Where polar exploration meets business education
What can we learn from the intrepid adventurers who explore, lead - and survive - in the most hostile environments on Earth?
The Polar Business School podcast explores that very question by bringing together the world’s greatest living polar explorers, adventurers and extreme-environment athletes in one evolving new media ecosystem.
Hosted by our founder, entrepreneur and polar adventurer, Michael Mitten, the Polar Business School podcast will explore the learning these incredible human beings have taken from their experiences that can shape business strategy, develop leadership and improve how we live our lives.
In each long-form conversation, our host will uncover fascinating, powerful, lessons forged on the ice; lessons about leadership, resilience, decision making and survival under pressure, translating them for founders, entrepreneurs and leaders navigating the unpredictable terrain of modern business.
Our mission
To bring together the world’s greatest living explorers, polar guides and extreme-environment athletes to share with a global audience what they have learned from operating at the very edge of human capability.
We will strive to make extreme environment adventure accessible to all, no matter physical or financial limitations.
Meet our host
Michael Mitten
Michael founded The Polar Business School after discovering and applying the powerful connections he learnt between polar exploration and business leadership during his own polar expeditions.
Michael is the former owner and CEO of Houghton International, a UK based engineering service and manufacturing business that operated in more than 40 countries. Under his leadership the business experienced sustained growth, cultural reinvention and operational transformation.
Using unique lessons learnt during his expeditions to the North and South Poles, Michael positioned his business as a European market leader to successfully exit in 2024, having led the company as CEO for 19 years.
Our Polar Leadership Philosophy
There is always a way.
Join the Journey
Whether you are a leader, entrepreneur, explorer or adventurer, the Polar Business School invites you to learn from those who have spent their lives operating at the very edge of human capability.
Because some of the most powerful lessons in leadership are not taught in classrooms.
They are learned on the ice.
Got a question? Have a suggestion? Interested in working together?
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