This is a deeply moving and inspirational keynote presentation that takes audiences on an emotional journey of tragedy, courage, resilience, and honour. It is based on Elia Saikaly’s personal experience on K2, the world’s deadliest mountain, while filming and leading a search operation in the aftermath of a devastating event.

The journey begins on K2, the last unconquered 8000m peak in winter. Although a team of Nepalese climbers achieved the historic first ascent, tragedy struck just two weeks later when Saikaly’s fellow team members, including renowned climbers Ali Sadpara and John Snorri, disappeared on their way to the summit. Only Ali’s son Sajid survived.

The military-led search operation from the air was one of the most comprehensive in mountaineering history and spanned 13 days. During the first 48 hours, Saikaly assisted the Pakistani military pilots at ground zero, hoping to identify via photographs what could be his missing friends. Sadly, they were never found.

Saikaly faced a difficult decision: whether to leave Ali’s son Sajid to face the unimaginable loss on his own or to step up and take action, even if it meant putting himself and his team at risk. With fierce determination and a deep sense of empathy, Saikaly chose to lead. Alongside his climbing partner Pasang Kaji Sherpa, he financed and filmed the search operation that unfolded the following season. Against all odds and with minimal resources, Saikaly succeeded in finding his missing friends, finally bringing closure to their families.

“K2: Leadership from the Edge” is a multimedia experience that transports audience onto the steep slopes of the “Savage Mountain”. It is a profound emotional journey that shares tactics learned from working in hostile environments combined with strategies surrounding empathy and compassion to inspire and empower others to lead from the edge.

Extreme adventurer Elia Saikaly shares his story as a trauma survivor, exploring the mindset of those who are drawn to dangerous activities and the immense mental fortitude required to face obstacles.

Saikaly has survived two avalanches on Mt. Everest, broken his back while paragliding, investigated deaths on the world’s tallest peaks, rescued friends, and recovered bodies from altitudes above 8000m, including K2 — all while leading on the front lines and filming in hostile environments. Through all of this, he came to realize that these extreme adventures serve as mirrors to the true mountains we are climbing inside ourselves.

In this deeply personal presentation, Saikaly interweaves stories of his self-led healing journey to help audiences identify their own blocks and trauma, while showcasing the incredible strength and resilience that exists within us all. He emphasizes the significance of healing, self-care, and self-love, and empowers audiences to join him on a journey towards healing and personal growth.

This keynote presentation designed for high school students shares my personal story of challenge, courage, compassion, and taking risks to fulfill your higher purpose and answer your life’s calling. Through storytelling, I inspire an understanding of how challenges and adversity can shape us into the person we were meant to be.

As someone who grew up as a rebellious ‘punk-rock’ youth, living on the streets and out of school, I faced significant challenges. But a chance encounter with a world strongman mentor helped me break a world record at the age of 17, using visualization and goal-setting techniques. I share my extraordinary journey from rock bottom to reaching the peak of Mount Everest, where I honored the memory of my friend and mentor Dr. Sean Egan, who passed away during his own Everest climb.

What many don’t know is that my troubled youth led to a serious eating disorder while working in the entertainment industry as a male model and actor, despite achieving a world record in powerlifting. Coping mechanisms developed from feeling abandoned and written off by others creating a double-edged sword: a superpower in the high mountains and an incredibly addictive personality.

Through surviving two avalanches on Mt. Everest, breaking my back while paragliding, investigating deaths on the world’s tallest peaks, rescuing friends, and recovering deceased climbers from altitudes above 8000m, including K2, all while leading on the front lines and filming in hostile environments, I’ve come to realize that these extreme adventures serve as mirrors to the true mountains we are climbing inside ourselves.

The high performance on the battlefield above the clouds came at an extreme cost, including an overdose and a near-death experience just weeks before an expedition to Mt. Everest. My entire world was on fire after I summited K2 and led the most important expedition of my career.

In this deeply personal presentation, I interweave stories of reconciling childhood wounds, healing the relationships with my father and life partners, and ultimately reconciling the broken relationship with myself. I help the audience understand the transformative power of nature, the dangers of buying into trends and the facades of the online word and the importance of fostering values, ethics and remaining true to who we are.

My presentation is a multimedia experience that brings the audience into the world of the ‘Death Zone’ above 8000 meters. With the use of props, HD video, and soundtracks, I bring the beauty and danger of Everest to life. I share incredible stories of life in remote environments and my lessons of success and failure during my ascent to the summit.

While most people struggle to take one step at a time, I climb, shoot, broadcast, and communicate to thousands during my expeditions. My presentation explores themes such as fitness, wellness, goal setting, teamwork, courage, calculated risks, resilience, believing in oneself, and giving back to society.

My presentation often moves audiences to tears and inspires them to take action. Are you ready to join me on this incredible journey?