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Anton Nootenboom
Meet the speaker

Anton Nootenboom .

World Record Adventurer & Mental Health Advocate

Anton Nootenboom, known as The Barefoot Dutchman, is a world-record-holding adventurer, mental health advocate, and former soldier. After serving 10 years in the military, Anton turned his focus to raising awareness for mental health. He became the first person to walk barefoot to Mount Everest Base Camp and later set multiple Guinness World Records for barefoot walking challenges. As a speaker, Anton shares powerful insights on mental health, vulnerability, and emotional resilience.

The story

Biography

Anton’s journey took a transformative turn when he confronted his own mental health challenges and chose to lead by example.

Anton discovered just how widespread the mental health crisis is in society — particularly among men — where rates of depression and suicide remain alarmingly high. Determined to raise awareness and support organisations dedicated to mental well-being, he set out on a series of extreme barefoot walking challenges that captured global attention.

In 2019, he became the first person to walk barefoot to Mount Everest Base Camp, a symbolic journey representing the power of taking brave first steps. Building on this momentum, he set a world record in 2021, walking barefoot along Australia’s East Coast from Cairns to Sydney, a journey that spanned 5.5 months. In 2024, Anton pushed his limits even further, walking over 5,100 km barefoot across the United States, from Los Angeles to New York City. This epic 8.5-month journey saw him endure scorching deserts, snowy mountain peaks, and searing summer heat. Through these monumental walks, Anton has reached millions, sparked thousands of conversations about mental health, and raised significant funds for mental health organisations.

As a keynote speaker, Anton takes his audience on a powerful and deeply personal journey. He shares his own experiences and the stories of the people he’s met along the way, weaving in real, actionable lessons that resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. His presentations are inspiring, engaging, and impactful, designed to spark real change.

He incorporates a space for audience questions so his talks are more conversational, unique and an interactive experience. His story will move, challenge, and inspire you.

The conversation

Speaking topics

  • Mental Resilience & Overcoming Adversity: How to face challenges head-on and develop inner strength in the face of adversity.
  • Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health: Normalising conversations about mental health, especially among men, and encouraging openness and vulnerability.
  • The Power of Vulnerability: How embracing vulnerability leads to growth, deeper connections, and stronger leadership.
  • Leadership Through Action: Leading by example, using actions rather than words, and embodying a “lead from the front” mentality.
  • Creating a Culture of Empathy and Support: How organisations and teams can foster a culture where mental health is prioritised and people feel supported.
What clients say

Testimonials

“Anton gave a really strong presentation that had a great impact on everyone in the room. He has a natural ability to speak in public, creating a safe and open atmosphere around the important topic of men’s mental health. Anton made the subject not only accessible but also relevant by connecting it to our organization in a practical way. His approach was engaging and thoughtful, and it was clear that he cares deeply about this topic. We are grateful for his contribution and the positive effect it had on all of us.” – Heineken International.

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