In Spring 2010, Leif Whittaker climbed to the summit of Mount Everest and gazed down at the world. It was an experience he had dreamed about for a lifetime—a dream inspired by his father, Jim Whittaker, who became the first American to stand in the very same place 47 years before his youngest son.

[Talk about walking in your father's footsteps!]

Leif has had many incredible adventures: sailing for four years throughout the South Pacific islands, living with squatters in Europe, being robbed on buses in Ecuador, and building an off-the-grid log cabin in the wilderness of Washington State.

A graduate of Western Washington University and now based in Port Townsend, WA, Leif has also summitted the highest peaks in both Antarctica (Mt. Vinson) and South America (Aconcagua).

Beyond all these 'round-the-world adventures, Leif's greatest passion is storytelling.  

An eloquent writer and speaker, he accompanies his customized keynotes with photographs and video segments, and presents his one-of-a-kind perspective from the highest places on the planet. His candor, humor and passion for adventure are sure to entertain, motivate and inspire.  

Leif's writing has appeared on the Born Out There blog, in Window Magazine, and on his personal blog, Whittakerwrites.com.

Leif's speaking clients include The Port of Bellingham, Hostelling International, and the Fairbanks Alaska Tourism Bureau.

Travels from: WA State.