Jeff Evans Speaker Biography
World-Class Adventurer, Mountaineering Guide, Author, Physician Assistant and Leadership Expert
For over 25 years, Jeff Evans’ global experiences as a worldclass mountaineer, guide and emergency medic have helped him master the skills of servant leadership, teamwork, communication and trust which are the cornerstone themes in his keynote and breakout sessions. Jeff’s amazing adventures and challenges have given him the tools to become one of the most dynamic and inspirational speakers on the circuit today, delivering his message to tens of thousands of audience members and changing the way we approach our roles within our work and family environments.
Keynote Speaker
Jeff reminds us that, in fact, that we are all guides in some capacity… professionally and personally. By utilizing real life stories, vivid images and thrilling video from his adventures around the globe, Jeff is able to extract the impactful themes that are applicable for every audience member and weave them into memorable, humorous, thought-provoking and paradigm-shifting keynotes.
Climbing Blind
Jeff’s skills have been acquired not only on the highest peaks around the world, but also through guiding blind climber Erik Weihenmayer on extraordinarily challenging objectives including the summit of Mt Everest and a 2nd place finish on ABC’s adventure series, Expedition Impossible. While filming the series Everest Air for the Travel Channel, Jeff served as the chief medic and team leader for the highest helicopter-based Search and Rescue team in the world on the flanks of Mt Everest.
No Barriers Warriors
Also contributing to Jeff’s expertise are his experiences as the co-founder and Expedition Leader for the injured US veteran program, No Barriers Warriors as well as his time spent on the front lines in Iraq leading a team of emergency medics in their efforts to save the lives of injured soldiers and civilians.
Media
Jeff is the author of MountainVision: Lessons Beyond the Summit, and is featured in the award-winning documentaries Farther Than the Eye Can See, Blindsight, and High Ground. His latest book isClimbing Through Storms: Managing Adversity in a VUCA World.
Education
Jeff received his undergraduate degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and his Masters as a Physician Assistant at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Jeff currently resides in Boulder with his wife Merry Beth, son Jace and dog Roka.
Jeff Evans Speaking Topics
Cornerstone Themes
Jeff uses several “cornerstone themes” throughout his keynote presentations. Based on pre-event conversations, conference themes and audience demographics, Jeff highlights the themes that will resonate the most with each individual group and emphasizes them throughout that particular event. Each cornerstone theme is conveyed through an adventure-based, humorinjected storyline. Whether in-person or virtual, Jeff uses a wide array of rich audiovisuals through still and video components.
Developing the Expeditionary Mindset
Jeff introduces the audience to what he refers to as THE EXPEDITIONARY MINDSET. By using the optic of a mountain guide and climber, we are refocusing our attention on becoming high level LEADERS and TEAMMATES that consistently nurture TRUST and COMMUNICATION while managing ADVERSITY more effectively. These themes are the ingredients of the Expeditionary Mindset…
Nurturing the Concept of Servant Leadership
The “Sherpa Attitude” is a leadership model that is based on prioritizing the efforts and intentions of the team as a whole. By challenging and engaging each team member to consider the welfare of their fellow team members, we ascend the mountain with a more empowered and inclusive team. Jeff describes the selfless attitude of his Sherpa partners as well as his role as the chief medic in Everest Air to convey the true nature of a Servant Leader.
Developing Compassionate and Meaningful Teamwork
Jeff has led countless rope teams throughout his career and one thing always rings true...The Collective Power of One that comes from aligning with teammates can propel us forward. The Expeditionary Mindset teaches us to imagine being connected to our teammates by a virtual “rope” and realize that your team will succeed or fail together. Promoting positive rope team health requires attention and effort. Each member of the team should realize their importance and constantly assess how they are contributing to the overall trajectory and momentum of their team. Rope team leaders should focus on assembling the best teams for the task as well as pay close attention to the tension of the rope.
Fostering Sincere Trust and Communication
Trust and communication are synchronously intertwined in order for any relationship and team to flourish. Jeff reminds us that trust and communication are living, breathing organisms that require constant oxygen and nutrients to remain healthy. He will challenge audience members to evaluate their personal efforts in maintaining proactive lines of communication and reciprocal trust. Jeff shares multiple stories that showcase what high level trust and communication looks like as he has guided his blind climbing partner, Erik on the world’s biggest mountains and toughest adventure races.
Effectively Managing Adversity in Challenging Landscapes
Our professional and personal landscapes mirror the undulating and rugged terrain of the Himalaya. Deep valleys and high off summits require us to interpret and manage the constant flow of challenge and adversity effectively in order to maintain a constant momentum. By using the VUCA acronym (Volatile Uncertain Complex Ambiguous) as a learning framework, Jeff reflects back on the numerous events that have threatened to derail the final objective and identifies the tools necessary to optimize our efforts in the face of adversity. Jeff’s new book, Climbing Through Storms: Managing Adversity in a VUCA World is a great tool in support of this theme.
Jeff Evans Books
Climbing Through Storms: Managing Adversity in a VUCA World
Purchase BookJeff Evans Videos
Jeff Evans Articles
Jeff Evans Speaker Testimonials
Among dozens of rave reviews from event attendees, one sums it up perfectly – “29 years in this company, easily best motivational presentation ever!” Jeff had the audience laughing, thinking and truly inspired. His energy and content were so engaging we saw laptops down and all eyes on the speaker – a rarity in this business. We would recommend Jeff as a speaker for any audience of any size (we had nearly 400 people!), any industry and any company. He is a truly gifted speaker with a fantastic message of servant leadership. Thank you Jeff!
- Communications Manager | Microsoft Corporation
We were thrilled with Jeff Evans' presentation on Saturday morning. I received many positive comments after his keynote session and personally felt his message was spiritual and very moving. He spoke about leadership in the context of serving others and I must tell you that many in the audience were teary-eyed at the end. Jeff did a fantastic job and connected with our audience well beyond our expectation. In fact, one of our attendees said it was almost like being in church.
- Senior Vice President-Advisor Experience | Cetera Advisor Network
Jeff was INCREDIBLE!! He captured everyone’s attention from beginning to end, delivering a compelling message that combined lots of humor and true inspiration. He really got to know who we are and what we stand for. I have worked with keynote speakers for over 30 years and without reservation can say that Jeff Evans is one of the very best. The only downside of having him speak at our national conference is that I don’t know how we will ever find another speaker who will even come close to being as exceptional!
- Director, Organizational Development | Volunteers of America
I recently saw you speak and I have to tell you that you were one of the best motivational speakers I have ever seen and now the company is adopting your philosophies towards drive, teamwork, motivation and success. I truly appreciate what you were able to teach everyone including my team. Also, it was a pleasure to hear your story of how true friendship, regarless of circumstance, can overcome any and all obstacles.
- Sales Manager | Superior Farms
