Mind Over Mountain

Mastering Mindset, Decision-Making, and Resilience Under Pressure

An exploration of how mindset, stress, and psychological wellbeing shape performance, offering practical strategies to navigate pressure, maintain clarity, and achieve consistent, high-impact results.


Immersing participants in the realities of high-pressure situations, this keynote explores strategies for mental clarity, resilience, and wellbeing. Through vivid examples and practical frameworks, attendees learn how mindset, stress responses, and cognitive habits shape performance and how to shift reactions, decision-making, and focus in real time. By connecting psychological principles to real-world challenges, participants gain actionable tools to manage pressure, make better decisions under uncertainty, enhance focus, and sustain mental wellbeing for themselves and their teams. The insights shared help individuals and teams not only perform at their best in high-stakes environments but also build lasting habits that support long-term growth, adaptability, and psychological resilience.


“Extremely motivating. Everyone has an ‘Everest’ to conquer and Alan’s techniques are spot on”

– Jennifer Krause | Caterpillar

Key Focus Areas

  • Building mental resilience by strengthening focus, adaptability, and emotional stamina under pressure
  • Managing stress and wellbeing through strategies that maintain psychological health and prevent burnout during high-stakes work
  • Making better decisions under pressure by learning to think clearly, prioritize effectively, and act with confidence
  • Optimizing mindset for performance with insights into motivation, cognitive habits, and practices that drive consistent, high-impact results
  • Enhancing problem-solving skills to tackle complex challenges creatively and efficiently
  • Strengthening team dynamics by understanding individual differences and fostering collaboration under pressure
  • Developing lasting psychological habits that support long-term growth, adaptability, and sustainable performance

“The best program I have seen in the past 10 years”

– Martin Brossoit | General Motors

The Psychology of Performing Under Pressure

Unlock the mental tools that help teams and individuals perform at their best under stress. This keynote reveals how focus, cognitive habits, and emotional awareness influence outcomes, and provides practical strategies to enhance resilience, clarity, and decision-making in real-world challenges. Participants learn how to manage pressure, maintain psychological wellbeing, and strengthen mental stamina so they can think clearly, act confidently, and sustain peak performance even in high-stakes situations. By connecting psychological principles to actionable approaches, attendees leave equipped to tackle complex problems, optimize their mindset, and drive lasting results for themselves and their teams.


“Great Insight. Gave me lots of new frames of mind to apply to my work and life.”

– Tyla Pennell | District of Taylor

What Sets This Presentation Apart

This keynote goes beyond theory, providing participants with practical strategies they can immediately apply to perform under pressure. It combines insights from psychology, cognitive science, and high-stakes real-world scenarios to show how mindset, focus, and resilience drive results. Attendees gain a clear understanding of how stress and mental habits influence outcomes and leave with tools to improve decision-making, problem-solving, and overall wellbeing. The session is designed to be engaging, memorable, and highly actionable, ensuring lessons translate directly to the challenges participants face in their own organizations.


“In my time with PMI, we’ve never had such a positive reaction. Truly grabbed everyone’s attention. Spectacularly well done!”

Texas Parks Logo

– John Viau | VP of Information Technology | PMI Ocean State

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 and suggest possible options.

Live Violin

Bringing ideas to life with powerful mountaineering metaphors and striking visuals that make complex concepts memorable and engaging.

Live Violin

Elevating the energy and emotional impact with live electric violin riffs that inspire and captivate audiences.

Interactive Dance

Engaging audiences with dynamic, participatory dance routines that energize the room, generate smiles, and foster connection.

Ropes Activity

Interactive ropes activities that simulate real-world challenges, fostering trust, teamwork, and strategic problem-solving in a fun and memorable way.

Creative Bridge

Creative Bridge Exercises

Facilitating innovative bridge-building and crevasse crossing exercises that strengthen problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and inspire creative thinking.

Rescue Activity

Immersing participants in simulated rescue scenarios that build teamwork, enhance problem-solving under pressure, and are a fun concluding exercise.

Communication Activity

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 Signing

Book Signings

Connecting with audiences one-on-one through personalized book signings, offering insights and inspiration beyond the presentation.

Q and A

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.

Humour

Seamlessly weaving humour throughout, lightening the mood while reinforcing key messages and keeping the audience engaged.

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. I have been receiving praise for finding you as our keynote presenter throughout all of yesterday and this morning.”

Texas Parks Logo

– Tracey Murray | Manager, Marketing and Communication | Dynamic Risk

Explore Testimonials

Delivery Formats

Alan speaking dark background

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.

Alan speaking dark background

Interactive Keynote

Having Alan incorporate dynamic discussions or activities gets everyone moving, interacting, and fully engaged—setting an energetic tone for the entire event.

Alan speaking dark background

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.

Alan speaking dark background

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.

Alan speaking dark background

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.

Alan speaking dark background

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.

Incorporating Alan’s Books

Enhance the audience experience with one or both of Alan’s books! Pre-purchasing at a bulk discounted rate is a great way to provide a lasting valuable resource for the audience. Whether as a conference gift, workshop supplement, or draw prize giveaway, bulk orders ensure your attendees leave with lasting insights. Reach out to discuss special pricing and customization options.

“Alan takes you on a journey of self discovery – full of hope and inspiration on every page”

– Cathy Cavanagh | Northumberland United Way

Trusted by Organizations Worldwide

“What an inspirational presentation. Thank you so much for sharing your story.”

– Sharyn Hight | PMI New Zealand

“Uplifting and wonderful”

– Rosita Chang | FPA of Hawaii

“Incredible story and journey. Inspiring to reflect on personal Everest”

– Gus Pappas | Advocis Ottawa

“A testament of how to successfully deal with and overcome major challenges”

– Alvaro Vivanco | President | DAV Chile

“Alan delivers an outstanding presentation. he positive feedback we have received says it all.”

– Tom Reid | Global Marketing Director | Hatch Associates

“Captivating, and his story is inspiring for our employees”

– Peter Kinver | Chief Operating Officer | Barrick Gold

“Amazing and exhilarating. Felt like I was watching a movie”

– Debbie Hawe | General Motors

“One of the most compelling stories that I have ever heard”

– David Stewart | Dynamic Risk

“Our members were captivated by your incredible story and heartfelt delivery”

– Hannah Chala | VP Education & Programs | Meeting Planners International


29,032

Vertical Feet of Elevation

405

Recorded Fatalities

1953

First Recorded Summit

7,269

Individuals to the Summit

1

Successful Family Expedition