Managed
Jon Carmichael
- World-renowned astrophotographer who captured ‘History's Most Amazing Photo'
- Helps businesses understand the value of fostering a culture of curiosity to drive innovation
- Featured on Good Morning America, Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and Times Square
Travels From
Nevada
Jon Carmichael Speaker Biography
Jon Carmichael is a world-renowned astrophotographer who captured the critically acclaimed, “history's most amazing photograph." He captivated the world when he unveiled his image of the 2017 Great American Eclipse from an airplane at 39,000 feet, after years of meticulous planning. The thrilling story behind the photograph and the shocking challenges he overcame have inspired audiences around the world.
Jon Carmichael is not only an extraordinary astrophotographer but also a remarkable storyteller and business motivational speaker. He emphasizes the power of curiosity in driving innovation and creative thinking within organizations. Jon shares how curiosity, grit, and perseverance can help overcome even the most daunting challenges. His inspiring storytelling invites audiences to explore their own passions, unlock their potential, and approach challenges with fresh, creative solutions. Through his keynote, Jon encourages a shift in perspective, showing how embracing curiosity can be the key to both personal and business success.
Jon Carmichael's captivating work has been spotlighted on Good Morning America, the Wall Street Journal, INC Magazine, USA Today, and even in Times Square. With over 20 years of experience, Jon has been the trusted lead photographer for top brands such as Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, and ESPN.
His impressive portfolio includes collaborations with notable figures such as President Obama, the Dalai Lama, David Copperfield, Lady Gaga (and even Batman). A pivotal moment in Jon's career came in 2015 when Elton John, a renowned photography enthusiast, became the first to collect his limited edition photographs, marking a transformative turn in his artistic journey.
Jon’s awe-inspiring visuals of the cosmos and documentation of his journey serve as powerful metaphors for limitless possibilities, encouraging teams to think beyond conventional boundaries. His engaging presentations and interactive sessions leave audiences with a renewed sense of wonder and a drive to embrace curiosity and innovation in their work.
Chasing the Impossible: How Curiosity Led to History’s Most Amazing Photo
In Jon Carmichael's signature keynote, he takes audiences on a thrilling, heartwarming journey, keeping them on the edge of their seats filled with inspiration and laughter. From the time he was a child, Jon dreamt of witnessing the first total solar eclipse in America in 99 years. Over the decades, his dream led to a bold, life-changing idea: capturing an eclipse like never before— from 39,000 feet in the air.
The pursuit of what many now call "History’s Most Amazing Photo" was anything but simple. Jon faced seemingly insurmountable challenges, but it was his unwavering childhood curiosity that gave him the courage to persevere and find creative solutions - even convincing the captain of a commercial airliner to alter its course to help him achieve his vision.
Through his authentic and immersive storytelling, Jon shares insightful ways to harness curiosity as a true superpower - the missing link between dreams and reality, unlocking creativity, grit, and innovation in both business and personal life.
TAKEAWAYS:
* Using Curiosity as a Superpower: Discover how to reconnect with your youthful curiosities and sense of wonder to unlock your true potential.
* Overcoming Fear and Building Perseverance: Identify what’s holding you back, embrace uncertainty, and push through setbacks and rejection.
* Shifting Perspectives for Greater Success: Learn how stepping back and changing your perspective can reveal new avenues of creativity, innovation, and personal fulfillment
Dinner with The President, Lunch with Elton John, and Tea with The Dalai Lama: The Art of Authentic Networking
How does a curious photographer find himself in the homes of Elton John, the Dalai Lama, and the President? In this captivating talk, Jon shares the inspiring stories of how his infectious passion and audacity opened doors to remarkable opportunities to collaborate with cultural and political icons around the globe.
Jon uncovers the essential skills behind bold networking and the transformative power of harnessing authenticity in an opportunistic world. He illustrates what’s possible when you courageously share your passions and dreams with a perfect stranger—and how these genuine connections can lead to extraordinary experiences.
TAKEAWAYS:
* Creating Meaningful Connections: Learn how to build deeper, more authentic relationships.
* The Power of Networking: Discover how effective networking can boost morale and elevate your business.
* Expanding Professional Networks: Gain confidence in growing and diversifying your professional connections.
* Balancing Work and Life: Understand how business networking can positively impact your personal life.
Fostering a Culture of Curiosity: Driving Innovation and Growth in Your Organization
Every business knows that innovation fuels success, but what fuels innovation? Jon has discovered that the answer is curiosity.
As a photographer, Jon has had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of some of the world’s most successful (and unsuccessful) brands, working directly with their CEOs and executive teams. His experience spans companies like Twitter, Dell, Microsoft, ESPN, and many others.
In this keynote, Jon shares invaluable insights gleaned from his 20-year career, offering a unique behind-the-scenes perspective. He reveals the common thread among the most successful companies: a deep-rooted culture of curiosity. Jon has found that the best leaders are also the most curious—they encourage their teams to ask questions and are genuinely eager to hear their perspectives and ideas. By fostering a culture of curiosity, these leaders ignite the driving force behind innovation.
TAKEAWAYS:
* Encouraging Curiosity: Learn how to inspire employees to ask more questions and embrace curiosity.
* Harnessing Creativity: Discover essential strategies for cultivating a creative and innovative workplace.
* Building Workplace Connections: Understand how to create deeper, more meaningful connections within your team.
Reconnecting with Curiosity: Why Losing Your Sense of Wonder is Blocking You From Creative Potential
