Jeff Salz

Jeff Salz, PhD, is a Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author, cultural anthropologist, and world-class mountaineer whose four decades of global expeditions provide the foundation for transformative keynotes on leadership, change, teamwork, and adventurous thinking. Acclaimed by both the Discovery and History Channels as America’s leading adventurer-anthropologist, he has guided organizations including Microsoft, Google, IBM, and the Walt Disney Company through the turbulent seas of change.

A Lifetime of Adventure and Discovery

With a PhD in cultural anthropology and a master’s in experiential education, Dr. Salz has led over 100 expeditions from the Himalayas of Tibet to Patagonia, Outer Mongolia, and the Amazon. He joined the faculty of San Diego State University at age 23 and was later named Outstanding Professor. His bestselling book The Way of Adventure is widely recognized as the definitive work on the subject. As a professional innovator, he designed the team-building and creativity training for the Walt Disney team that produced The Lion King.

Turning Change Into Adventure for Organizations

Dr. Salz’s multimedia keynotes take audiences on breathtaking journeys that illuminate the connection between ancient wisdom and modern business success. His Six Steps to the Top framework, distilled from decades of expedition leadership, has been adopted by some of today’s most successful organizations. With award-winning photography and compelling storytelling, he shows audiences that adventure can be found everywhere, every day, transforming how teams approach risk, innovation, and personal excellence.

The Adventure of Change: Six Steps to Greatness in the Age of Transformation

During this stirring multi-media keynote experience, Jeff reveals the Six Steps – gleaned form over 40 years of exploration and expedition experience – lessons that have been adopted by some of today’s most successful teams and organizations. With award-winning photography and music, audience members join Jeff on a remarkable journey of discovery that will leave them breathless, well -equipped and eager to join in the adventure of taking responsibility in this Age of Transformation.

Leading Through Turbulence: Timeless Certainties for Uncertain Times

Why do some organizations thrive in times of adversity?

Why do some cultures sustain success while others perish?

Whby does one expedition fail while the other succeeds?

The answers can be discoverd in what Dr. Jeff Salz calls “Leadership from the Inside Out.” Dr. Salz masterfully engages audiences with stories about his journeys among traditional mountain people in areas as diverse as the Mayan Highlands of Mexico, the Tibetan himalayas and the Andes of Patagonia.

Along the journey, Dr. Salz poses four key questions for today’s leaders:

What is your highest vision?
What gives you the greatest inspiration and vigor?
What is your deepest strength?
What really matters to you?