Chris Bashinelli

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

Today’s employees and clients are more discerning than ever. An Edelman study revealed 90% of customers will walk away from a brand they don’t trust. Almost half of all employees have quit a job due to distrust in senior leadership. 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 connecting with financial advisors in Fort Worth – Chris shows that when we are fully present, deeply empathetic, & driven by service, we unlock the kind of trust that leads to exponential growth.

This is not about manipulating your clients or employees — 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 deep, lasting trust
• How to shift from transactional selling to transformational relationships
• The science behind empathy— how to apply it in real sales conversations
• Practical tools to become fully present and emotionally attuned to clients
• Strategies to create a “People-First” Sales Culture that fuels growth and loyalty

Change is no longer the exception in our organizations – it’s the environment we live in. Markets shift, structures evolve, people come and go. The question isn’t whether change will happen – it’s how we lead through it. When faced with uncertainty, the most impactful leaders are those who stay grounded, connected and authentic – creating stability not by controlling external events, but by strengthening the foundation within themselves and their teams.

When Chris Bashinelli returned from East Africa at 20 years old, his father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. That moment – one breath to the next – forever changed the course of his life. This sparked a lifelong journey to understand how we navigate hardship, remain steady in the face of the unknown and how to lead and inspire others when we are hurting ourselves.  

From working as a busboy in Brooklyn, to creating an international TV series from his parent’s basement, to becoming the one of the youngest Emcees in United Nations history, Chris discovered one profound truth: we cannot always control what happens around us, but we can always choose how we show up. And how we show up — our presence, our authenticity, our humanity — is what inspires others to move forward with us.

In this keynote, Chris leads audiences on a journey across cultures and continents, sharing real stories of resilience, wisdom and human connection.  Together, we explore how embracing challenge can reveal our greatest potential, and how leading through change begins by reconnecting to what is real, grounded, and unshakeable within ourselves.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead from the Inside Out: Learn to ground yourself in presence and perspective — the two things we always control — even when the external environment feels uncertain.
• Inspire Through Being, Not Telling: Discover why authentic leadership has a greater impact than motivational instruction — and how your presence influences your team more than your words.
• Transform Challenge into Growth: Reframe adversity as an opportunity to evolve into the leader you are meant to become — individually and collectively.
• Strengthen Trust Through Humanity: Use empathy, transparency, and care to build deeper connection with teams navigating change.
• Adopt the Abundance Perspective: Understand how our mindset shapes our reality — and how to choose the one that supports resilience, unity, and forward momentum.

Teams don’t become resilient because they avoid challenge — they become resilient because they trust one another through it. Trust is the foundation that allows people to speak honestly, collaborate creatively, and show up as their authentic selves. When trust is present, teams innovate. When trust is absent, even the most talented groups unravel.

Chris Bashinelli has spent two decades studying human connection in over 40 countries — from the hillsides of Mongolia, to the Pine Ridge Reservation, to his childhood “Stoop” in Brooklyn, where thirteen nationalities came together every day. Across cultures, industries, and borders, the pattern is the same: people thrive when they feel seen, valued, and safe to be who they are.

In this keynote, Chris shares a clear, human-centered approach to building teams that are strong enough to withstand change and inspired enough to grow from it. Through powerful global stories, interactive moments, and the PACT of Connection (Present. Authentic. Care. Trust.), Chris shows leaders how to cultivate environments where every voice matters and every person feels at home. 

This is how we turn groups into communities — and communities into unbreakable teams.

Key Takeaways

• Lead with Presence, Not Pressure: Create space where people feel grounded, respected, and able to contribute authentically.
• The Bridge of Trust Framework: Build trust through shared humanity — not force, influence, or control.
• Unlock Each Individual’s “Superpower”: Reframe challenges and personal story as the source of strength and creativity — in ourselves and others.
• Inspire Innovation by Including Every Voice: When people feel safe to speak, teams unlock new ideas, speed, and resilience.
• Create Your Company “Stoop”: A cultural foundation where belonging fuels performance, collaboration, and purpose.

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 the Abundance Mindset often leads to greater wealth
• 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