Coming soon: Field Notes from ‘2041 Leadership on the Edge’

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Robert Swan’s 1986 South Pole expedition, In the Footsteps of Scott. It began a journey that would ultimately become a lifelong commitment to protecting Antarctica. After his first polar expeditions, legendary ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau challenged Robert to help ensure that Antarctica remains a natural reserve devoted to science and peace. In the decades since, Robert has led expeditions to the frozen continent and inspired more than 4,000 expeditioners to become Champions of Antarctica.

Before he closes this chapter of personally leading ship-based Antarctic expeditions, Robert will take one last team to Antarctica aboard the Magellan Explorer, November 25–December 2, 2026. Approximately 75 business and community leaders will join him for the final 2041 Leadership on the Edge expedition. They will experience both the extraordinary beauty and unpredictable harshness of the Antarctic environment while exploring leadership under pressure, decision-making amid uncertainty, and how to turn sustainability commitments into enduring action.

Follow the journey through Thin Ice Field Notes, with reports, photographs and video from Antarctica beginning in late November 2026.

Bookmark www.thinice.earth/field-notes.