Speaking

I love public speaking.  I have presented on the Chinese version of the TED stage, as well as at universities, tech conferences, academic and non-profit seminars and round table discussions, government meetings and village gatherings.  My current passion is to inspire vulnerability and an increased capacity for complexity in the way Americans hold themselves as individuals and members of the global community.  See below for a recent description of a talk delivered in my current hometown of Missoula, Montana in the United States:

Reflections of a river-loving American: From the Middle Kingdom to Missoula

Travis Winn spent some fifteen years of his life trying to save China’s rivers, and ‘humanity’ in the process. The sometimes remarkable and often foolish of hubris he committed along the way alternately put him at gunpoint on the side of the river, under surveillance by Chinese authorities, and in the mental ward. Part way into his journey, he met an amazing Chinese woman and built a business with her.  After working to protect pristine river experiences within China’s first national park, he and his partner decided that raising their daughter in the US might be the best choice after all. Serendipity landed the whole family in Missoula in 2019. This presentation on seeking balance and finding duality in all things is Travis’ first speaking engagement since returning to the US.

Travis speaks fluent Chinese and a smattering of Tibetan. He has served as a brand ambassador for Patagonia (China) and had his life featured on Chinese national television. He has explored thousands of river miles in China, and helped start China’s first youth kayak club. He and his partner’s multi-day rafting program became the first business allowed to operate in China’s National Park system, where it has been recognized for its low environmental impact and commitment to respect local culture. The park and the program they continue to support is deep inside ethnic and cultural Tibet.

In this presentation, participants can look forward to a journey of connection and acceptance. Content spans everything from river diplomacy in the history of China’s opening and reform, to fighting large hydropower and failing, crossing closed borders to complete a major first descent expedition, building a river industry promoting wilderness values and personal growth, and bringing the first Chinese kayakers to paddle the Grand Canyon.

The show will be delivered with live music, personal readings, film, and photos from award winning Chinese and American photographers and film makers.