TRAVELS FROM |
SPEAKING FEE RANGE ** Please note that while this speaker’s specific speaking fee falls within the range posted above (for Continental U.S. based events), fees are subject to change. For current fee information or international event fees (which are generally 50-75% more than U.S based event fees), please contact us. $10,000 to $15,000 |
BOOK CHRIS BASHINELLI speakers@coreagency.com |
TRAVELS FROM |
SPEAKING FEE RANGE* $10,000 to $15,000 |
Book Chris Bashinelli speakers@coreagency.com |
- When he realized there had to be more to being a citizen of this world, Chris Bashinelli gave up his decade-long acting career and dedicated his life to telling positive stories about everyday life from people all over the world.
- Bashinelli captivates audiences with stunning footage of his travels to more than 30 counties, while encouraging audiences to take assessment of their status as global citizen in their organization, family and community.
- Using media to bridge intercultural gaps around the world, Bashinelli’s programs focus on service, productivity and cultural understanding, and helping audiences discover and live their passion.
At just 30 years of age, American actor Chris Bashinelli has accomplished more than many people twice his age. When he was 24, he became the youngest male to moderate the United Nations International Day of Peace. At 22, he developed the documentary, “Bridge the Gap: Tanzania,” to show a positive view of Tanzania and its people. He now is the executive producer and host of the television series “Bridge the Gap,” which airs on PBS and the National Geographic channel.
After “Bridge the Gap: Tanzania” was released and shown at the Zanzibar International Film Festival in Tanzania in 2009, Bashinelli launched his production company, Bridge the Gap TV, which focuses on telling positive stories of everyday life from areas around the world that often receive negative media attention. In addition to the Tanzania episode, his company has produced four more episodes: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, Haiti, Uganda and Mongolia. In 2012, he was awarded a National Geographic Young Explorer grant, which he used to help fund “Bridge the Gap: Mongolia.”
Bashinelli was raised in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated with a BA in Theater Arts from Marymount Manhattan College. For as long as he can remember, he wanted to be an actor, but after appearing in five films, and starring in HBO’s “The Sopranos,” he realized he wanted more from life, so he combined his passion for entertainment with international exploration, and Bridge the Gap TV was born. Bashinelli says he developed a heart for Tanzania and its struggles with poverty while there as a cultural exchange student when he was 20.
The goal of his “Bridge the Gap” series and his speaking programs is to allow viewers to walk in the shoes of people around the world, encouraging audiences to think differently about their lives. He reminds his audience how important it is to ignore the noise, step outside their comfort zone and to put others first. Most of all, his goal is to empower each person to realize their role as a global citizen and productive member of their family, organization and community.
CHRIS’S RECENT APPEARANCES
"Chris was outstanding and willing to go the extra mile to meet students. Every young person should hear his message."
North Central Michigan College
(Event booked by Speaking.com)
“Bridge the Gap is a great idea and it’s need has never been greater.”
UN Ambassador Ombeni Sefue (Tanzania)
“Chris’s project is exciting and helpful to the people of our world.”
Princess and Ambassador Mbikusita-Lewanika (Zambia)
“Chris is beyond inspirational. Before, I thought ‘I’m just one person, what can I do?’ But now I feel I can really make a difference.”
Mackenzie Stack (15 years old), Student at Qatar Canadian School
“Chris is a trailblazer in that he is able to entertain and educate simultaneously.”
Damian Wampler, Photographer, Founder of Colony Magazine
“Chris has a one of a kind entrepreneurial spirit coupled with an overwhelming desire to be a positive influence for his generation.”
Alfred Hanssen, former COO for Miracle Corners of the World
Chris Bashinelli brings attendees on an inspirational journey that’s coupled with stunning video footage and thought-provoking exercises. He equips them with practical tools to grow their business, connect with others and contribute to humanity. His energy, humor and compassion have made him a sought-after speaker for groups looking for inspiration, passion ignition and a purpose bigger themselves.
After a decade-long acting career, Bashinelli shares with audiences how, after a decade-long acting career, he walked away from Hollywood and decided to follow his real passion—using media to bridge intercultural gaps around the world. Bashinelli begins each presentation with a captivating one-minute video that prepares audiences for his in-depth and inspirational program. Each program focuses on themes of service, productivity and cultural understanding. His goal is to help audiences better realize their potential to become global citizens that are productive members of their organization, family and community.
Global Citizenship: From Brooklyn to the World
A Guide to Unleashing Your Potential & Contributing to Humanity
How can a kid from Brooklyn attract major sponsorships from companies like Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, and create an International TV show for PBS and the National Geographic Channel? Join Chris Bashinelli on this expedition from the slums of Haiti to the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro to push the boundaries of what’s possible in business and in life. Colored with engaging audience participation and jaw-dropping footage, Bashinelli shares how participants can unleash their potential by adopting an unwavering commitment to serve others. Topics: sales, service, leadership, CSR, cultural awareness
Rules of the “Stoop”
The Three Simple Steps for Connecting with the “Other”
What does it mean to respect people no matter where they come from, what nationality they are, or how they treat you? Bashinelli grew up in Brooklyn with the world on his stoop. His friends shared 13 backgrounds—Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Korean, Irish, Italian, Russian, and Puerto Rican—to name a few. He shows audiences how to strengthen any relationship by finding the metaphorical “stoop,” or place of common ground” in the work place—be it a Mongolian wrestling dojo or a South Dakota ranch. Join Bashinelli on this interpersonal expedition to “stoops” around the world. Topics: diversity, inclusion, cultural awareness, conflict resolution
Inner Nomad: The Key to Unlocking Your Soul’s Compass
Bashinelli 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, he helps audiences see that respect comes from understanding. He reminds his audiences that only then can they begin to create change, wherever they are in the world. Whether working at a fish market in Abu Dhabi, talking relationships with taxi drivers in Thailand, or looking for clean drinking water in Haiti, Bashinelli’s stories of cultural exchange present the audience with a new way of looking at the world in which they live. Topics: sales, service, leadership, CSR, diversity, inclusion
Ignore the Noise: Life Lessons for Ignoring the “Noise” and Discovering Your Passion
Have you ever been uncertain of your life’s direction? Actor, PBS TV host, UN speaker, and National Geographic Explorer, Bashinelli shares concrete examples colored by international adventures that help audiences ignore the noise and find meaning in their lives. At 20 years old, Chris gave up his acting career, moved to Tanzania, and discovered his true calling. How can I create my own adventure? How can I raise money for my mission? How can I be sure this is my path? In this presentation, Bashinelli gives each participant a great start at answering these questions for themselves. Topics: empowerment, inspiration, direction, cultural exchange, social change