About Agile Pangolin
A business and adventure travel consultancy founded by Adrian Ferraro.
Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.
Running a business is hard. I know - I've had two business failures and one successful exit. I'd have preferred it to be the other way around, but sometimes life throws you curve-balls.
The failures are a bruise, not a tattoo.
Over the past 20 years, I've had real highs and crushing lows. I've built and led high-performing teams working in logistically difficult environments. I've grown a niche expedition company to over £1.5m turnover, only to see it reduced to zero in the pandemic, before building it back again and selling to my business partner.
I've thrown all my eggs in one basket, only to see the market evaporate 12 months later. And yet, I'm still standing, choosing the lens that, along the way, I have gained a host of skills and experience that will stand me and others in good stead.
Values and Approach:
I believe in a human-centred approach to business, bringing humility, clear direction, delegation and accountability. I'm a graduate of Goldman Sachs' 10,000 Small Businesses, a business accelerator programme delivered by Oxford University’s Said Business School.
Below is a quick personal resume. If you think I could be a good fit to help you on your business journey, I'd love to have a conversation and hear more about your plans and vision.
You are an accomplished pioneer, visionary and leader, who has the (in my opinion, rare) ability to inspire and attract awesome and talented people to join you on your trailblazing teams.”
Amanda Harrison - Outdoor Leadership Coach
Professional Experience
2020 - 2026: The Bioasis, Founder/ Director: An award winning adventure company delivering off-grid UK based conservation adventures on a 5000 acre private estate. Leadership of up to 24 employees, logistically complex operations, innovative programme design, Period Dignity Employer, AALA Licenced, BAPA Safety management, LOTC Quality Badge, Level 5 Food Hygiene. The company folded following a rapid change in our core market.
2006 - 2024: STC Expeditions, Founder/ Director (Exited): a specialist school expedition company delivering 300+ expeditions to 25 countries, taking 8000+ teenagers to deserts, rain forests & the tops of 6000m peaks in the Himalaya. BS8848 safety management, ISO26000, ISO14001, ATOL financial compliance and Package Travel Regulations, first UK company to achieve Travelife Certification. Successfully implemented a four day working week.
2017 - current: Royal College of Surgeons and Physicians, Glasgow. Lecturer in Expedition Ethics: Ethics Lecturer for Diplomas in Travel & Expedition medicine.
2013 - current: Royal Geographical Society: Accredited Trainer: Delivering the 2 day Off-Site Safety Management course.
2010 - 2022: Royal Geographical Society: Regional Committee member.
2012 - 2014: Young Explorer's Trust: National Council
2012 - 2012: Stretching Horizons: Founder/ Director. Educational Travel Conference bringing together a shared network, CPD conference, teacher communities and competitions.
2001 - 2007: Nomadic Travel: Senior Travel Consultant, AITO Specialist Agency arranging adventure holidays for discerning clients, including luxury tailor-made journeys and wildlife holidays around the world.
Travel Experience
I have travelled to over 65 countries across 6 continents and, admittedly, have had some fairly questionable adventures (like having my ear licked by a wild hyena in Uganda).
Travel highlights include:
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taking a two-wheel drive ex-Boots delivery truck (yes, Boots the chemist) from London to Nairobi overland, crossing the Sahara and jungles of Zaire
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exploring Turkey with a toddler
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self-supported remote trekking in the Andes
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abseiling into caves in Thailand
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staying in luxury tented camps in the Okavango Delta
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watching sunrise over Wadi Rum, then eating falafels in Jerusalem
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walking with wild rhinos in Eswatini
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bike-packing in Brittany
"You should be damned proud of what you created at The Bioasis and the team you developed. Anyone who could put that together and build that team culture is rare.”
Harry Pass, CEO - Elegant Clutter