talks by jennifer

topics

Jennifer customizes each presentation to connect stories and lessons from the trail with the experiences of her audience. The descriptions below are simply a starting point. She can blend talks together or create an original program around the themes that most resonate with you (your motto, mission, goals for the year, etc.). A typical talk will include readings and slide shows set to music. And a Q&A session and/or book signing can follow.

BUSINESS KEYNOTES

Unplug and Hike your Profits: The Basics of Business

Goal-setting, communication, and problem-solving are imperative on the trail and in the office. Learn how Jennifer has taken experiences from the trail and implemented them as successful business practices.

The Nature of Equality: How Do You See Yourself?

This talk is especially pertinent for women and minorities because it focuses on the limits imposed by society and by ourselves. Jennifer will describe the ways that she has overcome these stereotypes as a professional athlete, author, and businesswoman.

LIFESTYLE KEYNOTES

The Trailblazer: Find your Passion and Follow your Heart

This coming-of-age tale is based on Jennifer's first journey down the Appalachian Trail when she was twenty-one years old. In it she describes lightning strikes, snowstorms, and stalkers while highlighting themes of perseverance, self-worth, and simplicity. “The Trailblazer” is a terrific message for high school and college students.

The Extra Mile: Exploring the Limits of Endurance

Jennifer recounts her 46-day, 47-mile-per-day “fastest known time” on the Appalachian Trail, describing the internal and external struggles involved in maximizing her miles and her potential. Themes in this talk include determination, endurance, achieving the impossible, and teamwork.

One More Step: Changing your Life’s Direction

In this thought-provoking presentation, Jennifer challenges the audience to take a conscious step every day to hike down the path you choose rather than letting life walk all over you. Uncharted territory, detours, side trails, and backtracking can be intimidating. Regardless of your goal, the only way to reach it is by embracing the journey one step at a time.

NATURE KEYNOTE

The Inspiration of Creation

Spending time in the wilderness nurtures a greater understanding of ourselves and our world. In this program, Jennifer talks about how the trail has challenged, changed, and deepened her understanding of herself. She encourages others to revel in nature and embrace the wonder-filled opportunities that await them.

past engagements

AMERICAN AIRLINES SOUTHEAST Division SALES GROUP
bolles school
cate school
chautauqua institute
colby college
cox media sales and content leadership conference
Dartmouth college
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
GE AVIATION
ll Bean
LOUDOUN COUNTY STUDY CLUB
Lowe's women's leadership summit
national geographic Live
park ridge medical group
phillips exeter academy
Talks at Google
univesrity of arkansas
university of wyoming
vanderbilt university
Volvo Construction Equipment
WELLS Fargo carolinas leadership conference
williams college

articles & media

invite jennifer to speak

press kit

Interested in booking Jennifer? This press kit contains detailed information about Jennifer, as well as publicity material and suggestions for hosting a successful event.

download the press kit

sample video

National Geographic Live

TEDxWakeForestU

testimonials

“During my nearly thirty years in schools I have come across a precious few individuals who can thoroughly capture the hearts and minds of an adolescent audience. Jennifer Pharr Davis is one of them."

Benjamin D. Williams, IV, Head of School Cate School, Carpinteria, CA

“Jennifer’s story will touch every emotion and leave you amazed at her towering strength and perseverance. Her authenticity and genuine spirit make you feel as though you have known her forever. Jennifer received high marks at our Women’s Leadership Summit. The feedback from our audience was tremendous! She left our female leaders inspired and motivated to never doubt the possible.”

Clarissa Felts, VP of Collaboration, Lowe’s Corporation, Inc.

“Jennifer blew us all away. At one point, there was not a dry eye in the audience – at another, there was a smile on every face – and in between, we were all impressed. All 600+ of us left the luncheon inspired and awed by this amazing woman. She tailored her presentation for the audience and we appreciated that. Many of our “wow” cards (review cards turned in by attendees) said that Jennifer’s presentation was the best of the conference and the best we had had in years. And, as the organizer, I must say that she was a joy to work with.”

Sarah Justice, President NCSLMA

“Jennifer’s story is more than just breaking records; it's a story about triumph over hardship – pushing far beyond what she thought she was capable of doing. But her story is also about support and dedication to others; acknowledging that her journey is more than just her own accomplishments. Jennifer is a talented speaker, illuminating her journey in a compelling and gripping way. Our audience very much enjoyed her talk; she is one of the best speakers we’ve had for the Outdoor Program.”

Dan McCoy, Outdoor Rec. Coordinator University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY

“Jennifer gave a terrific presentation at our Google campus. She is a world class athlete and an equally impressive speaker. I would guess that more than a few audience members will venture into the High Sierras this weekend, thanks to Jennifer's exciting and compelling tales. I would highly recommend Jennifer for business gatherings of any size.”

Andrew de los Reyes, Event Organizer Google, Mountain View, CA

“I was thrilled that we could have Jennifer address our sales division meeting. We worked together in advance of her presentation so that she could craft a personalized message that addressed our specific team objectives, transitions and challenges. Her message hit the mark in several areas that ‘spoke’ to our group – including teamwork, persistence and commitment. Her story of the AT is an intriguing one that makes you think hard about work, life and attitude. And the response from meeting attendees was overwhelmingly positive.”

Kathy Keily, SE Region Sales Director, American Airlines