The best ideas don’t wait for calm weather
When the pressure rises, the brain does something unhelpful: it narrows. We fixate on the threat, fall back on old habits and miss the very options that could get us through. Alan Mallory has seen this play out on the slopes of Everest and in the boardrooms of complex engineering projects. In Innovation Under Pressure, he combines mountain stories with current research on how we think under stress to show how individuals and teams can stay clear-headed and creative when it matters most. This isn’t a talk about brainstorming in a quiet room. It’s about finding fresh solutions in the middle of the storm.
Why Innovation Stalls Under Pressure
“Very positive and enlightening. Makes you think outside your box in a positive way.”
– Tracey Wilson | IREM Tucson Chapter
Inside the Storm
What does creative thinking look like when the oxygen is thin and the weather won’t wait? Through striking images and video from his family’s Everest expedition, Alan brings audiences into the moments when the plan stopped working and resourcefulness had to take over. Each story is paired with the science of what was happening in the mind at that moment, showing why some decisions came quickly and clearly while others had to be fought for. The result is a vivid, front-row look at how clear, creative thinking holds up under real pressure, and how anyone can practise it before their own storm hits.
“This was a great session with practical examples of high stakes/high risk project management that required out of the box thinking and real team contributions to succeed.”
– PMI Northern Utah
Fully Customizable
Alan has a wide range of unique and engaging options to fit the needs, format and focuses of a wide range of events. If you have something particularly out-of-the-ordinary in mind, reach out and Alan will be happy to explore it with you and suggest possible options.
Vivid Imagery
Bringing ideas to life with powerful mountaineering metaphors and striking visuals that make complex concepts memorable and engaging.
Live Violin Music
Elevating the energy and emotional impact with live electric violin riffs that inspire and captivate audiences.
Interactive Dance Routines
Engaging audiences with dynamic, participatory dance routines that energize the room, generate smiles, and foster connection.
Rope Activities
Interactive ropes activities that simulate real-world challenges, fostering trust, teamwork, and strategic problem-solving in a fun and memorable way.
Creative Bridge Exercises
Facilitating innovative bridge-building and crevasse crossing exercises that strengthen problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and inspire creative thinking.
Rescue Activities
Immersing participants in simulated rescue scenarios that build teamwork, enhance problem-solving under pressure, and are a fun concluding exercise.
Communication Activities
Fun, engaging activities that get audiences out of their seats, while enhancing active listening, clarity, and collaboration in a humorous fashion.
Group Discussions
Facilitating thought-provoking group discussions that encourage diverse perspectives, foster deeper understanding, and drive collaborative problem-solving.
Book Signings
Connecting with audiences one-on-one through personalized book signings, offering insights and inspiration beyond the presentation.
Q&A Sessions
Hosting interactive Q&A sessions that foster meaningful dialogue, allowing audiences to dive deeper into key topics and engage directly with Alan and his content.
Integrated Humour
Seamlessly weaving humour throughout, lightening the mood while reinforcing key messages and keeping the audience engaged.
Captivating Body Language
Dynamic and purposeful body language to complement the message, enhancing engagement and ensuring the message and takeaways resonate with the audience.
“I wanted to send a sincere thank you. I have been receiving praise for finding you as our keynote presenter throughout all of yesterday and this morning.”
– Tracey Murray | Manager, Marketing and Communication | Dynamic Risk
Delivery Formats
Plenary Keynote
Best delivered as a 60 or 90 minute opening keynote as it really get’s everyone engaged and excited! The energy and connection are immediate and contagious.
Interactive Keynote
Having Alan incorporate dynamic discussions or activities gets everyone moving, interacting, and fully engaged—setting an energetic tone for the entire event.
Virtual Keynote
Perfect for remote audiences, Alan’s highly engaging virtual setup combines captivating visuals, interactive elements, and live storytelling to create a dynamic experience that transcends the screen.
Breakout Session
Designed for more intimate engagement, Alan’s breakout session encourages collaboration and meaningful discussion. Participants leave with practical insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed sense of connection to their team and goals.
Strategy Workshop
Designed to help teams clarify objectives, align on priorities, and develop actionable strategies for success. Through facilitated discussions and collaborative exercises, participants leave with clear direction, alignment, and practical implementation strategies.
Hands-on Program
This highly interactive option gets participants actively involved through practical exercises, real-time problem solving, and experiential learning. By rolling up their sleeves and applying key concepts directly, attendees gain deeper insights, build new skills, and walk away with strategies they can put into action.