Nando Parrado is a celebrated motivational speaker, businessman, and one of the 16 survivors of the devastating 1972 Andes plane crash. His harrowing and inspiring story of resilience is documented in the bestseller Alive, and it has cemented his reputation as a unique authority on leadership, perseverance, and overcoming life's worst circumstances. He is widely recognized for accomplishing what few have—refusing to give in to insurmountable odds.
The tragic 1972 event, in which he lost his mother and sister, found him trapped for 72 days in the Cordillera de los Andes at 18,000 feet. His ultimate survival was the result of a superhuman effort: an arduous, 10-day snowy trek across the mountains with no equipment or proper clothing. This act of determination, which mountaineers worldwide have deemed nearly impossible, is highlighted as a fundamental lesson in leadership and resilience under siege.
Parrado successfully translated his survival experience into compelling media and business ventures. The survivors’ story was first documented in the bestseller Alive, and he later served as the technical advisor for the 1993 film of the same name. Today, he is a successful businessman, serving as President of MRC Ltda, a television production company, and as a major shareholder in one of Uruguay's most prestigious industrial hardware stores, La Casa del Tornillo.
As a highly sought-after speaker and author of Miracle in the Andes, Parrado shares the complete story, bringing the audience on the journey with him. His presentations move beyond mere motivation, using the desperate circumstances of the crash to identify the essential traits and characteristics of a leader under siege. He shares hard-learned lessons on mental fortitude, teaching audiences how to apply these principles for breakthrough success in business, personal life, and family.
