Rob Lilwall is the author of two acclaimed adventure memoirs and the subject of two National Geographic television series. His books and films tell true stories of resilience, leadership, teamwork and navigating uncertainty—the same experiences that have inspired audiences at leadership conferences and corporate events around the world.
If you’ve heard Rob speak—or if you’re discovering his work for the first time—this is where the stories begin.
These books and films take you deeper into the adventures behind Rob’s keynote and motivational speeches—from cycling 50,000 kilometres home from Siberia, to walking across China from Mongolia, to crossing one of the world’s most feared deserts.
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure story, practical lessons in resilience and leadership, or simply a great read or watch, there’s a journey here for you.
Every keynote Rob delivers is rooted in real experience. These books, films and expeditions provide the stories behind the lessons on resilience, leadership, teamwork and adapting to uncertainty that audiences hear at conferences, leadership events and corporate conferences around the world.
The expedition inspired both an acclaimed book and a six-part National Geographic television series.
Travelling through 28 countries, Rob camped below -40°C, crossed remote mountain ranges, hitchhiked on cargo boats, was robbed at gunpoint and relied countless times on the kindness of strangers before eventually arriving home three years later.
“A two-wheeled classic.’
“A rite-of-passage adventure full of thrills, excitement and endurance.”
“A remarkable story… enhanced by the fact that he has a writer’s skill for conveying a sense of place.”
The six-part Cycling Home From Siberia National Geographic TV series is available free for website visitors.
The expedition inspired both an acclaimed book and a six-part National Geographic television series.
Beginning in Mongolia, he walks more than 5,000 kilometres across China to return home to Hong Kong.
“An honest and often heart-warming meditation on the physical and mental hardships of extreme endurance.”
“An engrossing window into the nascent colossus that is China.”
The Walking Home From Mongolia National Geographic TV series is currently unavailable due to licensing restrictions, but visitors can watch the trailer.
Walking more than 700 miles through one of the world’s harshest landscapes, he encountered towering sand dunes, dangerous river crossings, relentless solitude and many unexpected surprises.
The expedition is also being made into a documentary film.
Watch early preview here. Please note that this preview is a producer’s rough cut using the producer’s narration rather than Rob’s own voice, and the finished documentary will differ significantly.
Alongside his three major expeditions, Rob has completed many other adventures by bicycle and on foot across four continents.
From crossing the Andes and travelling through Ethiopia to exploring the Middle East and cycling across Europe and North America, these journeys continue to shape his writing, keynote speeches and outlook on life.
Many have also been captured through short films, journal articles and photography.
An adventurous tandem bicycle journey across the United States with Christine. Crossing mountains, deserts and thousands of miles together, the journey was both demanding and unforgettable.
Their light-hearted short film is perfect for anyone dreaming of taking an adventurous sabbatical with the person they love.
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These adventures have inspired keynote and motivational speeches for organisations around the world.
If you’d like your audience to experience these extraordinary stories—and discover the practical lessons they offer for resilience, leadership, teamwork and navigating change—we’d love to hear from you.
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