Human Connection is not an edge,

it’s the Way Forward.

“We need more people like Chris in the world.”

Dr. Jane Goodall

National Geographic Explorer and global storyteller Chris Bashinelli empowers organizations to lead through change by strengthening what matters most—true human connection.

“Bash”, as he is affectionately known, has lived this message in 40+ countries, with Mongolian nomads to Japanese Sumo wrestlers, and even on stage at the United Nations alongside leaders like Stevie Wonder and his mentor – Dr. Jane Goodall. Drawing on immersive experiences from around the world Bash shows leaders how embracing challenge becomes the most powerful driver of growth—reigniting employee inspiration, boosting sales, and building cultures where people feel safe to bring their best selves each and every day.

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 deep curiosity for the human experience, Bash creates transformative connections with audiences—setting a new standard in the speaking world.

What Makes Bash Unique?

  • Human Connection as a Way of Life – Bash doesn’t just talk about connection; he’s lived it across the globe, proving that shared humanity is the foundation of thriving organizations.
  • Leadership in Times of Change – Trust, empathy, and presence aren’t “soft skills” — they are leadership superpowers. Bash equips leaders to embody authenticity, building customer loyalty, employee engagement, and lasting performance through change.
  • Inner Happiness Fuels Outer Success – Through mindfulness and resilience, Bash demonstrates how true leadership effectiveness begins with cultivating happiness from within, the only way to drive sustainable success.
LEARN MORE ABOUT BASH

Chris Bashinelli, better known as “Bash,” was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to Lebanese and Italian-American parents. His worldview was shaped on his childhood “Stoop,” where friendships spanned a combined 13 nationalities. After a decade-long acting career, including an appearance on the hit HBO television series The Sopranos, Bash traded the red carpet for the road—launching Bridge the Gap, a global travel series featured on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, where he experiences life across countless cultures around the world.

As a National Geographic Explorer, Bash fully embeds himself within cultures to understand the nature of connection and happiness from the inside out. He shares these insights everywhere from Fortune 500 companies, to inside prison walls, to the United Nations General Assembly Hall. His immersive approach has granted him unprecedented access to people and cultures around the world—earning the lifelong trust of Ugandan mystics, Mongolian herdsmen, suicide prevention activists on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and some of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People on the Planet.

Bash has shared the stage with luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Douglas, and at just 24 years old became the youngest man ever to moderate the United Nations International Day of Peace. His work has been featured in Delta Sky Magazine, Lonely Planet, Huffington Post, and The Daily News Zimbabwe. He is 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.

“Chris’s motivational skills will inspire people to make this a better planet.”

MR. MICHAEL DOUGLAS

Academy Award-winning Actor & United Nations Messenger of Peace

Human Connection is the Foundation of Great Leadership

In today’s workplace, trust and empathy are no longer optional — they’re essential. Chris Bashinelli shows leaders and teams how to cultivate happiness from within, connect authentically, and create cultures where every voice is valued. His approach goes beyond short-term influence or transactional sales, to foster long-term inspiration and success.

Whether you’re in sales, AI, technology, healthcare, finance, or education, Bash’s message of trust, empathy, and authentic connection resonates across industries. With the rapid rise of AI, human connection is more valuable than ever. In a world of constant change his insights help organizations strengthen client relationships, inspire teams, and build cultures of resilience. By focusing on the universal drivers of human performance—purpose, happiness, and belonging—Chris equips leaders at every level to navigate disruption and thrive.

Bash specializes in highly customized events for top performers, high-energy opening keynotes for large audiences, and curated workshops for C-suite leaders. He employs experiential learning, bringing audiences on an adventure, rather than lecturing behind a podium. 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.

For a list of Keynotes visit the Keynotes Page

Speaking Reel

Featured Clients

Corporate
  • BMW Group
  • Lincoln Financial
  • Wyndham Hotels
  • Delta Airlines
  • Deloitte
  • Entrepreneur’s Organization- Philippines, Panama, Saudi Arabia
Organization
  • TEDx
  • Boy Scouts of America
  • United Nations- Bali, Austria, Azerbaijan & NYC
  • The Jane Goodall Institute
  • Key Club International
Association
  • Alaska Travel Association
  • Global Business Travel Association
  • Nashville Apartment Association
  • Leading Real Estate Co’s
  • Institute of Internal Auditors
  • Connecticut Society of CPA’s
  • American Student Dental Association
Education
  • Columbia University
  • New York University
  • Texas A & M University
  • University of North Carolina
  • College of the North Atlantic- Qatar

“Chris is one of the most inspiring new voices on TV. He’s part Anthony Bourdain, part Anderson Cooper and 100% fresh.”

JERRY KOLBER

Executive Producer of Brain Games on National Geographic

Hosting Videos

After studying Anthropology in East Africa at 20 years old, Chris Bashinelli returned home to discover his father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The death of Chris’s father inspired him to create Bridge the Gap, a television series featured on PBS and the National Geographic Channel, where he experiences life in someone else’s shoes. Through one of a kind stories of adventure and authentic moments of human connection, Chris truly bridges the gap between self and other, helping us recognize our shared humanity.

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