Nando Parrado
- The greatest ever story of survival.
- Survived a plane crash high in the Andes with his school rugby team which became known as ‘The Miracle in the Andes’.
- Wearing only summer clothes they were expected to survive for no more than 36 hours having crashed at 18,000ft and in temperatures as low as -30℃.
- Without food, heat and dying of starvation and the cold, they were forced to make a pact to eat their dead colleagues to survive.
- Nando Parrado made the brave decision after two months to seek help walk 61km across the mountain range which led to the rescue and survival of 16 of the original 45 who crashed 72 days earlier.
- Immortalized in the Hollywood movie ‘Alive’ with Parrado played by Ethan Hawke.
- An international speaker on topics including leadership, teamwork, crisis management, and overcoming change.
Nando Parrado is an internationally known speaker who has developed successful strategies for unlocking potential and excellence in the workplace and everyday life. He is also the author of the best seller book “Miracle in the Andes”.
In 1972 he was flying to Chile from Uruguay with his college rugby team of which he was captain for an international rugby match. Unfortunately, the flight never arrived at the destination; it crashed tragically at 18,000 feet in the Cordillera de Los Andes. The two and a half months that followed changed his life completely. His mother and younger sister passed away in the accident, and Nando made a superhuman effort, and survived for 72 days, finding his way out of the Andes, after 10 days of snowy marathon trek.
Soon after the rescue of the survivors, thanks to the epic passage of the Andes of Nando Parrado and his friend Roberto Canessa, he worked with Piers Paul Read to write the world bestseller “ALIVE “, and 20 years later was the Technical Advisor in the production of the film “ALIVE”. where his part was played by Ethan Hawke.
Nando Parrado is regarded as one of the world’s leading public speakers. The World Business Forum voted Nando the Best Speaker in the World in 2010. His story is the thrilling history of one of the most important odysseys of survival in mankind, but also it’s an inspired call to businessmen and businesswoman alike, to transform into adventurers, and face the challenges of the new millennium.
The extraordinary history of Nando Parrado has been carved from an absolutely normal life. His achievements are a powerful testimony to his attitude of survival. A life quickly transformed after an incredible physical and mental recovery after losing his mother and sister in the accident and undergoing a fracture of the skull. He recovers, helps, leads, decides, and escapes through the mountains.
In his motivational conferences all the subjects that can help a company or organization in several areas: Leadership, Team Work, Motivation, Handling of Crisis, Change, Planning & Strategy, Handling of Conflicts, How to Handle Fear.
A lesson in skills of leadership and tactical planning, not only for human survival but for the survival of companies. It’s a story of courage, teamwork, determination experienced at a level that few will be able to credit that touches hearts and leaves audiences with an elevated perception of the value of human life. This is also a great history of loyalty, friendship, family, faith, and perseverance.
Nando Parrado – Conference Insight, May 2019
May 2019, Staples US Store Managers Conference, Dallas Texas – Keynote Speaker Nando Parrado by Promotivate Speakers Agency.
Nando Parrado resides in Montevideo, Uruguay. He presents in English and Spanish.
Virtual Speaking
Nando is available to book for virtual keynote speaking worldwide and has a series of talks aligned for this. Please ask Promotivate for details.
Case Study: EO APAC May 2020
EO APAC Region hosted Conversation with Nando Parrado on 12 May 2020, with 328 members/accelerators/SLPs (from 9 countries) attended. Participants found great take-home values from Nando’s inspiring story. The overall rating was a 4.93/5
Members feedback about their experience from this virtual learning:
Thank you, Nando, for sharing your story. So timely to hear that at this time.
– Edward Lim, EO Philippines
Thank you, Nando, live in the present, and create your future. God bless you and your family.
– Elaine Chuah, EO Malaysia
One of the most inspiring talks I have heard. A huge thank you for your share. My take-home is that nobody had psychological help. I would love to understand how to develop GRIT and RESILIENCE in my children. Just amazing!
– Dawn Piebenga, EO Sydney
Thank you Nando, your darkest moment has become a bright guiding light for the world.
– Hui Choon Tan, EO Malaysia
What an amazing story and attitude to life. You are an inspiration Nando. Stay well.
– EO New Zealand Member
You might think the reason you had to survive was your family it probably is so but I believe the reason you had to survive was to share your story and inspire people. I truly enjoyed listening to you. God bless you!
– Erik ten Have, EO Indonesia
Nando, amazing thank you so deeply for sharing your story. Humbling, motivating and certainly has had an impact. Thank you isn’t big enough.
– Karinna Gobbo, EO Sydney
Thank you so much Nando for a truly inspirational story of survival. You are brave beyond.
– Melissa Sangster, EO Melbourne
Thank you for reminding me that I am still me after many years. It is the experience that mold me.
– Shelly Chiau, EO Malaysia
Thank you Nando for the inspiration. what a story of mental fortitude. God bless.
– Edwin Hendriadi, EO Indonesia East
Thank you Nando – the strong helping the weak, we are all a family and the most important incentive in your life is to have a family – your real legacy – Loved it – thank you for your inspiration… the present is a gift we all have.
– Bronwyn Taylor, SLP
Nando, I heard you 10 years ago in Singapore and again today. Both times I was moved to tears to the tenacity you and your team had to survive the incredible ordeal. And this is an incredible story to remind me that my life (no matter how tough it may seem), it is nothing close to what you had to go through. So I can stop feeling sorry for myself and continue striving and achieving. So long as I am still breathing, all my dreams is still possible.
Thank you for being you.
– Lynn Tan, EO Singapore
I love your story. I know rugby and understand the uniqueness of it. Thank you for sharing your time with us.
– Trixie Whyte, EO Philippines
Thank you for sharing your incredible sorry. Your courage and strength is particularly inspiring in these difficult times.
– Alisa Rahim, EO Malaysia
Thank you, Nando for making my morning!
– Felix Gorriceta, EO Philippines South
Thank you Nando, I heard you 12 years ago in South Carolina. Your story always amazes me and inspires me, one that I think so very often to inspire me on my own journey.
– Stephen Sieh, EO Philippines
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You spoke of love that you kept you and the other survivors together. That is my takeaway for today.
– James Tan, EO Malaysia
Thank you very much for sharing from the heart.
– Boon Siong Lim, EO Malaysia
This is my 2nd time listening to Nando – heard him many years ago in Singapore – and it is just as enlightening and moving … thank you for sharing and inspiring us…
– Moonlake Lee, SLP
Big thank you to Nando and EO for this insightful event.
– Rajesh Melwani, EO Malaysia
We survive by helping each other!
– Leah Caringal, EO Philippines
Thank you, Nando for sharing a life-changing story that none of us ever hope to encounter. You are truly an inspiration!
– Ray Roxas-Chua, EO Philippines
Nando, you are an unbelievable inspiration and I thank you for sharing your story.
– Graeme Goldman, EO Melbourne
Muchas gracias, que historia tan fantástica 🙏
– Thomas Dietz, EO New Zealand
Thank you, Nando for your sharing. It was very inspiring & remind us what is important in life
– Chok Tung Ng, EO Malaysia
Latin America 