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Bruce Kirkby

Acclaimed Explorer | Writer | Photographer

Bruce Kirkby
Speaker Reel
Bruce Kirkby Stage Thumbnail 2023
Risk Management
Bruce Kirkby
Grit: Navigating Change, Challenge, and Disruption
Virtual Conference Invite
Bruce Kirkby
Change, and the Importance of Starting Now
Bruce Kirkby - Photo Credit Chris Bolin
CSAE Showcase: Maintaining Focus Amid Distraction
Bruce Kirkby
Big Crazy Family Adventure
Bruce Kirkby
The Questions We Ask
Bruce
Bruce Kirkby Stage Thumbnail 2023
Bruce Kirkby
Bruce Kirkby
Bruce Kirkby - Photo Credit Chris Bolin
Bruce Kirkby
Bruce Kirkby
Bruce Kirkby
Speaker Reel
Bruce Kirkby Stage Thumbnail 2023
Risk Management
Bruce Kirkby
Grit: Navigating Change, Challenge, and Disruption
Virtual Conference Invite
Bruce Kirkby
Change, and the Importance of Starting Now
Bruce Kirkby - Photo Credit Chris Bolin
CSAE Showcase: Maintaining Focus Amid Distraction
Bruce Kirkby
Big Crazy Family Adventure
Bruce Kirkby
The Questions We Ask

Bruce Kirkby lives life on the edge. An acclaimed explorer, travel writer and television host (with a degree in engineering physics), Kirkby’s travels have taken him from the world’s highest mountains to the wildest rivers and driest deserts. He draws on these experiences to provide real-world, practical lessons on resilience, risk management, workplace safety, and change leadership, helping individuals and organizations confront fears, embrace change, and find lasting success.

With journeys spanning more than 80 countries and 2000 days, Kirkby’s accomplishments include the first modern crossing of Arabia’s Empty Quarter by camel, a raft descent of Ethiopia’s Blue Nile Gorge by raft, sea kayak traverse of Borneo’s northern coast, and a coast-to-coast Icelandic trek. The former host of CBC’s No Opportunity Wasted, Kirkby recently spent six months travelling to and living in a Himalayan Buddhist monastery with his young family — an experience chronicled on Travel Channel’s Big Crazy Family Adventure.

Kirby is the author of three bestselling books. A columnist for The Globe and Mail, and a National Magazine Award winner, Kirkby’s writing has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, EnRoute, and Canadian Geographic. His photography was selected by National Geographic as among “the most compelling adventure images of the decade.”

Speaking topics

Presentations listed below include in-person and virtual keynotes, as well as workshops, fireside chats, and other presentation formats.

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Client reviews

  • …One of the most effective explanations of Risk Management I have ever heard – from speakers within the industry or beyond. It combined a solid explanation of principles with fascinating real-life examples, and was relevant for the entire spectrum, from risk neophytes to seasoned professionals.

     

  • I have seen plenty of keynote speakers over the years, and without question, your Comfort Zone address ranks among the very best. Perfect tone, perfect message, perfect presentation.

  • Not only was Bruce absolutely sensational this morning but his message couldn’t have been more appropriate. He scored 100 out of 100, and everyone loved him to pieces. Our congratulations to Bruce for the totally professional and dynamic presentation he made for our client [General Motors]. I can hardly wait to use him again!

  • Bruce Kirkby is one of the most talented, respectful and genuinely honest speakers I have ever heard. His presentation related to everyone in our company, and the response from our employees was overwhelmingly positive. Words like engaging, excellent, great, motivating, very inspiring and exceptional popped up again and again on the evaluation forms. This is especially notable since utility employees are a hard sell; if you are not good they will let you know.

  • Rarely do we host a speaker as engaging as Bruce Kirkby. His self-effacing humour only adds to his tales of incredible adventure to completely captivate an audience. We hung with hushed anticipation on Bruce’s every word, and we were hungry for more when our time with him ran out. We’ve been swamped with requests for a return engagement!

  • Bruce was an outstanding addition to our conference! His generosity in taking the time to teach a photography workshop while there was matched by his kindness and thoughtfulness with every person he encountered. The next morning, several of our session speakers were quoting from his talk, and telling the audience to “stay stoked”! We are so happy to have had him there.

  • Bruce’s presentation was amazing. The room was full, mostly of lawyers, judges and other business people who normally yawn their way through this type of event. Not so with Bruce. Everyone was engaged and amazed and inspired. They stayed late to buy his latest release and Bruce graciously stayed and signed everyone’s book. The crowd actually lingered. I want you to know – this crowd usually stampedes the exit and the room is normally empty 5 minutes after we close. Bruce fostered a wonderful feeling in the room that will be talked about all year. From the moment we booked him, Bruce was the easiest speaker we have ever worked with. He was willing to do what ever would be helpful and even came up with some additional suggestions. He made it so easy to theme the entire event, and created a truly special day.

  • Unbelievable! We knew Bruce would be good, but not that good! His presentation was the perfect kickoff to our National Business Conference. Everyone in the management group was thrilled.

  • Having Bruce as our closing speaker was the perfect choice. He concluded the conference on such an inspirational and motivational note. Everyone was bowled over by his presentation.

  • Bruce has given the address at our annual convention three times, always thrilling us with new stories of adventure. The audience grows larger every year, and his popularity is evident by the throngs – young and old – approaching him after. We keep getting requests for his return, and we are sure he will be back a fourth time soon.

  • The awards dinner was one of the conference highlights due to your motivational presentation, story and photos. Throughout your presentation, you managed to make us all feel like we were a part of your trip across the Empty Quarter. Best of luck with your future expeditions! Bring back many more stories to share with the rest of us at future CATA Alliance events!

  • Bruce’s presentation was warm, funny, educational and entertaining. He has a natural ability as a storyteller, augmented by his gift for capturing the many moments of his adventure on film. His beautiful slides, in and of themselves, tell a real story. I highly recommend Bruce.

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