J.R. Harris | Red Hat Man trekker, backpacker, speaker

Presentations and Slideshows

I am an experienced speaker who gives entertaining and dynamic talks and presentations to schools, clubs, and business and social organizations.

For high school and college students, my lectures are fast-paced, humorous, and often interactive. Drawing from my life of travel and adventure, I offer some practical, good-natured advice about how they can reach their goals and live their dreams.

For adults, I tell engaging, compelling and thought-provoking stories that blend my wilderness experiences with my career as a business owner, a corporate executive, an adjunct professor, and a former New York City taxi driver.

I can also develop a custom presentation that addresses a specific theme or topic of interest to your group.

My talks are enlivened with dramatic photographs taken in remote and exotic locations around the world.

Please inquire.

Some Examples of My Speaking Engagements

The Explorers Club
The Mountaineers Leadership Conference
Banff Mountain Film & Book Festival
Sierra Club Photo NYC
TEDx Deer Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
National Archives
Outdoor Afro NYC/Boston/D.C.
Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Summit
Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK)
Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Assn.
New York University, NYC
Columbia University, NYC
Williams College, Williamstown, MA
Hunter College (CUNY)
State University of N. Y. at Old Westbury
Green Mountain College, Vermont
Market Research Association
American Marketing Association
Advertising Research Foundation
Market Research Council
Qualitative Research Consultants Association
South Florida Book Festival
Ennis Business Seminars
The Center for Learning and Living
Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, CA
Haven Adolescent Community Center
Essex Street Academy
McAuley Psychiatric Unit for Teens in Crisis
World of Inquiry School, Rochester, NY
Secondary School for Law
REI Flagship stores: Wash, D.C. & Atlanta
North Portal Book Club, Washington, D.C.

Haven Adolescent Community Center

"I want to send my appreciation for you and the talk that you gave to our life skills mentors last week. They were very engaged and interested in hearing about your adventures, as was I. Roger (one of the residents) was already reading the book before the evening ended, clearly inspired. As we talked about, it's so important for them to see people who look like them and who came from similar circumstances out in the world having various life experiences and adventures outside of what they are used to seeing. I hope you continue to share your story!"

-- J.T., Operational Director

Sierra Club Photo NYC

“What can I say—you were terrific!! Everyone I spoke to praised your presentation. Though not primarily a photographer, your photos were beautiful and your talk was very compelling. I could see that all attending were attentive till the end. It was organized, intelligent and very well thought out with lots of words of wisdom. Your trekking tales were riveting and it is just amazing how you accomplished so much. One of our members even said she would like to hear another presentation from you. I wish you the best of luck, good fortune and success with the book. Let’s keep in touch and sometime in the future we would like to hear more about your adventurous tales. Thank you so much again."

-- N.L., Program Coordinator

Trailside Museum & Zoo at Bear Mt. State Park

"Greetings J. R., Thanks so much to you for joining us for the Volunteer Appreciation Event and for the wonderful presentation! Everyone enjoyed your presentation and learned so much from your learnings tied to stories. From our teen to elder volunteers and staff, you have inspired each of us to put curiosity to work in motivating us to pursue our interests and hobbies. Best wishes and good health!"

-- E.B., Volunteer Appreciation Event Manager

L.L. Bean

"Let me extend my gratitude for traveling to the Lehigh Valley and delivering such a captivating, dynamic and informative presentation. It was truly a joy to be a part of. The members of my staff who attended can't stop talking about it, and all of the folks who purchased your book at the event send their regards. Thanks again. Safe travels."

-- D.K., Outdoor Program and Outreach Coordinator

Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County

"With our deepest gratitude for your presentation today on "If I Can Do It, You Can Do It". Our members, parents and staff truly enjoyed your storytelling and more so that you opened the door to explore the world. May your travels continue in the minds of your audience; may your adventures never cease to be wonderous as you share with us all. Gracias!"

-- J.M., Impact Director

Hudson Highlands Land Trust

“What superb programs you offered our two audiences and what an incredibly special and intimate time they got to have with you. How lucky we all were. We thank you for spending the whole day with us and going on the hike with the young people. I know it meant so much to them!”

– A. S., Board Member

St. Lawrence University

"Thank you so much for coming to visit SLU! Everything I've heard from people during and after your visit has been very positive. People greatly enjoyed listening to you and engaging with you, and they benefited both from the learning opportunity and the networking opportunity. It was such a success that we collectively thought of many other ways we wish we had engaged with you while you were here. I feel we packed a great deal of valuable activities and interactions during your two days on campus, and I'm happy with each component of the two-day event."

-- W. H. – Event Coordinator