If you must rush in life...rush slowly.
Tim Cope is a celebrated Australian adventurer and author renowned as much for his iconic journeys, as for championing the people of the lands he travels through. He is a model example of resilience, responsible risk-taking, and the importance of building strong relationships, but has also earned the unique title from National Geographic of ‘cultural ambassador.’
Tim passionately presents the case that there are crucial lessons to be learned by stepping outside the comfort zone of our social constructs and reassessing life through the lens of unfamiliar cultures. He believes that the experience of adventure remains important in our digital era, in part because of the human wisdom to be learned from lands and people different to our own.
The Odyssey:
Tim is best known for his ambitious odyssey riding horses on the trail of Genghis Khan, 10,000km from Mongolia to Hungary across the great Eurasian Steppe. Australian Geographic billed this 'one of the greatest journeys of modern times.'
At the beginning of the journey, Tim could barely ride a horse, but three and a half years later he made world headlines when he rode onto the banks of the Danube, along with his three horses and trusty canine companion, Tigon. To get there he had endured challenges that ranged from wolves and thieves to isolation in freezing steppe and searing deserts, social unrest and bureaucratic bungling. Nearing the end he received the tragic news of the sudden death of his father.
Through it all Tim drew inspiration from the nomadic people of the steppe who offered friendship, wisdom, and extraordinary hospitality. They taught Tim how to have patience, resilience, to make friends with the unfamiliar, and to retain both a sense of humour, curiosity, humility, and humanity in the face of adversity.
Current work:
For Tim, the adventure did not end on the day he stepped off his horses. Impassioned with the belief there are valuable lessons to be learned from adventure and traditional cultures in our modern era, Tim wrote the bestselling book On the Trail Of Genghis Khan, directed an internationally award-winning TV series of the same title, and has since run a successful business leading remote, and culturally immersive expeditions in Mongolia and Siberia. Tim actively fundraises for charities in Mongolia as part of this work. Most recently Tim has written his first book for young adults, Tim & Tigon, which is themed around resilience and friendship. Tim has also begun facilitating business conferences in ‘off the grid’ locations in Australia.
As a Speaker, Tim is experienced, masterful, and agile. He has been a Saxton exclusive since 2003. Drawing on his many experiences he weaves a tale of triumph, heartbreak, and deep learning. He is known as a personal, adaptable, and inspiring storyteller who can reframe strategies for leadership, dealing with change, overcoming challenges, focusing on core goals, having resilience, building relationships, and for reminding ourselves to keep our faith in humanity. Tim uses film and imagery to bring his story to life and has excelled in a range of formats from keynotes at educational and business conferences, to on-theme motivational talks, school visits, high-production-value TEDx-style events, and chaired 'Conversations.’
Awards & Accolades:
Australian Geographic ‘Australian Adventurer of the Year’ in recognition of his 10,000km, three-year journey on the trail of Genghis Khan.
Grand Prize, Banff International Mountain Book Festival -for On the Trail of Genghis Khan: An Epic Journey Through the Land of the Nomads (Bloomsbury Publishing).
National Geographic Adventure Awardee. Presented in Washington DC recognizing Tim as ‘Cultural Ambassador who traced the journeys of Genghis Khan.’
Royal Society for Asian Affairs ‘Special Award’ in recognition of ‘exceptionally outstanding and unusual achievement in Asia in any sphere, including service to humanity, contribution to science, the extension of knowledge, innovation, individual ingenuity and resource, personal effort and courage, endurance, fortitude or contribution to culture.’
Nairamdal recipient (Friendship Medal) - issued by the president of Mongolia for work in celebrating and promoting Mongolian nomad culture. Tim was also made ‘honourable international ambassador’ for Mongolian tourism.
Multiple International Film Awards including Banff Film Festival People’s Choice Award, Vancouver Mountain And Film Festival Grand Prize, Prize of the Jury at Graz International Film Festival (Austria).
Australian Geographic ‘Young Adventurer of the Year’ - awarded for 4,500km rowboat expedition through Siberia to the Arctic Ocean along the Yenisey River.
Australian Geographic ‘Spirit of Adventure’ award - awarded for travelling 10,000km across Russia and Siberia to China on recumbent bicycles.
Previous Achievements
After studying law for a brief time at ANU in Canberra Tim accepted a scholarship to study in Finland as part of the ‘International Wilderness Guide Course.’ This intensive, year-long course schooled Tim in leadership, survival, and traditional knowledge in the Subarctic regions of Russia and Finland.
For Tim, this course proved to be the doorway for pursuing his dreams of adventure, writing, and film.
On completion of the wilderness guide course, he set out to ride a recumbent bicycle 10,000km across Russia, and Siberia to Beijing. This fourteen-month journey led Tim to make his first film, Off the Rails: On the Back Roads to Beijing for the ABC, and to write his first book Off The Rails: Moscow to Beijing by Bicycle (Penguin Publishing).
Soon after completing his bicycle journey Tim Cope returned to Russia to join a small crew to row a wooden boat 4,500km along the Yenisey River through Siberia to the Arctic Ocean. The journey, filmed in part by Tim, became the subject of a National Geographic Channel TV documentary called ‘The Yenisey Expedition.’ Two books authored by co-adventurers Colin Angus and Ben Kozel were also published about this journey.
For Tim, all of these experiences helped to prepare him for his ultimate dream: his 10,000km, three-year journey by horse from Mongolia to Hungary. In the wake of this expedition, Tim directed and co-produced a popular three hour TV series for ARTE in Europe and the ABC in Australia. He then spent four years researching and writing his book ‘On the Trail of Genghis Khan’ published by Bloomsbury internationally.
Talking Points
Learning to 'Rush Slowly'
Tim will draw on his learnings about resilience, patience, and mindful determination.
Learning to 'Rush Slowly'
Make friends with the unfamiliar
Learning to be curious, not offended when confronted with a diversity of cultures, ideas, and when overcoming difficulties.
Make friends with the unfamiliar
Discovery in the modern world
Why the experience of learning and discovery will never grow old in an era of jet travel and smartphones.
Discovery in the modern world
Clear decisions
Breaking through the noise and clutter to focus on what is important.
Clear decisions
Trust in fate but always tie up the camel
The tight rope between being master and taking control of destiny through planning and conviction, yet remaining open minded to the unexpected and having the humility to accept approaches that are different.
Trust in fate but always tie up the camel
Odds favour the brave
Growth and reward from responsible risk taking.
Odds favour the brave
Mountains never meet but people do
Extending oneself to create a network of friends beyond the comfortable circle. Cherishing relationships.
Mountains never meet but people do
Video
Tim Cope | Introduction | Saxton Speakers
In one of the most unique odysseys of modern times Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.Tim Cope | Trust in Fate, But Always Tie Up the Camel | Saxton Speakers
The tight rope between being master and taking control of destiny through planning and conviction, yet remaining open minded to the unexpected and having the humility to accept approaches that are different. n one of the most unique odysseys of modern times Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.Tim Cope | The Virtues of Discovery | Saxton Speakers
In one of the most unique odysseys of modern times Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.Tim Cope | If You Must Rush, Rush Slowly | Saxton Speakers
In one of the most unique odysseys of modern times, Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.Tim Cope | Odds Favour the Brave | Saxton Speakers
In one of the most unique odysseys of modern times, Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.Tim Cope | Making Friends With The Unfamiliar | Saxton Speakers
Learning to be curious, not offended when confronted with a diversity of cultures, ideas, and when overcoming difficulties. In one of the most unique odysseys of modern times, Tim Cope spent three years on horseback among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. A masterful and deeply passionate storyteller, Tim has broken with the stereotype of conquest-focused adventure and become renowned as a champion of the rare human wisdom found in some of the world’s least-known traditional cultures. Tim has become a recognised ambassador for the timeless values of discovery in a fast-changing modern world.National Geographic Live! - Tim Cope: On the Trail of Genghis Khan
Explorer Tim Cope, accompanied by his canine companion, spent more than three years retracing the 6,000-mile route taken by history's greatest conqueror, Genghis Khan, and encountered many curious characters along the way.Tim Cope on the Trail of Genghis Khan
Australian Adventurer Tim Cope ride from Mongolia to Hungary by horse over 10,000km and three and a half years in an attempt to discover the modern say spirit of the nomads, and retrace the empire of Ghengis Khan. Tim Cope @SaxtonSpeakers Australia SpeaksTim Cope @SaxtonSpeakers Australia Speaks
Tim Cope is an internationally award-winning Australian author, adventurer and filmmaker, best known for his iconic three year, 10 000 km journey by horse on the trail of nomads from Mongolia to Hungary, made famous by Genghis Khan. His accolades include winning the Australian Geographic Australian Adventurer of the Year at age 26 (one of the youngest recipients in the award's history) and becoming the first Australian to win the Grand Prize at the 2013 Banff International Mountain Book Festival for On The Trail of Genghis Khan. These were in addition to a raft of international prizes for his documentary films Off the Rails, The Yenisey Expedition, and the popular TV series The Trail of Genghis Khan.BBC Interview with Saxton exclusive Tim Cope
Saxton exclusive Tim Cope discusses his iconic three year, 10 000 km journey by horse on the trail of nomads from Mongolia to Hungary with the BBC. Tim is an internationally award-winning Australian author, adventurer and filmmaker.Saxton Fireside Chat with Explorer & Author, Tim Cope
The exchange of stories and ideas is more important now than ever. In this bi-weekly series of virtual Fireside Chats, you can gain unprecedented access to the world's greatest storytellers and thought leaders. In this session, Tim shares the story of his journey, on horseback, among nomads traversing the Eurasian steppe, accompanied by his dog Tigon. He shares messages of success and happiness through resilience, taking responsible risks, embracing cultural and individual differences, and developing relationships based on understanding and respect.Audio
This is a young man possessed of extraordinary courage, but also great sensitivity and respect. To anyone who believes that there are no worlds left to be discovered, I offer up the evidence ... keep reading Elizabeth Gilbert - Author of Eat Pray Love
I have had Tim speak at my leadership program a number of times now and he always delivers. He is thoughtful, insightful and also provides some humour. He is very easy to deal with and is always one of the favourite speakers of the year for our program.
A wonderful storyteller, Tim kept the entire crowd enticed. People still talk about his experiences two weeks later.
Tim Cope's program was professional, inspirational, and eye-opening for those in attendance. I have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from students, staff, and faculty. This was a high quality event that proved to be a meaningful investment for our campus.
Refreshing and surprisingly relevant with Tim's 'Learnings and Insights.’ He was like a breath of fresh air, so nice to know that Saxton have all types of speakers, and not just high-powered business professionals.
Tim was absolutely wonderful and was far and away one of the best speakers we have hosted. His talk struck a great balance of being really polished but also delivered in a way that made it seem spontaneous and personal.
This year my senior management team and I have had the pleasure of spending a few inspiring days with Tim. One of our goals was to get away from our daily work environment and spend some time in a remote location without all the noise from our everyday life; no mobiles, internet or TV! Firstly, Tim presented and shared experiences from his truly inspiring story and life and through that we were able to draw comparisons between his adventure challenges and the challenges we all face in our daily working life. Our second day was spent trekking as a group with Tim in the high plains in Victoria. It was a fantastic few days, enjoyed the whole group, and I can fully recommend Tim to any organisation or management group looking for something different. His engaging manner and humble approach is very refreshing.
Tim Cope was an inspiring and genuine speaker. He linked his story and challenges to those faced by our students attending the forum and spoke to their experience. His journey was amazing yet he was honest about his feelings and the obstacles he experienced daily. It came across not as a story of heroism or exceptional skill, but of one person who wanted to achieve a goal and was determined to get there.
Tim was an outstanding presenter. Our audience was a group of graduate teachers embarking on a challenging career and Tim was able to draw on analogies and metaphors during the presentation that related directly to their circumstance. The audience was entranced throughout the presentation and the AV support was engrossing. Key Regional personnel were present and I am confident we will see much more of this outstanding young man in our area in the future.
The feedback we have received regarding Tim's presentation has been extremely positive. Everyone in the audience was totally engaged in his story and my colleagues were very impressed by the way he related this back to teaching. Tim was also very approachable and was happy to talk to people before and after his presentation.
Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School invited Tim Cope to provide a highly-motivating introductory morning for our two-day Student Leadership Committee training program. Tim extensively adapted his multi-media presentation format and created a purpose-built interactive sequence incorporating stimulating group work, structured discussion forums and team building activities. The students were highly interested and fully engaged throughout.
Tim Cope was the key guest speaker at our recent Humanities Festival. He presented an engaging PowerPoint to our Year 5 to 12 students and incorporated interesting images and video clips. His messages were most appropriate to all those age groups. I received many positive comments about Tim from students and teachers alike.
Tim captured the audience from outset, his humour and storytelling, personalised and entwined with our own message of engaging with communities and culture in difficult times was presented through Tims own challenges crossing the Eurasian steppe.
Tim is a standout - his story is compelling and his manner is engaging. This is the second time we have had Tim speak at an ESA event, and the response from two completely different audiences has been equally enthralled both times.
