Climbing mountains is about far more than simply reaching the summit. Mountains are an excellent metaphor for all sorts of challenges in life. In his keynotes, Leif shares stories, photographs, and riveting videos from his expeditions to the Himalayas and beyond. The lessons and insights he offers apply to business, education, health, and family. Leif’s philosophies about risk, teamwork, and perseverance are valuable examples for anyone interested in accomplishing their most ambitious goals. Most importantly, his candor and sense of humor are sure to entertain and inspire.
Testimonials
“When I tell you that the Port employee group were really impressed with your presentation yesterday I'm not exaggerating. Fellow employees were still mentioning this morning how much they enjoyed your presentation yesterday (believe me this is rare). I think this will go down as one of the most memorable employee events in recent Port history... Leif, I sincerely think you reached the audience on several levels yesterday; motivationally, inspirationally, passionately and I could go on.” --Steve Shipman, Port of Bellingham
"Leif is a rock star! Everyone loved him. He could hardly get out of the building because so many people wanted to talk to him. He impressed them not only with his accomplishments, but with his demeanor, his professionalism, his humility, and his approachability. Really, I just can't say enough good things. I am simply delighted he joined us for our annual event. Our workforce is diverse, and he was a hit with everyone. The 50-60 year olds seemed to want to talk to him the most, because they met his dad, or knew someone who climbed with his dad, etc. Thank you for arranging for Leif. He was perfect!" --Jay Raish, Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals
“Leif Whittaker is an outstanding speaker. He did a presentation for our hospital to help us kick off a new project. He was very motivational for our employees. His combination of amazing photographs, heart-wrenching stories and humor was perfect for our organization. As a world adventurer with a great understanding of themes such as perseverance, teamwork, friendship and hard work, Leif really got his message across to our staff. We would have him back in a heartbeat.” --John Nowak, Jefferson General Hospital
"Whatcom County Library System selected My Old Man and the Mountain for our inaugural Read & Share series based on the gripping story and excellent writing. Leif's public presentations at several of our libraries kicked the whole experience up a notch. He's charming, funny, and full of interesting anecdotes and observations. He had library patrons of all ages enthralled by tales of mountaineering adventures. His passion for the outdoors, particularly his stomping ground in the Pacific Northwest, is infectious. He exhorts us all to "go outside", and we will - with his book in hand." --Christine Perkins, Executive Director, Whatcom County Library System
"Jim and Leif Whittaker delivered a visually stunning and highly engaging presentation at BECU's 2016 Member Summit. Dianne ensured great coordination in the preparation, and Jim and Leif were human, fun, and great storytellers. They were a real draw for our members and one of the highly rated aspects of the Summit. We were truly pleased to have them as part of our program." --Sara Moorehead, VP Cooperative Affairs, BECU
"Leif was AWESOME! The entire team was thrilled with his presentation and stories. He was engaging and really connected with the audience. The place is still buzzing about it today." --Wade Moss, T-Mobile
"Having Leif Whittaker as the keynote speaker at our annual Spring Dinner at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center was a great success. The promise of hearing Leif share personal stories from his memoir, My Old Man and the Mountain, helped us to sell out our event, and he was a perfect speaker for our setting up in the North Cascades. Surrounded by high peaks on all sides, it was thrilling to learn about his two ascents of Mount Everest through stories, videos and stunning photos, and to hear him tie together those far-flung experiences with his current work as a climbing ranger on our local volcano, Mount Baker. Add in the sharing of his powerful mentorship of high school students in our Youth Leadership Adventures program over the years and it was an unforgettable night of appreciating the transformative effects wilderness and mountains have on us all." --Christian Martin, Marketing and Communications Manager, North Cascades Institute
“Jim and Leif were a smash hit at our professional society meeting. Not only were their stories compelling, the father-son aspect of the presentation added a warmth that touched many of us. I had several members tell me that this was one of the best Presidential Guest Speakers they had heard in the many years that they have been coming to our annual meeting.” --Jeffrey E. Johnson, MD, President, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS.org)
"Leif knocked it out of the park! Way beyond my wildest dreams with film footage, sound, and just incredible shots. Leif was very polished and somehow managed to squeeze it all in within our time constraints." --Dave Christian, New Neighbors of Gig Harbor
"What a great way to bring Leif’s fabulous book to life! Leif was extraordinary and perfect for our group. People are still talking about how breathtaking the slideshow views were and how genuinely human his story is. Our audience was seated at sea level but felt like they were up high and belayed by a storytelling guide. Unlike some mountaineering literature that started weaponizing storytelling to settle scores in the 1970s, Leif plants his flag firmly in the camp of those who see themselves and humanity reflected in those high places. Leif restores some of the nobility to climbing with a genuine smile and hopefulness that floats above the dark narratives threatening to nullify some of the greatest gifts of the mountains." --Jason Bausher, National Park Service Ranger, Olympic National Park
“Leif Whittaker was very personable and well organized and meticulous in his presentation set up and delivery. His presentation was well received by a wide range of business sectors from small tourism businesses to emergency service personnel.” --Karen Lane, Fairbanks Visitor’s Bureau
“I was just going to email you and say how much we enjoyed you and your presentation! We had a faculty meeting this morning and you received a ton of praise! The pictures/videos were beautiful and if we all (well most of us) weren’t over 50, we would be tempted to try a climb just from what we saw!” --Deb Luehmann, King’s Junior High School
A client list is available upon request.
"Leif is a rock star! Everyone loved him. He could hardly get out of the building because so many people wanted to talk to him. He impressed them not only with his accomplishments, but with his demeanor, his professionalism, his humility, and his approachability. Really, I just can't say enough good things. I am simply delighted he joined us for our annual event. Our workforce is diverse, and he was a hit with everyone. The 50-60 year olds seemed to want to talk to him the most, because they met his dad, or knew someone who climbed with his dad, etc. Thank you for arranging for Leif. He was perfect!" --Jay Raish, Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals
“Leif Whittaker is an outstanding speaker. He did a presentation for our hospital to help us kick off a new project. He was very motivational for our employees. His combination of amazing photographs, heart-wrenching stories and humor was perfect for our organization. As a world adventurer with a great understanding of themes such as perseverance, teamwork, friendship and hard work, Leif really got his message across to our staff. We would have him back in a heartbeat.” --John Nowak, Jefferson General Hospital
"Whatcom County Library System selected My Old Man and the Mountain for our inaugural Read & Share series based on the gripping story and excellent writing. Leif's public presentations at several of our libraries kicked the whole experience up a notch. He's charming, funny, and full of interesting anecdotes and observations. He had library patrons of all ages enthralled by tales of mountaineering adventures. His passion for the outdoors, particularly his stomping ground in the Pacific Northwest, is infectious. He exhorts us all to "go outside", and we will - with his book in hand." --Christine Perkins, Executive Director, Whatcom County Library System
"Jim and Leif Whittaker delivered a visually stunning and highly engaging presentation at BECU's 2016 Member Summit. Dianne ensured great coordination in the preparation, and Jim and Leif were human, fun, and great storytellers. They were a real draw for our members and one of the highly rated aspects of the Summit. We were truly pleased to have them as part of our program." --Sara Moorehead, VP Cooperative Affairs, BECU
"Leif was AWESOME! The entire team was thrilled with his presentation and stories. He was engaging and really connected with the audience. The place is still buzzing about it today." --Wade Moss, T-Mobile
"Having Leif Whittaker as the keynote speaker at our annual Spring Dinner at the North Cascades Environmental Learning Center was a great success. The promise of hearing Leif share personal stories from his memoir, My Old Man and the Mountain, helped us to sell out our event, and he was a perfect speaker for our setting up in the North Cascades. Surrounded by high peaks on all sides, it was thrilling to learn about his two ascents of Mount Everest through stories, videos and stunning photos, and to hear him tie together those far-flung experiences with his current work as a climbing ranger on our local volcano, Mount Baker. Add in the sharing of his powerful mentorship of high school students in our Youth Leadership Adventures program over the years and it was an unforgettable night of appreciating the transformative effects wilderness and mountains have on us all." --Christian Martin, Marketing and Communications Manager, North Cascades Institute
“Jim and Leif were a smash hit at our professional society meeting. Not only were their stories compelling, the father-son aspect of the presentation added a warmth that touched many of us. I had several members tell me that this was one of the best Presidential Guest Speakers they had heard in the many years that they have been coming to our annual meeting.” --Jeffrey E. Johnson, MD, President, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS.org)
"Leif knocked it out of the park! Way beyond my wildest dreams with film footage, sound, and just incredible shots. Leif was very polished and somehow managed to squeeze it all in within our time constraints." --Dave Christian, New Neighbors of Gig Harbor
"What a great way to bring Leif’s fabulous book to life! Leif was extraordinary and perfect for our group. People are still talking about how breathtaking the slideshow views were and how genuinely human his story is. Our audience was seated at sea level but felt like they were up high and belayed by a storytelling guide. Unlike some mountaineering literature that started weaponizing storytelling to settle scores in the 1970s, Leif plants his flag firmly in the camp of those who see themselves and humanity reflected in those high places. Leif restores some of the nobility to climbing with a genuine smile and hopefulness that floats above the dark narratives threatening to nullify some of the greatest gifts of the mountains." --Jason Bausher, National Park Service Ranger, Olympic National Park
“Leif Whittaker was very personable and well organized and meticulous in his presentation set up and delivery. His presentation was well received by a wide range of business sectors from small tourism businesses to emergency service personnel.” --Karen Lane, Fairbanks Visitor’s Bureau
“I was just going to email you and say how much we enjoyed you and your presentation! We had a faculty meeting this morning and you received a ton of praise! The pictures/videos were beautiful and if we all (well most of us) weren’t over 50, we would be tempted to try a climb just from what we saw!” --Deb Luehmann, King’s Junior High School
A client list is available upon request.