Chris Bashinelli

  • National Geographic Explorer & TV Host
  • United Nations Moderator
  • Happiness and Mental Wellness Advocate

“We need more people like Chris in the world,” says Dr. Jane Goodall.

National Geographic Explorer and global storyteller Chris Bashinelli draws on eye-opening experiences in over 40 countries to help organizations boost sales, reignite employee inspiration, and build cultures rooted in genuine human connection.

Through unforgettable stories of adventure, dynamic audience engagement, and exclusive footage from his international TV series, Bash empowers teams to unlock the potential of their greatest asset—their people.

With unparalleled authenticity, humility, and a deep curiosity for the human experience, Bash creates a transformative connection with audiences—setting a new standard in the speaking world.

 

Chris Bashinelli headshot
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Past Hosts Include:
  • Connecticut Society of CPA's
  • Entrepreneur's Organization
  • RC Taylor
  • Beaumont Hospitals
  • Caesar's Entertainment
  • BMW Group
  • Alaska Airlines
Rave Reviews About Chris Bashinelli
Bash! You brought a smile to my face when I really needed it. I must say your presentation was a departure from what we normally do at convention. I went into it a skeptic and borderline grumpy old man... I came out the other side a motivated believer. Keep on Bridging the Gap my brother!

More rave reviews

"Chris inspires and is inspired in equal measure. Anyone looking for motivation to make a positive change in their lives or realize their full potential should listen to Chris's moving and powerful life story. His vibrant energy reminds us, as entrepreneurs, in the importance of always believing and never giving up, especially when our backs are against the wall. Very few people deliver on this message as Chris did."

-San Jhooti, Co-Founder of Drift Innovation

"Chris you did an outstanding job yesterday and I appreciate your heart for the value of others. Every generation of business leadership can benefit from your experience and appropriate the tools you stressed yesterday in making our relationships better. Thanks for your transparency and sharing a deep part of your soul with us."

-Connecticut Society of CPA's

"Chris Bashinelli was the closing guest speaker at the Entrepreneurs Organization’s Global Leadership Conference in Manila, Philippines. His dynamic entrance, larger than life, unabashed manner turned heads, our attention on him right from the start. Chris tells an amazing story of his life, his quest and his vision. For someone so young, he's done some crazy stuff. He had the audience captivated mentally and emotionally. He totally owned the space and the hour of his presentation. Great guy."

-Entrepreneur's Organization

"Bash delivers a fast-paced hour, relates it skillfully to the group at hand, and finishes with the crowd feeling like he's everyone's best friend- who does those things we all know we should do. He is at once worldly and down-to-earth, driven and disarming. Interested in everyone he meets, skilled at listening, attentive and quick. Chris is generous with his time and heart and is truly wise beyond his years. He revels the opportunity to share his energy with folks, sometimes bringing the most unlikely attendees up on stage, and quite magically builds a community in the room. If you’re looking to unlock reserves of energy in your people with a dose of unique experiences culminating in a highly-inspiring charge to succeed ‘no matter what’, Chris is an exceptional choice. I know I look forward to working with him again."

-RC Taylor

"This felt like the greatest thing in the entire world! The entire presentation touched me. It cleared my head, it touched my heart and it helped me go with my gut. There was nothing in there that I didn’t need to hear. There was nothing in there that I wasn’t frightened of… you helped me learn that happiness lies in serving others…it’s something that I can take with me and I’ll remember every day…to be able to clear the head, stop the noise, and step outside myself- you encouraged that within me. It’s phenomenal."

-Beaumont Hospitals

"Caesars Entertainment is committed to our core value of building community and “Bash” magnified the importance of that value in style… Chris Bashinelli’s powerful keynote at one of our flagship events helped drive home the true meaning of cultural awareness and compassion. By inviting clients and co-workers to sit on our “stoop”, we can strengthen any relationship. He reminds us to simply start where we are and we will see our partnerships and business relationships grow. When we care about each other and the communities we live and work in, the stakes become that much more important, and the positive results are evident. I highly recommend “Bash” for any corporate event."

-Caesar's Entertainment

"Chris has a passionate, captivating personality, and is a truly inspirational speaker. He breaks through cultural and generational boundaries and puts life into perspective. He ignites sincere emotions, which tend to get lost in our full and busy lives. His message inspires individuals to become more committed members of the society. Chris motivates with vivid stories from all over the world and encourages people to use obstacles as building blocks and to see "failures" as lessons. And, he reminds us that success in business and in life also comes from thinking outside our own boundaries."

-BMW Group
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Chris Bashinelli: How to Increase Sales - Get Sharable Link
Talks & Conversations with Chris Bashinelli
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Authentic Connection: The Superpower to Better Sales and True Business Growth

What if the real secret to sales success wasn’t persuasion—but connection? Today’s customers are more discerning than ever. According to Edelman, 90% will walk away from a brand they don’t trust. And yet, in our rush to “influence” or “close the deal,” we often sacrifice the very thing that fuels lo ...

What if the real secret to sales success wasn’t persuasion—but connection?

Today’s customers are more discerning than ever. According to Edelman, 90% will walk away from a brand they don’t trust. And yet, in our rush to “influence” or “close the deal,” we often sacrifice the very thing that fuels long-term growth: authentic human connection!

In this game-changing keynote, National Geographic Explorer and Scientist of Human Connection, Chris Bashinelli, reveals the overlooked superpower in business: putting people first. Drawing on years of global research— from living with nomads on the Mongolian steppe to learning from financial advisors in Fort Worth – Bash shows that when we are fully present, deeply empathetic, and driven by service, we unlock the kind of trust that leads to exponential sales growth.

This is not about manipulating your clients— it’s about meeting them with genuine care, turning “them” into “us,” and building bonds that last far beyond the sale. Whether you're leading a sales team or building client relationships one conversation at a time, this keynote will transform the way you sell—and the way you connect.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bash’s patented Discover Our In method to build instant, lasting trust
  • Practical tools to become fully present and emotionally attuned to clients
  • How to shift from transactional selling to transformational relationships
  • The science behind empathy—and how to apply it in real sales conversations
  • Strategies to build a “People-First” Sales Culture that fuels growth and loyalty

The Happiness Effect: Why Starting from Happiness Is the Secret to Lasting Success

In a world defined by rapid change—AI disruption, budget cuts, and burnout—one powerful force remains in our control: our ability to create happiness. When National Geographic Explorer Chris Bashinelli returned from East Africa at just 20 years old, he was met with devastating news—his father had te ...

In a world defined by rapid change—AI disruption, budget cuts, and burnout—one powerful force remains in our control: our ability to create happiness.

When National Geographic Explorer Chris Bashinelli returned from East Africa at just 20 years old, he was met with devastating news—his father had terminal cancer. That moment sparked a two-decade journey to uncover how people around the world live joyful, purposeful lives, even in the face of adversity.

Rooted in 20 years of mindfulness practice and first-hand experiences in 40+ countries, Bash reveals the unexpected truth: happiness isn’t a reward at the finish line—it’s the starting point for meaningful success.

From Tanzanian filmmakers to Mongolian nomads, and through deeply personal stories of loss and resilience, Bash shares transformative lessons that show how happiness fuels trust, boosts productivity, and drives high-performance teams. Backed by first hand research and brought to life with humor, vulnerability, and audience interaction, this keynote helps individuals and organizations unlock their most powerful resource—their mindset.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to cultivate happiness even in challenging times
  • Why abundance thinking often leads to greater wealth
  • Simple gratitude practices that deepen trust and enrich relationships
  • Mindfulness techniques to improve focus, reduce stress, and boost well-being
  • The clear connection between happiness and business success

A Culture of Trust: Reignite Employee Inspiration and Bring your Best Self Everyday

Companies that embrace diverse perspectives generate 20% higher sales, according to Harvard Business Review. Why? Because every team member brings a unique, irreplaceable gift—shaped by their personal story. The key to unlocking that potential? A culture of trust where people feel safe to show up fu ...

Companies that embrace diverse perspectives generate 20% higher sales, according to Harvard Business Review. Why? Because every team member brings a unique, irreplaceable gift—shaped by their personal story. The key to unlocking that potential? A culture of trust where people feel safe to show up fully, speak openly, and contribute authentically.

In this powerful and practical keynote, Chris Bashinelli—National Geographic Explorer and expert on human connection—draws from global adventures and his multicultural upbringing on a Brooklyn “Stoop,” where his friends shared a total of 13 nationalities. He shares a clear, actionable framework for building cultures that foster belonging, drive innovation, and unleash human potential.

Through compelling stories, interactive moments, and Bash’s signature blend of humor and heart, audiences learn how to create an environment where employees—from the sales floor to the C-suite—don’t just feel included, but feel inspired to bring their very best every single day.

Key Takeaways:

  • A practical, human approach to building connection—without divisive buzzwords
  • Bash’s “Bridge of Trust” framework, grounded in courage and vulnerability
  • How to attract new business by making clients feel truly at home
  • Ways to spark innovation by creating space for every voice to be heard
  • The link between psychological safety and peak productivity
  • How to build your own company “Stoop”—a culture of shared purpose and trust

Leadership on Purpose: Discover Your Superpower and Unlock your Team’s Potential

Great leaders don’t just guide teams—they inspire transformation. And the most powerful form of leadership doesn’t come from authority—it comes from authenticity. Our greatest superpower is often hidden in our greatest challenge. A childhood of poverty can lead to unmatched resilience. A struggle wi ...

Great leaders don’t just guide teams—they inspire transformation. And the most powerful form of leadership doesn’t come from authority—it comes from authenticity.

Our greatest superpower is often hidden in our greatest challenge. A childhood of poverty can lead to unmatched resilience. A struggle with illness may awaken deep empathy. The path to purpose isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about owning it and using it to empower others.

In this deeply personal and energizing keynote, Chris Bashinelli—National Geographic Explorer and celebrated speaker on human connection—shares how he turned the pain of losing his father into a mission to bring the world closer together. With zero connections or budget, he built a global TV series, became the youngest speaker in the United Nations General Assembly Hall, and forged partnerships with global brands—all by living the values of courage, compassion, and purpose-driven leadership.

Through compelling stories, powerful audience exercises, and actionable insights, Bash helps every leader in the room reframe their biggest challenges as the source of their unique superpower, and shows how leading from that place inspires teams to rise to their full potential.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to identify your personal leadership superpower by reframing adversity
  • Interactive exercises to help you embody the qualities you most admire in others
  • Mindfulness tools to build resilience, deepen presence, and embrace change
  • How to turn obstacles into fuel for connection, innovation, and impact
  • Why the most powerful leadership is rooted in action—not words

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Biography

Chris Bashinelli, National Geographic Explorer, TV host, and celebrated speaker on human connection, travels the globe researching what drives happiness, purpose, and belonging in life and business. Drawing from immersive experiences in over 40 countries, Chris—known affectionately as “Bash”—helps organizations boost sales, reignite employee inspiration, and build cultures of genuine connection.

Born in Brooklyn, New York to Lebanese and Italian-American parents, Bash’s worldview was shaped on his childhood “Stoop”, where his friends shared more than 13 nationalities. After a decade-long acting career, including a role on the hit HBO TV series The Sopranos, Bash traded the red carpet for the road, launching Bridge the Gap, a global documentary series featured on PBS and National Geographic Channel.

Bash’s adventures have taken him from living with nomads in Mongolia, to harvesting tea in China, to Sumo wrestling the heaviest Japanese human in recorded history. He fully embeds himself in different worlds as a modern-day Cultural Anthropologist- learning from Ugandan mystics, Mongolian herdsmen, Lakota suicide prevention activists, and some of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet.

A passionate advocate for mental wellness and happiness, Bash has studied mindfulness and meditation for over 20 years. Following the loss of his father to cancer when he was 20 years old, he began a lifelong mission to understand the human condition. Through his service work, he has brought mindfulness to inmates across federal and state prisons and to veterans of nearly every major conflict since WWII.

As a keynote speaker, Bash brings stories of adventure, interactive exercises, and exclusive content from his travels to create powerful, customized experiences for every audience. His authenticity and curiosity spark something rare and unforgettable—an alchemy of trust, laughter, and transformation. Bash has headlined events for AT&T, American Express, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, the Federal Reserve Bank, the Million Dollar Round Table, and many more.

Bash has shared the stage with luminaries like Stevie Wonder and Michael Douglas, and at just 24, became the youngest person ever to moderate the United Nations International Day of Peace. His most recent film explores the power of friendship with his adoptive grandfather, actor Dominic Chianese (Uncle Junior on The Sopranos). His work has been featured in Delta Sky Magazine, Lonely Planet, Huffington Post, and The Daily News Zimbabwe. He’s also an Eagle Scout and guest host on the Be Here Now podcast network. In a world hungry for meaning and connection, Chris Bashinelli delivers – with heart, humor, and an unwavering belief in our shared humanity.