Polar Region Ambassador
Philippa joins the Travel With Lesley Whyte team, bringing with her a remarkable connection to the polar regions, a passion for exploration, and a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.
Philippa is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sir James Clark Ross, the legendary explorer who discovered the North Magnetic Pole in 1831 and the Ross Sea region of Antarctica in 1841. Continuing this extraordinary legacy, she is driven by a deep curiosity to better understand the interconnected relationship between people and the planet.
Having travelled to Antarctica twice, Philippa’s first expedition in 2016 is particularly memorable. Accompanied by her uncle James, she visits Possession Island, where they jokingly “repossess” the island while standing on floating ice just offshore — a special moment that connects generations of the Ross family to one of the world’s most remote and inspiring landscapes.
Philippa’s commitment to Antarctica extends well beyond travel. As an Ambassador for Antarctica, she contributes to the successful international campaign to protect the Ross Sea, widely regarded as the last intact marine ecosystem on Earth.
She is also the creator and host of the Waste Not, Want Not podcast, where she interviews inspiring changemakers from around the globe who are finding innovative ways to maximise human potential while minimising environmental impact.
With a background in psychology, mentoring, and personal development, Philippa is passionate about helping people navigate life with purpose and authenticity while fostering a greater connection with the natural world.
Guests travelling on our polar expeditions and selected special-interest journeys will have the opportunity to experience Philippa’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and unique family connection to the history of Antarctic exploration firsthand.
