Environmental Scientist / Adventurer

Tim Jarvis AM is an environmental scientist, author, adventurer with Masters degrees in environmental science and environmental law. Tim was conferred a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to environment, community and exploration in the 2010 Australian honours list and was made a Fellow of the Yale World Fellows Program, 2009. In October 2013 he was named the Australian Geographic Society’s 2013 Adventurer of the Year for his re-enactment of Shackleton’s 1916 journey, and Person of the Year 2014 by Classic Boat Magazine.

He is author of 3 books, leads innovation in the sustainability area for international engineering and environmental services firm Arup. He is also sustainability adviser on multilateral aid projects for the World Bank and AusAID, and is Director of an outcome-focused environmental initiative Do-Tank where the emphasis is on solving problems by action not advocacy.

In January 2013 Tim lead a team in retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1916 journey from Elephant Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia in a replica of his boat The James Caird followed by a climb over the mountains of South Georgia. Dubbed “The Shackleton Epic" the crew used only 1916 technology, food and equipment. In November 2013 a Discovery Channel 3 part documentary will air on SBS and international Harper Collins book will be launched (UK and Australian releases are in Oct/Nov 2013 and Jan 2014). Expedition patron is the Hon Alexandra Shackleton (granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton).

Tim’s previous high profile expedition was the retracing of polar explorer Sir Douglas Mawson’s polar journey of 1912/13. The modern expedition used the same clothing, equipment and starvation rations as Mawson on a journey where both of his colleagues died. The documentary made was the flagship of the Film Australia Making History series, and fronted Channel 4’s highly acclaimed Edge of Endurance series in the UK in 2007. Expedition patrons were then Australian Prime Minister the Hon John Howard and the Hon Alexandra Shackleton (granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton).

In the past year alone Tim has delivered dozens of talks including those to the World Wildlife Fund, Ernst & Young, Australian Geographic Society, General Electric, Burberry, TEDxAdelaide, Science Communicators Summit, Institute of Public Administration Australia, the Royal Geographical Society, Commonwealth Bank Australia, to name a few.

Presentation Topics Include

• Leadership
  
• Resilience
  
• Environmental Sustainability

Testimonials

“Tim did a fabulous job of motivating over 100 Ernst & Young Partners and Staff, with a vivid and passionate account of his Shackleton expedition. Tim eloquently told his story, and was able to draw clear and relevant linkages between his harrowing exploration and the business world. His presentation was relevant, engaging and very memorable for all who were fortunate enough to be there. We will be looking for opportunities to work with Tim again in the future and we wish him every success with his next venture. A truly inspiring story which our team will not easily forget. Thanks again!" 
Partner – Ernst & Young

“There are not many people who can speak on leadership in challenging times, as Tim can. It was refreshing to have someone speak on this topic that is outside of the public sector and non-political. There were over 800 public sector employees from various levels and departments in attendance; one of the largest most successful IPAA/DPC events to date and this was largely due to Tim’s intriguing and inspirational story. Tim Jarvis is not only a proven inspirational leader of our day who has an interesting mix of academia and adventurous spirit, he is a wonderful, caring, and engaging individual who although has walked on roads less travelled, has achieved the unachievable and consults with authoritative bodies, it is obvious he has not lost the ‘common touch’." 
CEO Institute of Public Administration Australia

“Tim was the perfect opening speaker to our workshop. He inspired our group with his personal Polar projects and experiences, showing them that big ideas can be made into reality. His key message stayed with the participants throughout the workshop, enabling them to channel the “thinking is good, doing is better" philosophy into innovative thinking in sustainability."
CEO WWF-Australia

“Tim Jarvis was the guest speaker at the RANZCO Eye Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Dinner. Tim’s inspirational tales of his polar expeditions had the audience mesmerised – there were 240 guests and you could have heard a pin drop. We also really appreciated Tim providing his time in support of eye health and donating an auction prize, which achieved the highest bid on the night."
CEO RANZCO Eye Foundation

“Tim Jarvis held a full house audience of 170 adults and children spellbound at the Royal Geographical Society’s Singapore branch with a riveting account of his polar expeditions, how the lessons learned from these experiences can be applied to everyday life, and his work as an environmental scientist with the consulting engineering firm Arup. Ranging from his plans to re-enact Shackleton’s epic rescue mission across the Southern Ocean in a small boat in 1916, through practical tips on how to scare off an inquisitive polar bear, to his personal life philosophy,Tim’s talk was eye-opening, fascinating and inspiring for everyone in the room." 
Treasurer, Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Singapore branch

“Tim was extremely personable and relateable. His story held the audience's attention throughout and they seemed to really enjoy his talk. He was a great encouragement that an ordinary person can change their future by deciding to."
Internet Marketing Solutions

“Excellent. Tim was most enlightening and very motivating - courage and stupidity are two words that come to mind (the first is what I lack compared to Tim and the second Is not a description of Tim as only clever people could do what he has done and live to tell others!)"
ADMA

It was a privilege to hear the details of your Antarctic expedition so vividly and humorously recounted. Your honesty in sharing of the physical and personal highs and lows was appreciated by all and allowed us as an audience the opportunity to seek parallels within our own experience.
Women and Children’s Hospital, SA

I found Tim’s presentation on his Antarctic adventure to be both fascinating and highly motivational. He took time to build parallels between the challenges he faced on his polar trips with the challenges we face running a major financial institution.
Rabobank Australia

Tim gave an extremely interesting, informative and entertaining account of his recent Antarctic expedition and showed some spectacular pictures. He has a very relaxed, engaging style of presentation coupled with a good sense of humour. His audience, myself included, was thoroughly engrossed by his talk. I can strongly and unreservedly recommend him as a public speaker.
Australian Higher Education Industry Association

We couldn’t have asked for a better speaker. He was interesting, inspirational and a great guy too. An excellent presentation that motivated everyone in the room.
Mid North Division of General Practice