak with you afterwards. Besides being incredibly funny, your self-effacing delivery pointed to the adventurous spirit and deep vein of untapped resources within all of us."
-Tudor Hall School, Oxfordshire

​"Charlie’s talk was inspiring, thought provoking and engaging. His pleasant manner and sense of humour had our students hooked and genuinely considering how much they could achieve in life. We will definitely be inviting him back again!"
-Stoneyhurst College, Lancashire

"Charlie is an excellent speaker and his talk was perfectly targeted at the audience – keeping 250 13-18 year olds enthralled on a Friday evening was a challenge he was well-equipped to meet! His engaging manner, entertaining anecdotes and self-deprecating humour only serve to highlight the impressive nature of his journey and the trials and challenges he has overcome during his travels. An inspirational evening."
-Milton Abbey School, Dorset

"To say the boys were enthralled, inspired, hanging on every word, amazed and terrified in equal measure would be an understatement of significant proportion."
-Caldicott School, Bucks

"Charlie's talk inspired our sixth form so much that they were all still talking about it the next day. Many felt moved to try things they hitherto thought impossible! It was great to see the students engaged by his ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ approach. Charlie is able to engage the students with his enthralling story, advising them without lecturing by sharing his own awesome experiences. Without patronising, Charlie talks of resilience, problem solving, persistence, determination and optimism, all within a 40 minute talk.  The best speaker we have had this academic year –  we can’t wait to see him again."
-St Edmunds College, Herts

"Given you could hear a pin drop, in a room of over 100 Year 7 and 8 boys and girls, it was no wonder Charlie came with such complimentary references. The talk was engaging, gripping, entertaining and "truly inspirational. Pupils and staff alike, are dusting down their bikes and walking boots as we speak…"
-Clifton College Prep School, Bristol

"A wonderful tale of bravery and endeavour."
-St George’s School, Windsor

​"Charlie instantly engaged my students with his wit and honesty. He had some cracking anecdotes on the subject of fear and violence. They loved how frank he was when answering their questions. It made them feel respected. I can see it has opened up some doors in their mind, particularly regarding how they think about different cultures. Of course, they are all planning their own trips now. Thank you Charlie!"
-St Julians International School, Lisbon

"Charlie gave a fascinating, entertaining and truly inspiring talk to our Sixth Form about his exploits. His accompanying photographs of the landscapes and the people he encountered were exceptional and we've never had so many questions from the audience before."
-Giggleswick School, North Yorkshire

​"Of the many fascinating speakers who have visited the school, Charlie’s incredible tales elicited the strongest audience response from both children and adults alike – it was a remarkable story, brilliantly told."
-Bickley Park School, Kent

"Charlie gave a fascinating insight into what it means to be an adventurer in the twenty first century. He kept the boys absolutely spell bound with his tales of evading Chinese guards and travelling the world."
-Ludgrove School, Berkshire

"Charlie is an engaging speaker, the boys really enjoyed hearing about his experiences which I’m sure will inspire faith in their own abilities and to take the first steps to realising their greatest ambitions."
-Shrewsbury House School, Surrey

"Charlie's story is amazing! Our students were totally absorbed in his incredible adventure and enthralling delivery. He tailored his talk to fit with our term's themes of Resilience and Perseverance, which provided the perfect end point to our class discussions. If Carlsberg did entertaining, thought provoking & informative Prep School speakers..."
-Eagle House School, Berkshire

​"In recounting his tales of the Congo, Charlie was a thoroughly inspirational guest and a remarkable speaker. We were honoured to host him and he helped spark the flame of adventure within our pupils."
Eton College, Berkshire

​"Charlie's talk was inspirational not just because of the physical adventure but also the issues of the different peoples he met in terms of their politics, religions, hospitality and respective cultures.  He also clearly demonstrated that any dream can be realised and that people are not necessarily restricted by their environs.  The Sixth Form Students that Charlie talked to thoroughly enjoyed the event."
-Queenswood School, Herts

"Charlie held the audience of 250 enthralled with his epic tales of cycling, walking and canoeing across three continents. He spoke with disarming humility of the perils and hardships he faced and each student was left with both a sense of wonder about how he survived such a remarkable feat, and importantly the inspiration that they too could tackle such an adventure if so they wished. Charlie’s story reminds us of the importance of resilience, courage and challenge in our lives which can easily be overlooked in our modern world. We had a rare glimpse into the life of a true adventurer and everyone was left wanting to know more."
-Windlesham House School, West Sussex

​"I have seen and arranged many talks over the years: Charlie’s stimulating and entertaining presentation must rate as one of the best. His love of life, of its potential and the opportunities it offers, cannot but impress. He is highly recommended."
-Sibford School, Oxfordshire

"Such an inspirational talk, really enjoyed by all, and we were privileged to be in the room. It was fabulous to stand at the front and to see the full sense of appreciation from the packed audience."
-St Andrews School, Berkshire

​"Our students, parents and staff alike thoroughly enjoyed the talk; many people say they could have easily listened to him for another hour, and they have many more questions! Charlie kept the audience captivated, inquisitive and thoroughly entertained!  I think they took a lot away from the experience and we would most definitely like to welcome him back again in the future."
-King Edward's Witley, Surrey

"Charlie  has the ability to engage absolutely everyone in a room. I have never seen so many hands going up to ask questions. His approachable and positive manner help to make him a wonderful speaker and I could not recommend him enough. We look to forward to Charlie’s next visit."
-King Edward VI School, Southampton

"Charlie's talk was gripping! There was always something unexpected.  He interacted with us really well and his lively speaking invoked my curiosity to hear more."
-Year 12 student, Sibford School, Oxfordshire

"Charlie’s talk – and superb accompanying photos - on his round-the-world cycle had the boys transfixed from start to finish. There lessons for the boys in terms of the importance of perseverance, setting goals and overcoming obstacles, however, Charlie broached them with subtlety while doing a simply superb job of bringing the adventures and thrills of his odyssey to life."
-Woodcote House School, Surrey

"The students really enjoyed the talk which was funny, interesting and engaging. They loved listening to Charlie's stories and were bursting with questions afterwards. We've already asked him back for next year!"
-Perins School, Hampshire
 
"I was amazed about what Charlie had done, it made me really think about how big the world is and how much is out there."
-Year 7 student, Perins School, Hampshire
​
"Charlie was an inspiration to all of us and inspiration should be at the heart of any child’s education. The children haven’t stopped speaking about him and I overheard three boys discussing, with genuine thought and consideration, how they might make it to America on a pedal powered boat!"
-Daneshill Prepschool, Hampshire

"His obvious enthusiasm for life, willingness to embrace new cultures and endeavour in surmounting personal and physical obstacles was a most inspirational message for our students. Charlie's passion was tangible throughout his presentation, which was rich with the colour and vibrancy of his travels and which led us all to consider the wonderful opportunity and experience travel offers."
-Amery Hill School, Hampshire

"Charlie delivered a thoroughly entertaining talk at our Presentation Day, engaging both the children and their parents with the fascinating and inspiring story of his travels."
-St Edward’s Prep School, Gloucestershire 

"An engaging, inspirational and funny speech. The audience were captivated Charlie’s tales and left wanting to hear more. The students were inspired and now feel they too can do anything they set their mind to."
-Farnham Heath End School, Surrey

"He can grip the adults, the 13 year olds and the 7 year olds at the same time...Defiantly one of the best and not to be missed while he is in the country."
-St Ronan’s School, Kent

"We had Charlie in to talk about our current topic of exploration to our year 7 and year 8 pupils. He talk was both amusing and inspiring for the kids. Well worth it. The kids were in awe of him!"
-Immanuel and St Andrew Primary School, London

"Charlie's experiences were so engaging and relevant to our classroom discussions. Our students loved speaking with him and he truly inspired them to question things and learn more about our world! I hope he continues to connect with classrooms all over the world! Truly an adventurer...the kids loved it!"
-Spirit Lake Community School, Iowa, USA

---