Bear Grylls

THE 2024 SEMA SHOW KEYNOTE SPEAKER SHARES HIS TAKES ON EXPLORATION, RISK-TAKING AND ADVENTURING OFF THE BEATEN PATH

BY SEMA MAGAZINE EDITORS

Bear Grylls, host of "Man vs. Wild," "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" and "You vs. Wild," will deliver a keynote address at the 2024 SEMA Show as part of the trade-only event's professional-development experience.

Taking place November 5–8 in Las Vegas, the SEMA Show will feature Grylls, a renowned survival expert, writer and adventurer, on the SEMA Main Stage, where he will talk about the things that have shaped him and the lessons he's learned along the way. Grylls' keynote address, entitled "The Power of Resilience—Never Give Up, Featuring Bear Grylls," will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 7 in the West Hall.

The adventurer's speech is part of a comprehensive SEMA Show Education program that focuses on leadership and year-round skill development. Through his keynote, Grylls will guide the audience on a journey to understand how to overcome hurdles and adversity and to learn from failures. His stories of resilience, courage and never giving up will inspire, uplift and empower the audience to face their own challenges.

"The 2024 SEMA Show Education Program will feature iconic personalities in the automotive industry, thought leaders and entertainers sharing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas and strategies," said SEMA Trade Show Director Andy Tompkins. "We are committed to ensuring that participation in the SEMA Show is easy, affordable, inspiring and provides the greatest return on investment." To learn more or to register to attend the 2024 SEMA Show, visit semashow.com.

>>Grylls' SEMA Show talk will touch on the life skills he's learned--and their potential impact on any endeavor.

SEMA Magazine: As one of the most recognized faces of survival and outdoor adventure, what would be your advice to parents to encourage children to want to spend more time outdoors?

Bear Grylls: I think doing stuff together is key. And keeping it simple. Even a walk in the park or cycle ride can show children that there's so much more to life than computers and TV screens. It's so important to instill in kids from an early age that adventure can be for everyone and that you don't need to tackle Everest to find fun and empowerment in the great outdoors. Adventure builds confidence, and I see that time after time through the scouts and through our TV shows. Adventure is a state of mind that dictates how we live our lives.

SM: Raising three boys on a remote island must have provided some fantastic opportunities for outdoor play and learning. What have been some of your highlights of island living?

BG: We have been so lucky to live on a pretty wild part of the world in North Wales on this little island off the coast in the United Kingdom. Life on the island is pretty simple. That's the appeal for me. Highlights for me are barefoot walks in the rain, outdoor military-style workouts (see bemilitaryfit. com) and swims in the sea. Or maybe when we get cozy when a storm comes over and we have a movie night. Generally, life is pretty physical though on the island. Even going to the mainland to get supplies involves a hill, a quad bike, a row boat, a RIB (which is a rigid inflatable boat), a hike and then the reverse process. But done together it's an adventure.

SM: Known for pushing yourself to the limits both mentally and physically, what would you say has been one of the biggest challenges you've accomplished and what helped you persevere through?

BG: I think passing Special Air Service selection at a pretty young age was one of the biggest challenges for me looking back. It was a brutal few months, but it gave me friends for life, skills for life and a confidence that I maybe didn't have beforehand. One of the biggest setbacks, though, in my life was after I had a parachute failure when I was in the military. I had a freefall accident in Southern Africa, and a canopy failed. I broke my back in three places. I had to spend 12 months in and out of rehabilitation in back braces. That time in hospital taught me the simple lesson that life is fragile and that if we are lucky enough to survive and have a lucky escape, then we have a duty to try to get back up and grab life with both hands. Gratitude and humility are hardwon lessons, but the wild teaches them in spades over time. SM: Has your approach to risk changed since becoming a parent?

BG: There has obviously been a significant amount of risk involved in my life and in my job, and I have had quite a few close calls over the years. But those moments have taught me so much about what it really takes to stay alive in crisis times. To not be afraid of taking calculated risks. Because struggle and risk develops our strength. But you've also got to be smart; you only get it wrong once. Since having kids, I've grown smarter with risk taking, and I have developed a good instinct of what is safe to do and what is not. I really try and listen to that voice.I also know that the wild and life rewards commitment and that once you commit to something then the way often opens before you.

SM: You have spoken about the importance of setting goals. How has that practice shaped the choices you have made in your career and life in general?

BG: I think as humans we are at our best when we have a goal. I have always tried to live like this with clear goals and targets to aim for. I have failed so many times in my life, and that's okay. In fact, it's key. Life is all about that spirit of endeavor and never giving up. That mindset has become a way of life for me nowadays—to give your best and not be scared to fail.

SM: What was your very first car? What do you remember most about it?

BG: My very first car was a Black London Cab that I bought for a thousand bucks and still own to this day. It had a mattress in the back so I could also sleep in it. We still use it quite a bit for fun as a family together—for fun afternoons in the beautiful English countryside, maybe going for a picnic and a hike. The cab used to break down almost daily in the old days, and it's a miracle I found a girl that tolerated it, but it's part of our story and we are still married to this day. So, it worked!

SM: How have off-road vehicles helped support your adventures and career?

BG: Off-road vehicles have played such a fundamental part to all my adventures over the years. They have been the unsung hero to many expeditions bringing in supplies such as camera gear and having emergency gear on standby. Over the years, I have learnt it's important to have trusted vehicles cars and great tires! Having off-road vehicles alongside us on my adventures has allowed us access to endless remote locations. I see them as facilitators which allow you to explore trails, landscapes and regions that are often far off the beaten path.

SM: We assume that modified vehicles with off-road capabilities appeal to you most. Is that accurate? BG: Off-road vehicles to me mean access to adventure and modifications are a way you can personalize it and make those adventures your own. Whether it's extended towlines or wider inflatable tires for swamps and water—with good modifications you are limited only by your imagination.

SM: What do you think is the biggest opportunity the automotive aftermarket can capitalize on? BG: Adventure and the outdoors never go out of fashion—and more and more families want safe, accessible, fun outdoor experiences but to be able to carry enough supplies for those adventures.