In the words of Ernest Shackleton, an Adventurer should have 'optimism, patience, idealism, and courage.'
Dropped on ice in the Bay of Whales, 1km short of Captain Scott's hut, 'Team Scott' would be the first ever team to walk, unaided, the 920 nautical miles to the South Pole. Paul was proud to be part of that team.
Where did it begin?
Paul, aka Vic, spent 35 years in the military working at the top of his game. Humble to the core despite his achievements and time serving with a Specialist Military Unit (SMU), he uses these experiences and adventures and translates them into real-life examples, as a way of showing how we can build our own psychological body armour, resilience and confidence.
Living much of his life below the radar, Paul's specialist military career took him to hostile environments and places that cannot be mentioned...
"I have learned from my specialist military background that it is important to be able to know how you deal with stressful situations, particularly when your life depends on it."
Climbing practice
On deployment in Bosnia
From Soldier to Adventurer to Speaker, Paul has pushed himself and others to physical and mental limits, in extreme environments.
In addition to his exemplary military career, and his extreme expeditions, Paul is a qualified Paramedic, a Mental Health Fitness Coach, and has a Masters degree in Security and Risk Management, making him one of the most credible speakers and trainers in his field. He is also a part-time Veteran Liaison for Help for Heroes.
His debut book, 'Plan D - When things don't go to plan' is a must-read for anyone interested in adventure, extreme experiences and ways of coping with mental and physical health challenges. £1 will be donated to Help for Heroes for every copy sold.
Now, with his 'kit bag' in hand, Paul shares his incredible courage as a soldier, his patience as a Mental Fitness Coach, his optimism as an Explorer, and his idealism as an Adventurer.
But it doesn't stop there...
He has walked to both Geographic Poles and led expeditions to Everest Base Camp. He has followed in the footsteps of groundbreaking explorers in a centenary expedition to reach the Geographic South Pole in 76 days. He has documented the effects of climate change on our planet during a trek to the Geographic North Pole. Paul has certainly pushed the boundaries of possibility both physically and mentally.