Amar Latif: Blind Traveller, Entrepreneur & TV Presenter
Amar Latif likes a challenge. A successful entrepreneur, he gave up his hard-won role as Head of Commercial Finance at BT to start his own travel company. He’s travelled the world, skydived, ski-ed, climbed, even done a spot of acting, and is also a TV presenter. A remarkable enough set of achievements, made more impressive because Amar has been blind since he was 18-years-old.
Born with an incurable eye condition, Amar had lost 95% of his sight by the time he was in his late teens. Determined not to be defined by his blindness, he continued through university and into a corporate career (despite the belief from some that you couldn’t be both blind and an accountant). Amar also had an incurable lust for travel, but found travel companies seriously lacking when it came to accommodating the needs of independent blind and partially sighted explorers. So he started his own travel business with a mission to help blind people explore the world in a way that was usually closed to them.
Traveleyes brings together blind and sighted travellers, usually unknown to each other before the trip, and unites them through experiences from sailing to safaris to trekking up Europe’s highest peaks. Sighted travellers guide and share their descriptions with their blind companions. In response, the sighted experience first-hand a fearlessness and curiosity about the world that they’ve often lost.
As well as becoming an award-winning entrepreneur, Amar’s love of travel has been the foundation of a broadcasting career. For the BBC2 series Beyond Boundaries, Amar was part of a group of disabled travellers that explored Central America, trekking from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, through jungle, over a volcano, and across one of the continent’s largest lakes. He’s appeared on the award-winning River Walks for BBC1, and was the first ever blind contestant on Celebrity Masterchef. On BBC1’s Pilgrimage, he trekked a part of the Sultan’s Trail from central Europe to Turkey exploring both history, geography and faith. In BBC2’s Travelling Blind he joined comedian Sara Pascoe as they travelled from Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar to the Black Sea and the Cappadocia rock formations in an affecting and personal journey in which Amar explained the necessity of experience and the importance but impermanence of memory for blind people.
Keynote Topics
- Entrepreneurship
- Motivation & Inspiration
- Inclusive Design
- World Travel
- Equality & Diversity
- Resilience & Overcoming Obstacles
- Climate Action
As both adventurer and entrepreneur, Amar considers how we view risk and trust – often overstating risk and giving into fear, and undervaluing trust. He recounts his entrepreneurial journey and how that too has influenced his view of risk, as he rejected the stability of a career to pursue something he understood, cared about, and which he was certain solved a problem for many like him.
As a Scot of Asian heritage, as well as being blind, Amar also examines the biases and assumptions that marginalise and exclude, and the damage done to individuals and society. He challenges how quick we are to define other with labels and expectations, and considers the inherent value, importance and advantages of diversity and inclusion.
Amar has spoken to audiences from the UN to Barclays, Samsung to the NHS to Goldman Sachs, sharing his personal story and the lessons in resilience, diversity and motivation. His enthusiastic and determined take on life is infectious and his story inspiring. He believes that obstacles are invariably a matter of other people’s perceptions and assumptions that we convince ourselves are real. When you can’t see an obstacle, you don’t limit yourself before you’ve even tried. The obstacles you face can either define you, or you can prove how passion, persistence and spirit can overcome anything.
Amar was awarded an OBE in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List.
More Acts Like This
Like this act?
Get in touch to enquire
about entertainment for
your next event!
AOK Events Limited
The Engine Rooms
150a Falcon Rd
London
"*" indicates required fields
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types of Events Do You Provide Speakers For?
We work with a wide range of events including corporate conferences, awards ceremonies, product launches, gala dinners, virtual events, private parties, and more. Whether it’s a motivational keynote, an entertaining host, or a panel expert, we’ll find the right fit for your audience.
Can I Request a Speaker Not Listed on Your Website?
Yes! We have access to an extensive network of speakers beyond those listed online. Let us know who you’re interested in, and we’ll approach them on your behalf.
How Do I Book a Speaker or Host?
Booking a speaker or host through AOK Entertains is a simple and hassle-free process. We showcase only a selection of speakers on our website, so the first step is to get in touch and request our full brochure. Once you’ve chosen a speaker, we’ll provide a detailed quote and check availability for your preferred date. After confirming the deposit, we handle all the logistics – contracts, travel, accommodation, and more. We’ll also work closely with you on a detailed event brief to ensure the speaker delivers exactly what you need.
Why Book With AOK Entertains?
Booking directly with individual speakers can be time-consuming and complicated. AOK Entertains simplifies the process, drawing on over 25 years of industry experience and strong relationships with top talent. We negotiate fair rates, manage all logistical details, and prepare robust contracts to protect your interests. Our team is always on hand to troubleshoot any challenges that arise, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event.
How Far in Advance Should I Make a Booking?
We recommend booking high-profile speakers 9–12 months in advance to secure your preferred date. For more flexible schedules, we can often accommodate shorter notice bookings. However, booking at least 3 months before your event ensures the smoothest experience, allowing plenty of time to tailor the event to your needs.
Can You Help With More Than Finding a Speaker?
Absolutely! AOK Entertains is part of AOK Events, a full-service event agency with 25 years of experience delivering exceptional experiences. In addition to securing the perfect speaker or host, we can assist with venue sourcing, on-site event management, event production, guest logistics, and much more.
How Much Does It Cost to Book a Speaker?
Speaker fees vary widely based on the individual’s profile, event location, and specific requirements. Once we understand your brief, we can advise on options within your budget and provide a detailed quote.
Can You Assist With Virtual or Hybrid Events?
Yes! We have extensive experience organising virtual and hybrid events. We can help you select speakers who are skilled at delivering dynamic presentations both in-person and online.