As an author and entrepreneur, founder of Hooray Cafe, consultant to Fortune 500 clients, and international river guide, I have traveled, worked, and played in 50 countries. My books and presentations are based on eye-opening experiences in places such as isolated Siberian river villages never before visited by Westerners, Botswanan delta waters plied by angry hippos, and a stunned Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square uprising.
I write and speak to help foster supportive and flourishing cultures. My stories offer insights into everyday heroes who take small and big steps in order to bring about meaningful individual and community change. I share ideas for our greater good, concepts that come from interactions with wise elders and young visionaries around the world. My upcoming book, "Be the Good: Becoming a Force for a Better World," offers action steps for each one of us to take in order to build better places.
In remote Norwegian farming communities, subsistence villages along the Bering Sea, high altitude and high energy La Paz, and my homespun hometown, I have engaged with and learned from hundreds of people who are making a real difference in the world. I am honored by these heart-driven folks who know that their community’s growth is paramount to their own successes.
These illuminating experiences have allowed me to:
Have authored “The Gift of Courage,” that Meryl Streep calls “One of the good news stories that resonate within every life…that anyone can take to heart." This book tells stories of everyday heroes who each have positively changed the lives of thousands of people.
Have written "Be the Good," that reviewers call "a must read," "an inspiring guide to individual and collective well-being," and "a powerful book about how we each can be a greater force for good on the planet." "Be the Good" shares insights from cultures and community leaders around the world who are dedicated to building better places.
Draw on 30 years of experience as an international adventure travel guide and outfitter, leading wilderness expeditions on five continents. These adventures immersed me in both flourishing and hurting communities across the globe. They allow me to understand and share how cultures can easily evolve, to the betterment of individual members and to create a greater good world.
Given a TED Talk, be a keynote speaker at a variety of events, including The River Network's 2018 River Rally, Central Oregon's Impact Summit, and more.
Here are sample reviews:
“This event created a real feeling of community building and inclusiveness. I found this valuable as did my 13 and 16 year old kids. It was important for them to have such an experience. Thank you!”-Live Event Attendee
“I was extremely happy with the discussion, engagement and the message you delivered today! You painted a very clear picture on how we can change our perspectives."–Corporate Workshop Client