Dave Rodney is the only person in the history of this country to summit Mt. Everest TWICE. His accomplishments are inspiring to many, especially since he was born on the flatlands of North America, has survived four knee surgeries, and has broken his back in four places! He is in high demand on the professional speaking circuit throughout North America, has been involved with 6 documentaries, and is completing his book: "More than a Mountain: An Everest Education."

Dave is not just a climber, speaker, and writer; he has also earned a number of degrees, worked in 3rd world countries, served as an educator & administrator in three countries, and built his own business (SpiritQuest Enterprises, Inc.). His still photography, videography, & written work have been utilized around the world (including National Geographic; Oprah; North American, European and African National Broadcast Companies; North American Corporations; North American and European books and texts), & he has been interviewed across the globe--but what he is most proud of are the rewards he has gained from service with charitable, educational, civic and corporate organizations! His moving, multi-disciplined, multi-media presentations will empower you to scale your "mountains" with integrity; and you will walk away from the event feeling refreshed, renewed, and re-invigorated!

Dave is an active participant in celebrity charity events involving over 20 local, national, & international causes. Whether it be during an dramatic alpine rescue, a tense board meeting, a crux in a relationship, or the planning of a humanitarian event, Dave believes in "climbing with a conscience."

MOST REQUESTED TOPICS:

Turn Your Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones!

When we travel towards goals which are truly worth striving for, we are often faced with a myriad of situations we will either consider problems that threaten our dreams, or challenges which will enhance our development--depending on our attitude. David believes that often "we are not granted the grandeur of the next mountain-top vista until we have first trudged through the gullet of the tumultuous valley below."

In this gripping multi-media presentation (which includes life and death accounts of rescues on the highest mountains in the world), you will appreciate why Dave maintains that with proper preparation and strategies, our pilgrimage may be easier than we might first imagine; in the words of Lao Tzu, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!"

Humor in the Himalayas

Expeditions are depicted as nothing less than serious endeavors; but when humans are exposed to only one-third the usual amount of oxygen, they say and do some pretty hilarious things! In this session, you will chuckle at cartoons demonstrating comedy above the clouds; hear side-splitting stories on the effects of elevation; witness crazy antics and accents at altitude; and observe outrageous outtakes rescued from the documentary editing room floor. After the jokes, wit and repartee, you will ask "are these climbers, or clowns?", and "how did they ever get to the top of the world and back?!".

After running into personal and professional walls back home, Dave rediscovered laughter-at basecamp. He learned there is a "mountain of entertainment on Everest" (perhaps as a result of having too many people too close to each other for too long!). Venture with him to the lighter side of climbing…it will be a session you'll never forget!

Picture Your Climb!

"I can't see the forest for the trees!" "I can't get there from here…I just can't see it!" "I know I have to jump to fly, but I can't get my feet off the ground!"…

If you are struggling with achieving your full potential, this session is for you. Utilizing slides from experience on St. Vincent Island's "La Soufriere", Washington State's Mt. Rainier, Argentina's "Cerro Aconcagua", Australia's Ayer's Rock, and Nepal's "Solo-Khumbu" Region, David will share his adventures…which saw a simple prairie boy rise to new heights in every way, culminating with his successful ascent of Mt. Everest!

Footprints to the Future

An Inter-Cultural Legacy of Leisure and Luxury

It is common to receive awards and accolades of all sorts after successfully summiting treacherous mountains--risky endeavors which require much sacrifice and dedication. But the challenges of our daily lives are every bit as deserving of attention as these efforts (and in the long run, they are often even more taxing!). Both on the mountain and in the real world, we must examine our histories critically--if we are to evade repeating personal, social, and global errors of the past. Once we do so, we will drastically increase our opportunity to be truly happy and successful.

Utilizing powerful slide images, video, music, and stories (from across the planet), David will demonstrate that the answers to the deepest questions of our lives are there for us…around our world, and within ourselves. This will provide you with the opportunity to look back, look around, and look forward…not with fear, but with satisfaction, hope, and excitement!

Adventuring on the Outside, and on the Inside

Balance is critical to personal and professional success. How do we achieve this... physically, intellectually, emotional, spiritually, and socially? Dave shares his journey in these respects, utilizing experiences at some of the most beautiful, yet terrifying places in the world. He draws on the works of contemporary theorists, philosophers, (and cartoonists!); shares exclusive video footage from his successful ascent of Mt. Everest; and offers a meditative CD/Slide show finale as he guides you towards the discovery and enjoyment of your "Sacred Spaces".

After this session, you will return to your world refreshed, renewed, and re-invigorated... appreciating that your influence is much more significant than most people could ever imagine!

Reaching New Heights Personally and Professionally

How can we program both excitement and relaxation into our jobs? After doing masters work related to the subject, David has discovered some answers which he will share with you in this session. He has incorporated mountaineering into his workplace; and will invite you along to explore some of his favourite areas around the world.

This event will feature David's "Adventure Everest On-Line '97" the first international, interactive, internet, e-mail Business/Education project of its kind, which was based on, and at, the highest mountain on earth. (Simply planning the event was similar to organizing a major expedition, as the coordination of personnel and resources was an incredible logistical challenge. David will outline the history, curriculum, and system, which linked the world's highest base camp to classrooms around the globe in 1997, during his team's attempt to reach the roof of the world.)

He will also share the secrets of the strategies utilized during the communication of his own successful 1999 ascent of the mountain. Finally, David will include ideas for future projects that will stimulate the mind, as well as the body!

Goal Setting, Change, Peak Performance, Teamwork & Teambuilding, Personal Growth, Motivational, Leadership,