Fresh Perspectives
Photo Credit: Cristina Mittermeier
At this time of polarizing beliefs, sometimes what we need most is a fresh perspective to help expand our understanding of difficult concepts and harsh realities. Through storytelling, the power of the spoken word, and the practice of empathy, these speakers shine a light into the darkness.
Conflict Photographer.
MacArthur Genius Grantee.
Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Why would anyone willingly plunge headfirst into the war-torn areas of Afghanistan, Darfur, or Ukraine? For this Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, the simple answer is also the title of her memoir: It’s What I Do.
Pioneer.
Bridge Builder.
Rule Breaker.
The answer “No” is merely a rejection of the status quo and an opportunity to reinvent your world. This is one of the many lessons that fleeing Iran as a young girl during the revolution taught Sheila.
Scientist.
Trillion Tree Campaign Advisor.
Problem Solver.
Our natural ecosystems are the best technology we have to help cool the planet. This British scientist, in partnership with the World Economic Forum, has a plan we can all get behind.
Documentarian.
Compassionate Witness.
Explorer.
Born in Zimbabwe, raised in Australia, and based in Istanbul, Michael brings a global perspective to documentary filmmaking. His work for Nat Geo has earned him some of filmmaking's highest honors.
Nuclear Engineer.
Clean Energy Visionary.
Queen of Possibility.
Leslie Dewan spent the first ten years of her career redesigning nuclear reactors to make them safer and more efficient. Now she's set her sights on a bigger obstacle in the race towards a carbon-neutral future: us.
Hero for the Planet.
Oceanographer.
Her Deepness.
By showing how every breath of air we take and every drop of water we drink depends on the health of our Oceans, Dr. Sylvia Earle makes marine conservation everyone’s concern.
Travel Writer.
Digital Nomad.
Black Penguin.
Andrew invites us to move beyond the tourist selfie to open ourselves to the rich kaleidoscope of humanity, adventure, and experience the world offers, to become a more evolved version of ourselves.
Pulitzer Prize-winner.
Eyewitness.
Trailblazer.
For 20 years, Deanne served as a photojournalist for the San Francisco Chronicle, documenting the AIDS crisis, pivotal SCOTUS rulings, sports, and pop culture.
Organic Architect.
Thought Leader.
Fixer.
His deep passion and commitment to making “every building a green building” inspires audiences of all types to change how they look at their buildings, their facilities and the world at large.
Storyteller.
Global Women’s Champion.
Revolutionary.
With National Geographic and at the creative helm of her nonprofit, Ripple Effect Images, Annie travels the planet to show the vibrant tapestry of human experience, and how much we share—oceans apart.
Visual Explorer.
Pathfinder.
Culture Whisperer.
Highly decorated photojournalist David Guttenfelder is celebrated for his thorough study of geopolitical conflict, conservation, culture, and technology, with a keen and curious eye to the future.
Environmental Hero.
Visual Artist.
Goodwill Ambassador.
Photographer Mattias Klum is an eloquent defender of biodiversity. Whether addressing the World Economic Forum or students, Mattias brings his A-game and nobody leaves his show unchanged.
Mama Bear.
Community Builder.
Visual Storyteller.
Whether documenting her journey through depression or celebrating the world through the eyes and words of her two boys, Photographer Marvi Lacar is the consummate creator.
4-Time Olympian.
Breast Cancer Survivor.
Champion.
Chaunte trained for 28 years to keep her edge as one of the world’s best, but it wasn’t until a breast cancer diagnosis inspired her to champion self-care, that she tapped into an unexpected source of strength.
Master Storyteller.
Thru-Hiker.
Naturekeeper.
To see the natural world through Pete’s eyes is to fling open your arms to the sky and dance in the rain. This gifted creator tells some of the most important stories of our time with passion, wit, and curiosity.
Futurist.
Polymath.
Ironman.
Author of the bestseller, Hacking Darwin, Jamie is a leading technology and healthcare futurist who has served in the U.S. National Security Council, the State Department, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Conservation Photographer.
Ocean Advocate.
Enough.
Cristina’s commitment to conservation extends beyond the Ocean to what it means to be human...understanding that the history of every living thing that has ever existed on this planet also lives within us.
Special Correspondent.
Eyewitness.
Pulitzer Prize Winner.
Getty Images Special Correspondent John Moore bears witness through photography to the most pressing stories of our time, from conflict, to immigration reform, climate change, and COVID-19.
Chief Wagon Officer.
Brand Evolution King.
Big Kid.
Robert’s grandfather started Radio Flyer in 1917—naming it after two of the most important inventions of its time. Today, Robert has reimagined the brand in ways his grandfather never could have dreamed.
Photo Ark Founder.
Wildlife Photographer.
Man on a Mission.
Joel Sartore is on an epic quest to save nature through his sweeping Photo Ark Project. Already 12,000 portraits strong, this project aims to document every living species in captivity, while there's still time.
Underwater Photographer.
Whale Whisperer.
National Geographic Fellow.
This Emmy Award-winner brings into sharp focus the pivotal moment at which we find ourselves in history—when we understand the problems, know the solutions, and simply need to summon the will to act.
Nature Whisperer.
Illuminator of the Invisible.
Mad Scientist.
In biologist/photographer Anand Varma’s hands, a camera is not just a tool to capture what he sees—it’s a way to illuminate the layers of beauty and complexity that are otherwise hidden from the naked eye.