His is a story that many will recognize, but few have an opportunity to hear first hand. Nando Parrado recounts the extraordinary tale of how he and 15 of his teammates survived for 72 brutal days after their plane crashed into the frozen Andes Mountains nearly 50 years ago. It remains one of the paramount survival stories of all time.
Nando Parrado began to speak about his experiences in the Andes in 1992, when he was invited to address the Young President’s Organization. After speaking to several multi-national companies, he transformed himself into one of the most unique speakers in the world. He has spoken to audiences in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Parrado, a sportsman, seminar leader, and president of several companies, uses his experience surviving in the Andes — the most hostile environment on the planet, to articulate innovative strategies for those that need to scale personal or business mountains in the twenty-first century.
Parrado’s achievements are a powerful testimony to his attitude of survival. His life was quickly transformed in the Andes — He lost his mother, sister and his two best friends in the crash, and suffered a skull fracture. He recovered, and escaped through the Andes Mountains with his friend, Roberto. Because of this escape, his story and the stories of those that lost their lives in the crash can be shared. His keynotes paint a thrilling history of one of the most important odysseys of survival in our time, but it’s also an inspired call to businessmen and women alike, to transform into adventurers and face the challenges of this decade.
Parrado’s keynotes focus on many subjects that help a company or organization succeed: leadership, teamwork, motivation, handling of crisis, change, planning and strategy, handling of conflict, and how to handle one’s own fears. It is a lesson in leadership and tactical planning, not only for human survival, but also for the survival of companies. It is a story of loyalty, friendship, family, faith and perseverance experienced at the human level that few will be able to relate, but will touch the audience’s heart and leave it with an elevated perception of the value of human life.