Peter Bland

Peter Bland is widely respected for his extraordinary achievements, resilience and ability to translate real-world adventure into practical leadership lessons. He holds the distinction of being the first Australian to travel to both the North and South Magnetic Poles, and his expeditions have become a living testament to courage, perseverance and high performance under extreme conditions.

Peter’s journey to the North Magnetic Pole saw him traverse 700 kilometres across the frozen Arctic Sea just 12 months after undergoing his second major heart surgery. In Antarctica, he survived an avalanche and a harrowing fall equivalent to the height of a 14-storey building, where he remained stranded for three days. These life-defining experiences have shaped his approach to leadership, risk, teamwork and personal resilience.

Beyond exploration, Peter has raised over $14 million for Australian charities and created three acclaimed television documentaries. His biography, A Step Too Far, published by Pan Macmillan, became a bestseller, inspiring audiences with his extraordinary story of courage and determination.

In 2002, Peter established The Leadership Group, a platform through which he shares the lessons learned from his polar expeditions with corporate teams and individuals. Over the past two decades, he has led more than 200 novices to Antarctica, teaching essential skills such as ice climbing, kayaking, snowshoeing and camping in sub-zero temperatures. In 2014, he led the world’s first mentor-mentee philanthropic Indigenous expedition to Antarctica, titled Outback to Icecap, demonstrating his commitment to inclusion, mentorship and social impact.

Peter has shared his insights with a wide range of corporate clients, including AGFA, Gillette, Heinz Watties, Hawthorn Football Club, National Heart Foundation, Telstra, ANZ, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bunnings, Queensland Government and Bayer CropScience. His programs combine storytelling, practical leadership frameworks and transformative exercises that build resilience, authenticity and high-performing teams.

In 2020, Peter and his wife Beatrice founded Wattle Bank Farm in South Gippsland, a sanctuary for individuals and groups to explore “fearless and wholesome living.” Peter defines this philosophy as freedom from limiting beliefs, authenticity, humility and courage — guiding people to confront fears, embrace vulnerability and develop inner strength.

Peter Bland is a highly sought-after speaker and facilitator, known for his profound insight, authenticity and the ability to inspire individuals and teams to push beyond perceived limits, both professionally and personally.