His is a story that many will recognize, but few have an opportunity to hear first hand. Nando Parrado recounts the extraordinary tale of how he and 15 of his teammates survived for 72 brutal days after their plane crashed into the frozen Andes Mountains over 30 years ago. It remains one of the paramount survival stories of all time.
From the time the plane crashed on October 13, 1972 until their rescue on December 22, Nando and his fellow Uruguayan rugby teammates were forced to cross both physical and mental boundaries. After waking from a concussion only to learn that his mother had died on impact and his sister was near death, Nando became obsessed with surviving and emerged a hero after he and teammate Roberto Canessa walked for 10 days to find their salvation. Their story of courage, teamwork, determination and leadership, experienced at a level few have known, will leave you with a heightened awareness of the value of human life.
Nando Parrado began to speak about his experiences in the Andes in 1992, when he was invited to address the Young President’s Organization. After speaking to several multi-national companies, he transformed himself into one of the most unique speakers in the world. He has spoken to audiences in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Parrado, a sportsman, seminar leader, and president of several companies, uses his experience surviving in the Andes -- the most hostile environment on the plane-- to articulate innovative strategies for those that need to scale personal or business mountains in the twenty-first century.
Parrado’s achievements are a powerful testimony to his attitude of survival. His life was quickly transformed in the Andes -- he lost his mother and sister in the crash, and suffered a skull fracture. He recovered, and escaped through the Andes Mountains with his friend, Roberto. Because of this escape, his story and the stories of those that lost their lives in the crash can be shared.
His speeches paint a thrilling history of one of the most important odysseys of survival in our time, but it’s also an inspired call to businessmen and women alike, to transform into adventurers and face the challenges of this decade.
Parrado’s speeches focus on many subjects that help a company or organization succeed: leadership, teamwork, motivation, handling of crisis, change, planning and strategy, handling of conflict, and how to handle one’s own fears. It is a lesson in leadership and tactical planning, not only for human survival, but also for the survival of companies. It is a story of loyalty, friendship, family, faith and perseverance experienced at the human level that few will be able to relate, but will touch the audience’s heart and leave it with an elevated perception of the value of human life.
"It is better to decide and make a mistake than not to decide. There is always time to turn back"
Nando Parrado
