Themes
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Leadership Without Walls
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Decision-making under pressure
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Presence, awareness, and performance
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Leadership in complex environments
Use Cases
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Conferences
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Retreat openings or closings
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Leadership events
Keynote Speakers
Joshua Baruch
Joshua Baruch is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, and Founder & CEO of Colorado Wilderness Corporate & Teams, where he designs and delivers experiential leadership development programs for executive teams, organizations, and public agencies nationwide. With more than 28 years of leadership experience, Joshua brings a perspective shaped by real-world, high-consequence environments; where decisions matter, uncertainty is constant, and leadership is tested in real time. His background spans expedition leadership, organizational operations, risk management, and executive development, allowing him to translate leadership theory into practical, human-centered application. Joshua has facilitated 2,000+ leadership and team-building experiences for corporate leaders, government agencies, first responders, and educational institutions. His keynote presentations blend compelling stories, research-backed frameworks, and practical tools leaders can immediately apply. At the core of his work is a modular leadership framework grounded in: •Leader identity and self-awareness •Adaptive leadership styles and decision-making •Resilience, presence, and leadership under pressure Joshua is the author of the forthcoming book The Leader Within: The Four Pillars of Experiential Leadership Development. Based in Colorado, his work is deeply influenced by the wilderness—where leadership is lived, not theorized. Keynote Topics: The Leader Within: Identity, Awareness, and How Leaders Show Up Leadership begins with self-awareness. In this keynote, Joshua helps leaders understand how personality, values, stress responses, and lived experience shape how they lead; often without conscious awareness. Participants gain clarity around their leadership identity and how it impacts trust, culture, and performance. Key Takeaways: •Increased self-awareness and leadership clarity •Insight into default leadership behaviors under pressure •Practical tools for leading with intention rather than reaction Adaptive Leadership: Choosing the Right Style When It Matters Most Effective leaders don’t rely on one approach; they adapt. This keynote explores the most impactful leadership styles and when to use them, especially in dynamic or high-stakes environments. Joshua connects theory to real-world application, helping leaders adjust their approach based on people, context, and outcomes. Key Takeaways: •Greater leadership flexibility and effectiveness •Clear understanding of when to direct, coach, collaborate, or delegate •Stronger decision-making in complex situations Leading Under Pressure: Presence, Resilience, and Mindful Leadership Pressure doesn’t create leadership challenges; it reveals them. In this keynote, Joshua introduces practical tools for building presence, resilience, and clarity when stakes are high. Leaders learn how mindset, attention, and emotional regulation directly affect team performance and outcomes. Key Takeaways: •Tools to stay grounded and focused under pressure •Improved emotional regulation and decision quality •Stronger leadership presence during challenging moments “Leadership isn’t learned in theory; it’s practiced, tested, and lived.”
Jovon "Q" Quarles
As a former Navy SEAL, I’ve spent my life pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and leading by example in some of the world’s most demanding environments. Today, I bring that same level of discipline, resilience, and commitment to everything I do. I’m the host of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, Fox’s #1 reality TV show, now streaming on Hulu, where I take viewers behind the scenes of one of the most intense, physically and mentally demanding experiences known to man. Through this platform, I continue to inspire others to reach new heights, step outside their comfort zones, and discover what they’re truly capable of. Beyond television, I am passionate about helping others unlock their full potential. As a celebrity mentor and motivational keynote speaker, I’ve had the privilege of working with top leaders, entrepreneurs, and high performers to break through mental barriers, achieve personal growth, and create lasting success. In addition to my work in the entertainment and motivational speaking industries, I am a top leader at Amare Global, one of the leading mental health-focused Multi-Level Marketing companies. I’m dedicated to empowering individuals to prioritize their mental well-being and create healthier, more balanced lives. As a successful entrepreneur, my focus is on building purpose-driven businesses and fostering a mindset of growth and resilience. Whether I’m mentoring future leaders, leading teams, or sharing my story with a broader audience, my mission is simple: to help others build strength—mentally, physically, and emotionally—so they can thrive in all areas of life. Let’s connect and collaborate to inspire greatness and make a lasting impact.
Stacy Bare
Post military and land mine clearance, my career has focused on health in the outdoors through award winning programming, conservation efforts, research, and direct infrastructure builds. My work has been done through start-ups, bold projects, and leading existing organizations through revisioning and reorientation of programming and resources for greater impact. I've been successful in leading community action and impact as well as geographically dispersed teams for national impact. I learned to climb and ski in my 30s so I could return to places where I had fought or cleaned up after war as an adventure athlete vs. soldier. This has led me back to Angola and Iraq, as well as to visiting Afghanistan and launching a first of its kind free ski event in Kyrgyzstan that has grown to become a qualifier for the Freeride World Tour. I've been a keynote speaker at multiple outdoor industry, health, community development, and corporate events. I've learned a lot about story telling and film work through supporting the production of films documenting my work in Utah, Colorado, California, Wyoming, Michigan, Angola, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Highlights: -More than doubling the total impact of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks in my role as Executive Director increasing the number of trees planted by 100%, nearly tripling volunteer hours since starting in 2022 from just 1,600 to 4,000+ annually; launching conservation and trails programming. -Raising over $20 million for outdoor recreation programming, conservation, and infrastructure. -Working in partnership with Dr. Dacher Keltner at the Greater Good Science Center, UC-Berkeley, to pioneer the early science behind time outdoors as health care. -Hosting a roundtable on health and the outdoors at the White House in 2016 bringing together a diverse group of practitioners and participants from medical doctors, to retired professional athletes, to senior executives of the outdoor recreation industry, resort partners, and government officials. -Launching the first non-alcoholic happy hour at Outdoor Retailer. -Being recognized as a 2014 National Geographic Adventurer, 2015 SHIFT Adventure Athlete of the Year, being featured in the Red Bull Bulletin in 2020 for my work related to outdoors as health; helping to stand up a new Air Force unit; being included in the 2024 inaugural Steelcase Foundation Leadership Fellow Program and being named a Leader in Innovation from the Young NPO Professionals of GR the same year.
Chris Warner
Chris Warner is one of America’s most accomplished mountaineers, leadership educators, and entrepreneurs. An expert at creating and leading high-performance teams; Chris is one of the rare adventurers on the speaking circuit with corporate and academic expertise, allowing him to educate, as well as motivate. A hard-core Himalayan climber, Chris was the second American to summit all fourteen of the world's 8000 meter peaks. The 8000 meter peaks are the tallest in the world (Everest, K2, etc) and are located in Nepal, Tibet and Pakistan. Chris has led more than 200 international mountaineering expeditions, guided the first-ever reality TV show on Everest for ABC, filmed, starred in and produced an Emmy Nominated documentary about his K2 expedition for NBC, and hosted a leadership special on the History Channel. Among his many "first and fastest" ascents: Chris was the first American to “solo” an 8000-meter peak, climbing the South Face of Shisha Pangma in a 34 hour non-stop ascent and descent. Chris and his partners also forged new routes on extremely technical peaks in the Himalaya (Ama Dablam and Shivling). Chris has been teaching leadership for over 35 years, including 16 years at the Wharton School of Business. Every year Chris works with thousands of CEOs, sales teams, senior executives and entrepreneurs. He specializes in teams that face challenges in which failure is not an option. His clients range from the NFL and NHL to Google to the National Counter-Terrorism Task Force. A TOP MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, Chris has shared his epic adventures and lessons in leadership with hundreds of corporate groups and business schools including: Google, The Baltimore Raven’s coaching staff, The Boston Bruins, The National Counter-Terrorism Task Force, BB&T Bank, Morgan Stanley, Cisco, General Growth Properties, Aegon, Monumental Life, Charles Schwab, Comcast, Raymond James Financial Services, Northrup Grumman, Liberty Global, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, Prudential, The Allegis Group, WPO, YPO, Vistage, The University of Colorado, Loyola University’s Executive MBA Program, University of Maryland’s MBA Program, Wharton Business School, and Johns Hopkins University. Chris was the founder and CEO of a national chain of indoor climbing gyms. Before selling to a private equity group, his high performance team grew the company to 1000 employees, serving over 2,000,000 customers every year. Chris now invests in and advises fast growing brands in a variety of industries.
Eric Westrum
After years playing at the highest level of professional hockey, including the NHL, the Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships, and international leagues, Erik found himself at a crossroads. When the roar of the crowd faded, he faced a question so many people wrestle with: “Who am I when the season ends?” It was in that space that Erik discovered what truly separates the elite from the average: Not performance. Not pressure. Not perfection. But Discipline. Intentionality. Consistency. Today, Erik helps people from all walks of life—executives, athletes, educators, and everyday leaders—tap into the power of small, consistent growth. His signature framework, The 1% Impact, has helped thousands transform their routines, lead with clarity, and live with purpose. He’s the author of two breakthrough books: Becoming Elite – the foundation of his 4-pillar performance framework The 1% Impact – a practical guide to transforming your life in just 15 minutes a day Whether he’s keynoting at Fortune 500 companies, coaching high-performing teams, or walking his own four kids to school, Erik is driven by one mission: Help people believe again—then build the life they were meant for, one step at a time. Core Values Erik Lives By: - Consistency over intensity - Purpose before performance - Integrity in every action - Faith, family, and the next right thing Credentials that Back It Up: - NHL & USA Men’s National Team Player - Olympic Bronze Medalist (2004) - MBA Graduate & Business Owner - Author, Speaker, Husband & Dad of Four - Trusted Advisor to Leaders, Athletes & Teams Nationwide
Eric Larsen
Polar adventurer, expedition guide, dog musher and educator, Eric Larsen has spent the past 15 years of his life traveling in some of the most remote and wild places left on earth. In 2006, Eric and Lonnie Dupre completed the first ever summer expedition to the North Pole. During this journey, the duo pulled and paddled specially modified canoes across 550 miles of shifting sea ice and open ocean. Eric successfully led his first expedition to the South Pole in 2008, covering nearly 600 miles in 41 days. Eric is now one of only a few Americans in to have skied to both the North and South Poles. In November 2009, Eric returned to Antarctica for the first leg of his world record Save the Poles expedition. This time he completed a 750-mile ski traverse to the geographic South arriving on January 2, 2010. Two short months later he was dropped off at northern Ellesmere Island for a winter-style North Pole Journey. The international team reached the North Pole 51 days later on Earth Day - April 22, 2010. He completed the Save the Poles expedition by reaching the summit of Mt. Everest on October 15th, 2010 becoming the first person in history to reach the world's three 'poles' within a 365-day period. Eric's other expeditions include dog sledding in the Canadian Arctic, training trips to Hudson Bay and countless dog sled races (including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon). He has summited Mt. McKinley, ridden his bike across the United States, been a backcountry ranger in Alaska and a white water canoe guide in Colorado. Eric has dedicated his adult life to sharing his love for the outdoor world with others. As an educator, Eric strives to connect people to places and issues. In recognition of those efforts, Eric was elected as one of Outside Magazine's Eco All Stars in 2008. Eric travels extensively giving motivational and educational lectures to schools, universities, non profit organizations and corporate groups. He is also finishing the documentary COLDER about the Save the Poles expedition. Eric lives Boulder, Colorado with his partner Maria Hennessey and their one month old baby boy, Merritt. Think Snow!
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