Speaker
Ice Maidens
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne speak of their experiences as part of the first female team to ski across Antarctica using muscle power alone. In 2018 they were two of the six Ice Maidens who covered 1,704km in 2 months, setting three world records. They can present as a pair or individually, and tell their story with honesty, humour and humility, aiming to inspire more than impress.
About Ice Maidens
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne specialise in speeches about Teamwork and Resilience. The following themes are emphasised within the context of life on the coldest, highest and most inhospitable continent on earth. They share their expertise in teamwork, mental resilience, unity of purpose, embracing conflict, getting to know and knowing how to motivate your team. Their client’s include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, AECOM, Airbus, Arup, Trowers & Hamlins, Cannacord and The Institute of Directors.
Ice Maidens Sandy Hennis & Sophie Montagne were part of the first female team to ski coast-to-coast across Antarctica using muscle power alone. The team of six women covered 1,704km, endured temperatures of -56C and arrived 14 days earlier than planned, setting three new world records.
But the Ice Maidens expedition wasn’t about racing or records, it wasn’t about standing at the South Pole or achieving a lifelong dream – it was all about the team. Supporting each other through Antarctic storms, debilitating sickness, exhaustion and the ever-present threat of crevasses, those six women relied 100% upon each other. It wasn’t about just a team, it was about the whole team getting to the finish.
Sandy and Sophie use their experiences in Antarctica to help bring new perspectives to the corporate sector. Combining Sandy’s military expertise with Sophie’s 10 years’ experience in the corporate world, they have analysed each lesson learned on their adventures, making it relevant to everyday lives both at work and at home. They pinpoint current business challenges and offer solutions, presented in the context of their time in Antarctica, on expeditions and on military operations.
Testimonials
"Sophie and Sandy were amazing, such an inspiration. Both ladies were so lovely and down to earth which was nice. They had great stage presence, and it was clear that their bond was strong as they shared their story. Our leaders were very engaged in their presentation and had lots of questions to ask which showed how interested they were. People were talking about the presentation over dinner sharing that they have been inspired by their bravery... Their overall journey showed that connection is crucial for great collaboration; the fact that they took time to get to know each other and understand their individual strengths to get the best out of each other was a powerful message for our leaders."
Colette Arthur - Raytheon
"They [the Ice Maidens] are an inspiration to us all and are role models to young people across the country…We are immensely proud of them and what they have achieved."
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State
"I have had the pleasure of seeing Sophie and Sandy present on a number of occasions and I cannot recommend them enough. Their story is obviously very inspirational, but it’s their ability to bring the tale to life with honest and candid insight that makes their presentations so engaging."
Stefania Farrugia, AECOM
"Extremely inspirational"
Georgie Bevan, Powys County Council
"Not all of us are able to cross Antarctica, but we all engage in projects that require planning and preparation, and an understanding of our team’s strengths and weaknesses. Their talk focused on the role teamwork plays in achieving your objective and this was a language we all understood."
Suzanna Joy, Arup
