ADVENTURER * STORYTELLER * ATTORNEY
In 2008, Charlie Wittmack, the trial-lawyer/adventurer known best for having survived a remarkable ascent of Mount Everest after spending days without food or water, was on top of the world once again. In February, Wittmack experienced the birth of his first child. In April, he was awarded a major victory in a contentious jury trial. And in June, he racked up a first place finish in the notorious ultra-marathon ocean race, the 32nd Annual Swim Around Key West. Wittmack was in the ultimate state of flow, in which he created incredible synergies that allowed him to truly maximize his individual potential in every area of his life while pushing beyond his perceived limitations.
However in August, with the eyes of the world upon him, Wittmack was put to the ultimate test during an attempt to complete one of the most difficult and dangerous swims on the planet – the English Channel. After surviving seven hours of swimming in frigid 63-degree water and covering a distance of more than 15 miles, Wittmack was pulled from the sea, hypothermic, unconscious, and close to death. As Wittmack recovered over the day’s that followed, stories of his swim crossed the globe; from the International Herald Tribune, to CNN, the Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, the San Francisco Chronicle, Sports Illustrated, Outside Online, and beyond.
World-Class Adventurer
In 2003, Charlie joined one of the most exclusive clubs in the world as he climbed to the highest point on earth, the summit of Mount Everest. This achievement was the culmination of a seven-year project that took Charlie and his team on more than a dozen major expeditions to five continents to climb many of the world’s most difficult and dangerous peaks. The final ascent on Everest came after battling two months of the worst weather in the recorded history of the mountain, two failed summit attempts, a severe case of snow blindness, a day without supplemental oxygen, and three days of climbing without food or water.
In addition to standing atop peaks in the Andes, Alps, Africa, Alaska and Himalaya, Charlie has participated in an incredible variety of adventures across the world, including trekking across East Africa with the Masaii, sailing the Indian Ocean in a handmade boat, and bicycling the United States. During Charlie’s incredible multimedia presentations, you’ll hear stories of the people who have inspired him along the way, and how they taught him to overcome fear and embrace adventure on the mountain and in life.
Storyteller and Speaker
Charlie draws on his experiences as an adventurer, father and trial lawyer, while working with companies and organizations across the United States and to enhance training programs and maximize employee potential. (Read about the programs here.)
Whether your organization is overcoming the effects of the current economy, launching a new sales or training program, developing team effectiveness or celebrating a significant achievement, Charlie will customize his presentation to dovetail into your organizational development plan in a uniquely inspirational and memorable package. (Read client's testimonials here.)
The result is a presentation that educates and inspires while delivering a consistent organizational message to every participant. Charlie is a member of the the National Speakers Association and the International Federation For Professional Speakers. He is certified to provide continuing education lectures to Medical Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Licensed Professional Nurses, Attorneys and Project Managers.
Practicing Attorney and Trial Lawyer
In addition to being a professional speaker and adventurer, Wittmack works full-time as a trial attorney for the Davis Brown Law Firm, one of the "world's leading independent law firms" and a member of Lex Mundi. He serves clients ranging from single-member start-ups to Fortune 1000 firms, primarily in cases involving complex litigation. Wittmack draws on his experiences as a practicing attorney in customizing his presentations to a wide-variety of clients.
