Atlantic Shackleton is a Global Foundation is dedicated to carrying forward the pioneering spirit of Sir Ernest Shackleton, courage, resilience, optimism and leadership into the 21st century.
We are a global not-for-profit organisation united by the belief that exploration, science, education and youth development can catalyse real impact across communities and environments. At our core is a commitment to empowering the next generation with the skills, confidence and curiosity to confront today’s greatest challenges.
Through strategic partnerships, innovative platforms and world-class programmes, we champion discovery and meaningful engagement with our oceans which cover 70% of our planet and are in crisis while nurturing leaders who carry Shackleton’s values into the future.
President
Enda O’Coineen is a visionary Irish entrepreneur, adventurer, and philanthropist whose leadership reflects a lifelong commitment to courage, resilience, and purpose-driven achievement.
Enda has built a powerful platform that honors the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton while inspiring modern explorers, business leaders, and communities to embrace challenge, teamwork, and perseverance.
With a career spanning innovation, enterprise, and expedition-level ambition, Enda brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and lived experience to his role as President. His work continues to unite people around a shared mission: to celebrate human endurance, strengthen leadership through adversity, and create meaningful impact across the Atlantic world and beyond.
Enda’s presidency is defined by integrity, vision, and a deep belief that true leadership is revealed not in comfort, but in the moments that demand grit, unity, and forward motion.
Executive Director
Naomh is the Executive Director of Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation, bringing extensive experience in strategic leadership, innovation, education and global collaboration. She is responsible for shaping the Foundation’s vision, partnerships and programmes as it advances exploration, scientific discovery and youth development inspired by the enduring legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Naomh has built a distinguished career at the intersection of technology, education and social impact, founding and scaling initiatives that support innovation, commercialisation and inclusive leadership. She is widely recognised as a champion for ethical and responsible innovation and currently serves as Irish Ambassador for Women in AI, advocating for greater diversity and opportunity within STEM and emerging technologies.
A respected board member, mentor and keynote speaker, Naomh has worked extensively with academic institutions, industry leaders and public-sector organisations to bridge education with real-world impact. Her commitment to empowering young people through skills development, leadership and experiential learning aligns directly with Atlantic Shackleton’s mission.
As Executive Director, Naomh leads the Foundation’s strategic growth including international partnerships, youth outreach, scientific collaboration and the development of flagship initiatives such as Spirit of Shackleton and Endurance 2, ensuring the organisation delivers meaningful, measurable impact while inspiring future generations of explorers and leaders.
Skipper
Bob brings a lifetime of leadership, exploration and offshore sailing experience to Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation. His career has been shaped by 28 years of military service across the Regular Army and Reserves, where he developed deep expertise in leadership, resilience and adventure training.
Joining 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery in 1979, Bob undertook extensive adventure training, including parachuting, diving, skiing and expedition sailing. His offshore sailing experience includes three transatlantic crossings, culminating in a single-handed transatlantic race victory, earning him the Freedom of the City of Newport, Rhode Island.
Following military service, Bob established himself as a professional skipper and sailing educator. He has skippered multiple round-the-world yacht races, including winning skipper of the 2023/24 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. His career includes training hundreds of sailors, from complete novices to professional skippers, through the founding of Performance Yachting Sailing School.
Bob continues to skipper and train offshore crews globally, operate in high-latitude environments, and examine on behalf of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA). His experience in leadership, youth development and ocean exploration directly supports the mission and values of Atlantic Shackleton Global Foundation.
To inspire and empower people (especially young generations) through exploration, education and science, advancing leadership, resilience and environmental stewardship by connecting communities with the ocean and the spirit of Shackleton.
A world where exploration drives positive change, where curiosity, courage and collaboration equip future leaders to protect our planet and shape a more sustainable, connected future.
Support: We support ocean health, scientific research and youth development by creating safe, inclusive opportunities for learning, leadership and exploration at sea.
Connect: We connect people to the ocean, to each other and to purpose linking science, education, culture and communities across borders and generations.
Explore: We explore responsibly and with intent, using adventure and discovery to deepen understanding of our oceans and inspire resilience, curiosity and courage.
Educate: We educate through experience, bringing science, technology and real-world exploration into classrooms, communities and lives around the world.
Innovate: We innovate to expand impact, applying new ideas, technology and partnerships to advance research, learning and sustainable exploration.
