Stephen Koch

World's Only Leadership Expert Who Snowboarded on Mt Everest

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Biography

Stephen Koch began his career as a pioneering snowboard mountaineer, professional athlete, and mountain guide. With over 50 first ascents and descents on the world’s highest and most challenging mountains, he made calculated decisions with a high level of uncertainty in the face of extreme danger. Koch generally chose well, but occasionally not. It is in the “not” where the gold lies. Read More >

As a thought leader and keynote speaker, Koch analyzes the world of high-stakes decision making and failure, sharing the gold that has resulted from tragedy as he connects with audiences worldwide. He inspires corporate organizations through customized presentations with stories and lessons learned from a 20 plus year career climbing and snowboarding unprecedented new routes from around the world. Read Less ^

Speaker Videos

Speaking Reel

Meet Keynote Speaker Stephen Koch

Redefine Success

How To Strengthen Teams

The 7th Summit Film Teaser

Client Testimonial

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Speech Topics

Extreme Leadership and Decision-Making

Koch will lead audiences through lessons learned the hard way - in the teeth of an avalanche, leading a team up Mount Everest, making decisions about turning back or heading onward that mean life or death. Audiences will learn how to make decisions when the pace is fast, the dangers extreme, and need to decide imminent.

How to Lead a Team Under Pressure

Today’s business climate demands more from organizations, teams, and leaders than ever before. The pace is faster, the stakes higher, and the changes in the marketplace come more rapidly than ever. Leading a team means being willing to make decisions faster and make bigger bets than ever. Stephen will show audiences how to build an effective team, lead it when it counts, and get out of the way when that's essential.

The Zen of Leadership

Koch will take audiences on a thrilling journey through the world of high-stakes decision-making and failure, sharing the gold that has resulted from tragedy as he tells stories about his life in the mountains and helps audiences apply his wisdom to their business dilemmas.

Testimonials

"Stephen’s stories translate into what it takes to ready yourself for any challenge."

- Pepsi-QTC

"Stephen spoke at our employee recognition event. Stephen's message about planning, perseverance, and life balance was really useful in approaching large challenges. Stephen's presentation of his approach to his snowboarding and climbing achievements was very exciting and set the stage for key takeaways for our team. It was also a pleasure interacting with him after the presentation."

- VP, Business Development Energy & Chemical, United States & Canada at Exel, Inc.

"I hired Stephen as a luncheon speaker during my association's annual conference of industry executives. He was extremely professional and responsive during all phases of the relationship. The feedback I received from the attendees was very positive. He was one of the best "cultural" speakers we've had."

- Senior Vice President at Hauck & Associates, Inc.

"Stephen was able to connect his personal experiences in managing the obvious risks associated with his passion with those of the Shell workforce in the Pinedale Anticline. Stephen was effective in getting the complex topic of risk management to a very basic yet powerful level, one of individual choices and self-awareness."

- Operations Manager, Alaska Venture at Shell Exploration & Production Company

"I had the pleasure of working with Stephen Koch as I hired him to be a keynote speaker at our National Sales Conference. Stephen was personable and friendly along the way; working directly with him was a great experience. He has an amazing story to share and his outlook on life after his amazing expeditions was unique and truly interesting!"

- Event Planner