Chris Bashinelli

Chris Bashinelli – From Brooklyn to Africa.

For socially conscious members of the modern world, Chris Bashinelli—the cross-cultural-explorer—takes us on an introspective adventure-walking in the shoes of people halfway around the world and encouraging us to think differently about our lives. Bashinelli is a relatable everyman who forged his own unique path in life.

He’s a kid from Brooklyn who gave up an acting career (The Sopranos, HBO), to follow his real passion—using media to bridge intercultural gaps around the world. Whether he’s speaking on stage with Stevie Wonder, interviewing Dr. Jane Goodall for PBS, or living as a nomad in Mongolia for National Geographic, Bashinelli keeps us engaged, entertained, and inspires compassion for „the other“.

Bashinelli’s unapologetic energy, humor and compassion have made him a go-to speaker everywhere from multi-million dollar corporations to Ivy League Universities, to the United Nations General Assembly Hall. He has interviewed some of TIMEmagazine’s100 Most Influential People on the Planet and is an Eagle Scout. At 24 years old he became the youngest male ever to moderate the UN International Day of Peace. Bashinelli is a vanguard for all things service, productivity and cultural exchange.

Bashinelli’s mission in life is to create a culture of compassion. The fire behind his unquenchable thirst for change stems from the life of his parents and his late father, Stephen Bashinelli, who passed away in 2009. An actor-turned-activist, he throws himself into hi-stakes scenarios on TV with no holds barred. He has harvested buffalo with Native Americans in Pine Ridge, walked miles for clean water in Haiti and worked side by side with individuals from countless corners of the Earth. With humor and humility, Bashinelli presents us with a new way of looking at the world.

Topics

From Brooklyn to Africa: A Guide to Unleashing your Potential & Contributing to Humanity

Corporate: Sales, Service, Leadership, CSR, Diversity

How can a kid from Brooklyn attract over six figures in sponsorships from companies like Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and create a TV show for PBS? Join this expedition from the slums of Haiti to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro to push your boundaries of what’s possible in business and in life. Colored with engaging audience participation and jaw-dropping footage, Bash shares how we can unleash our potential by adopting an unwavering commitment to serve others.

The 3 Simple Steps for Connecting with the „Other“

Corporate: Diversity, Inclusion, Cultural Awareness, Conflict Resolution

What does it mean to respect people no matter where they come from, what nationality they are, or how they treat you? Chris grew up in Brooklyn, with the world on his stoop. His friends were Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Korean, Irish, Italian, Russian, and Puerto Rican – to name a few. By finding our „stoop“, or place of common ground“- be it a Mongolian wrestling dojo or a South Dakota Ranch- we can strengthen any relationship. Join Bash on this interpersonal expedition to „stoops“ around the world.

The Key to Unlocking Your Soul’s Compass

Corporate: Sales, Service, Leadership, CSR, Diversity

Chris has harvested Buffalo with Native Americans in Pine Ridge, lived as a nomad in Mongolia, escaped from venomous Uganda and worked side by side with individuals from countless corners of the Earth. By walking in other people’s shoes we begin to understand – from understanding comes respect – only then can we begin to create change wherever we are in the world. Whether it’s gutting fish in Abu Dhabi, talking relationships with taxi drivers in Thailand, or looking for clean drinking water in Haiti, these stories of cultural exchange present a new way of looking at the world in which we live.

Life Lessons for Ignoring the „Noise“ and Discovering your Passion

University: Empowerment, Inspiration, Direction, Cultural Exchange, Social Change

Have you ever been uncertain of your life’s direction after graduation? Actor, PBS TV Host, and UN Speaker, Chris Bashinelli, shares concrete examples colored by international adventures that help us ignore the noise and find meaning in our lives. At 20 years old Chris gave up his acting career, moved to Tanzania and discovered his true calling. How can I create a TV Show? How can I raise money for my mission? How can I be sure this is my path? Bash can’t give you the answer, but he’ll give you a very good start.