Maurice Conti
AI Futurist & Deep Tech Authority | Former CIO, Telefonica Alpha | Former Head of Innovation, Autodesk | 13M+ TED Talk Views | 12+ Patents
Wade Davis
Celebrated Explorer & Bestselling Author. Anthropologist and Advocate for Cultural Diversity
Speaker Wade Davis is a celebrated anthropologist, ethnobotanist, author, and photographer known for his global exploration and defense of cultural and biological diversity. A former National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and Professor at UBC, he has published 24 books and created numerous documentaries highlighting Indigenous knowledge and environmental issues. His work has taken him to over 50 countries and earned him prestigious awards, including the Order of Canada.
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Wade Davis biography
Speaker Wade Davis is a renowned anthropologist, ethnobotanist, writer, and photographer, known for his global expeditions and passionate storytelling. Currently Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia, he held the BC Leadership Chair in Cultures and Ecosystems at Risk from 2014 to 2024. Before that, he served as Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society from 2000 to 2013, earning the distinction of “Explorer for the Millennium.”
Davis studied at Harvard University, earning degrees in anthropology and biology before completing a Ph.D. in ethnobotany. His fieldwork spans over 50 countries and includes immersive research with 15 Indigenous communities in the Amazon and Andes. His bestselling book The Serpent and the Rainbow, inspired by his investigations into Haitian voodoo practices, was later adapted into a major motion picture.
With more than 385 articles and 24 books translated into 23 languages, Davis has made a lasting mark on cultural and environmental discourse. His acclaimed works include One River, The Wayfinders, and Into the Silence, which won the prestigious Samuel Johnson Prize. His recent publications, Magdalena: River of Dreams and Beneath the Surface of Things, continue to captivate global audiences.
Beyond writing, speaker Wade Davis has curated major exhibitions and created 40 films, including Light at the Edge of the World and El Sendero de la Anaconda, the latter becoming Colombia’s most-watched documentary. His photography has appeared in leading publications such as National Geographic, Time, and Geo.
An accomplished speaker, he has lectured at over 200 universities and addressed millions via TED Talks. His contributions have earned him numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada and honorary citizenship in Colombia—testament to a life devoted to bridging science, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
Wade Davis Speaking Videos
Wade Davis - Schooling the world
Wade Davis: The Wayfinders - Why Ancient Wisdom Matters In the Modern World
Wade Davis Keynote Topics
In this keynote, Wade Davis explores the profound wisdom embedded in traditional cultures around the world. Drawing from his global journeys and work with Indigenous communities, Davis argues that ancient knowledge systems offer critical insights into sustainability, spirituality, and community resilience. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of why cultural diversity is as vital as biodiversity, and how safeguarding both is essential for our shared future.
Inspired by his award-winning book Into the Silence, this keynote reflects on the early British expeditions to Everest after the trauma of World War I. Davis unpacks the human drive to conquer the unknown and the psychological toll of heroism. Blending historical narrative with reflections on modern leadership, this talk resonates with audiences seeking meaning, courage, and clarity in times of challenge.
This keynote traces Wade Davis’s journey along Colombia’s Magdalena River, a symbolic lifeline that mirrors the country's tumultuous past and hopeful future. Through powerful storytelling, Davis delves into the intersection of ecology, conflict, and reconciliation, offering a rare and inspiring perspective on how landscapes can heal, unify, and inspire nations.
COVID-19 didn’t just test America’s healthcare system – it revealed deep cultural fractures long ignored. Based on his viral Rolling Stone essay, Wade Davis explores how the pandemic shattered myths of American exceptionalism, offering a raw critique of empire in decline and lessons for its future.
Beyond religion lies the real battleground: land, memory, and competing truths. Wade Davis unpacks the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a clash of historical narratives, showing how identity, loss, and myth shape a struggle where peace remains elusive.
Climate doom dominates headlines, but what if fear is clouding solutions? Wade Davis challenges both denial and despair, advocating for honest conversations that blend science, pragmatism, and optimism to drive the meaningful change our planet needs.
Wade Davis critiques modern woke culture, revealing how it drifted from justice into moral absolutism. Cutting through political divides, he exposes how a movement born from good intentions risks silencing debate, eroding academia, and threatening democracy itself.
FAQs on Booking Wade Davis
How to book Wade Davis as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Wade Davis as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Wade Davis's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Wade Davis or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Wade Davis speaking fee?
Wade Davis speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Wade Davis to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Wade Davis.
How can I contact Wade Davis?
We only work with Wade Davis on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Wade Davis and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Wade Davis speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Wade Davis for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Wade Davis for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Wade Davis is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Wade Davis for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
