Aaron Olivera
Aaron Olivera is the Founder and CEO of Earth 300, a global environmental multidisciplinary initiative incorporating a 300 meter super science vessel for research, exploration, and innovation at sea. Equipped with 22 states of the art labs and frontier technologies such as AI, Robotics, and quantum capabilities, a team of 160 scientists from different fields, will work together on climate science, ecosystem restoration, and planetary stewardship. Marrying science, technology, adventure, exploration, and education, Earth 300’s mission is to ring the climate alarm on a global scale and inspire the greatest and largest climate action effort in history.
Aaron was instrumental in the launching of the world’s first Porsche Design megayacht Catamaran – the famed 41 meter RFF-135, helping secure the financing needed to develop it and launch it with a hospitality package that forms part of a timesharing program aimed at reducing the ecological footprint of the UHNW community.
Aaron lives in Singapore but spends half of his time traveling. He is a member of the invite-only Monaco Private Label presided by Prince Albert II of Monaco, and of The Explorers Club (NYC).
3 words to describe Nature?
Astonishing. Miraculous. Alien.
3 things Nature taught you?
Humility
Fragility
Abundance
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Beach
Ocean
Ancient Forest
When you look at the OCEAN, it makes you feel...?
Wondrous
When you see a FOREST, it makes you feel...?
Foolish
When you see a VOLCANO, it makes you feel...?
Ashamed
When you see a SUNRISE or SUNSET, it makes you feel...?
Loved
When you hear THUNDER, it makes you feel...?
Redeemed
When you hear the WIND HOWLING, it makes you feel...?
Scared
Are you an OCEAN, MOUNTAIN, FOREST, or DESERT person?
Depends on the season
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
Going to the beach early with my father and diving into large waves. Feeling fragile and strong at the same time, that sense of lack of control and yet able to bounce back.
Craig Bradbery
Craig Bradbery is the CEO of Baillie Lodges, Director of Luxury Lodges of Australia and Director of Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Baillie Lodges is an intimate portfolio of luxury lodges setting new benchmarks for premium experiential travel. Their property portfolio includes the Capella Lodge on the World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, Vancouver Island’s celebrated luxury outpost Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Huka Lodge on the banks of Waikato River on New Zealand’s North Island, Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and Tropical North Queensland’s luxury bolt-hole, Silky Oaks Lodge located next to the World Heritage-listed wilderness of the Daintree National Park.
3 words to describe Nature?
Peaceful. Powerful. Rejuvenating
3 things Nature taught you?
As much I wish I could, nature has taught me that I can’t control everything
Always try to make the most of every opportunity
Even when things seem somewhat bleak, there’s usually a silver lining
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Kangaroo Island: Our Southern Ocean Lodge property is located on this amazingly pristine island, just 20-minutes off the coast of Adelaide. The wildlife and landscapes showcase the best of Australia, whilst I can sit and look at the wildly intriguing Southern Ocean all day, it just never gets old.
Vancouver Island, Canada: Our newest lodge, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, is located here, in the remote coastal Canadian wilderness, surrounded by old-growth coniferous forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife in a UNESCO biosphere reserve. I fell in love with Clayoquot during my first visit in late 2019, so this is the number one destination on my list to get back to when borders re-open.
Anywhere by the ocean, whatever side of the world it’s on, whether it be Gordons Bay in Sydney – a beautiful, rocky cove nested between Coogee and Clovelly beaches, or Estero Beach in Baja California, which I visited many years ago when it was rustic surfers haven.
When you look at the OCEAN, it makes you feel…?
Relaxed (it grounds me to look at the ocean and hear its relentless sounds), inspired (it takes me away from the “noise” of daily life and helps me look ahead to bigger things), awe-struck (I’m very respectful of the great power that the ocean holds)
When you see a FOREST, it makes you feel…?
Seeing a forest makes me yearn to be within the forest because I’m intrigued as to what I might discover
When you see a VOLCANO, it makes you feel…?
Excited (and maybe a little scared)! The power and uncontrolled force is fascinating – I have very fond memories of the first volcano I got up close to, Mt Agung in Bali
When you see a SUNRISE or SUNSET, it makes you feel…?
Calm and very alive, the start and end of the days are when I’m at my best
When you hear THUNDER, it makes you feel…? *
Alert! It tells me there’s something interesting going on outside and I want to pay attention.
When you hear the WIND HOWLING, it makes you feel…?
Invigorated - there’s nothing like a windstorm to awaken the senses.
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
As an Australian living in Sydney (and a Pisces!), I am all about the Ocean. Having said that the desert is also a real source of inspiration for me, so I relish my visits to our lodge, Longitude 131, at Uluru in Australia’s spiritual heart
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
9… but add great food & wine to the mix and it becomes an 11!
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
Growing up in Sydney, my first memories of nature were usually on family holidays, such as fishing at Long Jetty on the NSW Central Coast, or snorkeling on the Coral Coast of Fiji. These early experiences were definitely the catalyst for developing my passion for travel… and I consider myself very lucky to work in the industry I am so passionate about.
Vanessa von Bismarck
Vanessa von Bismarck is a co-founding partner of BPCM, a strategic consulting and communications agency, and one of the most established and respected voices in public relations. In the two decades since founding BPCM, Vanessa has been instrumental in building legacy brands and launching brands that today are household names. With a keen understanding and vision for each individual client Vanessa has become known as one of the most strategic thinkers in the industry.
3 words to describe Nature?
Powerful. Awe-inspiring. Nurturing
3 things Nature taught you?
Respect
Connection
Humbleness
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Costa Rica (santa Teresa)
Sachsenwald (forest in Germany)
Hiking in Jomsom ( Nepal)
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel...?
Calm and small, yet worried about the human hand in its destruction
When you see a forest, it makes you feel...?
Oxygenated and Curious. I love the smells of the forest, the pure air and the feeling of life.
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel...?
Anticipation and trepidation.The feeling reminds me of when I wake up in the middle of the night sure I forgot to do something.
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel...?
Warm and hopeful for new beginnings. Love.
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel...?
In awe for the power of nature.
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel...?
Excited but also a little scared
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
Ocean
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
10
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
Riding through the forest in the summer and going swimming with my horses
Liza Gershman
Best-Selling Author and Winner of the Gourmand Cookbook Award (2018), Liza Gershman has nearly two decades of industry experience working in all facets of Commercial and Editorial photography and writing, including 12 published books and hundreds of newspaper and magazine stories. She specializes in Lifestyle, Food, and Travel. Her passion for people, culture and cuisine, has taken her to more than 51 countries and 47 U.S. States during her career.
Her 12th book, Cuban Flavor, has garnered many accolades, and has been featured on CBS, in National Geographic, Travel & Leisure, Budget Travel, NPR and many additional local and national publications and radio shows. Liza was honored to speak for Talks At Google, and on the prestigious campuses of Twitter, Oracle, and Disney to name a few.
As a photographer and Art Director, she regularly teaches, writes and presents for celebrated companies: Creative Live and Canon USA. She was honored to nationally launch the 6D for Canon, and the T6. Prior to that she worked as the in-house Senior Digital Photographer for Williams-Sonoma and continues to freelance for clients such as Goldman Sachs, Hyatt Hotels, Restoration Hardware, Safeway, Party City, Getty Images, AirBnB, Visa. In 2010, Liza was Governor Jerry Brown's campaign photographer, and in 2014 was a photographer for the RedBull Youth America's Cup.
She has been a regular contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle Travel Section, writing tips on top destinations for a monthly column called “5 Places”, and continues to write about travel, food and culture in articles and book form.
Many of Liza’s notable clients include celebrity chefs, restaurants, wineries, beverage brands, fashion brands, spas and hotels.
3 words to describe Nature?
Beauty. Peace. Serenity
3 things Nature taught you?
How to go into my inner self
How to be still
How to observe
3 most treasured Nature spots?
The Russian River in Sonoma County
The beaches of Nantucket
The open skies of Wyoming
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel...?
Introspective
When you see a forest, it makes you feel...?
Grounded and most like myself
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel...?
In awe
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel...?
Lucky to be part of the world, inside of a painting
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel...?
Excited! I love a great storm as long as everyone is safe
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel...?
Like getting under covers
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
Forest and lakes first, then ocean, then desert, but I love all of it!!!
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
11
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
Canoeing down the river. That's my happiest activity. Smelling the ferns and mint and redwood trees all around.
Sven-Olof Lindblad
Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder of Lindblad Expeditions, was born in Switzerland. He traveled extensively with his father, renowned adventure-travel pioneer Lars-Eric Lindblad, who led the first non-scientific groups of travelers to Antarctica (1966). In 1979 he launched Special Expeditions, the adventure travel company that became Lindblad Expeditions. In 2004, Lindblad formed a strategic alliance with National Geographic that combines the strengths of two pioneers in global exploration, with the goal of inspiring people to explore and care about the planet.
Lindblad’s personal experience led to a commitment to environmentally responsible travel, which has resulted in numerous travel and environmental awards. He received international recognition for his innovative and successful model of tourism, receiving the “Commandeur de Notre Ordre de Merite Civil et Militaire d’Adolphe de Nassau” from Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg at the Grand-Ducal Place. He also had a newly discovered endemic species of moth in the Galapagos Islands, Undulambia lindbladi, named in honor of his conservation work.
Sven is an honorary member of the General Assembly of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands. He serves on the Board of The Safina Center, and on the Board of Trustees of Rare; is a founding Ocean Elder of the non-profit organization, Ocean Elders, which brings together global leaders to pursue the protection of the ocean’s habitat and wildlife, and serves on the Board of Advisors for Pristine Seas.
3 words to describe Nature?
Awesome. Remarkable. Essential
3 things Nature taught you?
Reverence
Respect
Joy
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Antarctica
Galapagos
Serengeti
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel...?
Serene
When you see a forest, it makes you feel...?
Happy
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel...?
Amazed
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel...?
Peaceful
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel...?
Excited
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel...?
Soothed
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
All
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
10 and more
Share with us a childhood nature memory.
First encountering a fin whale in a zodiac at very close range. Fear, wonder, awe all colliding as the experience unfolded.
Sofia Sanchez de Betak
Sofía Sanchez de Betak (aka, Barrenechea) is a Buenos Aires born, New York based, Art Director and Fashion Consultant.
An avid world traveler and style influencer, Sofía is the author of the Assouline published book, “Travels with Chufy",where she highlights off-the-radar hideaways and secluded retreats where those in the know seek unforgettable experiences. Sofía has been named among the 10 most influential women of Argentina, together with the country’s First Lady and the Vice-President. With a keen eye and love for fashion and travel, Sofía has collaborated with several magazines and brands, working on special projects and often served as a brand ambassador. This list includes Chanel, Valentino, Rodarte, Chloe, Mary Katrantzou, Peter Pilotto, Roger Vivier, Zara, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Globe Trotter, Jason Wu, The Luxury Collection (Starwood Hotels), Vogue, Condé Nast Traveler, Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine, Revista La Nación, Paper Magazine, among others.
3 words to describe Nature?
Prestine. Pure. Amusing
3 things Nature taught you?
That we should cherish it
That we should learn from her
That she is the wisest one of all
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Patagonia
Antarctica
Mallorca
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel…?
In peace
When you see a forest, it makes you feel…?
Small
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel…?
Powerless
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel…?
Blessed
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel…?
Awake
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel…?
Breathless
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
Mountain
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
10
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
Long horseback rides in the mountains of Patagonia… best views in the planet!
Chris Burkard
Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere.
Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, energized landscapes and peak moments of adventure. He has accumulated an audience of over one million followers to become a globally recognized social influencer.
Burkard is often central in synthesizing the creative projects he is involved in, across stakeholders. His holistic and visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, appear as a TED speaker, develop specialty product lines, teach national and international photography workshops and publish a collection of books, including a children’s book. Along with his team, Burkard is based out of his full-scale production studio and art gallery near his hometown in Central Coast California.
At the age of 30, Burkard has established himself as a global presence and influencer, accomplishing a prolific portfolio, connecting people from around the world and producing some of the most recognized creative work of our time.
3 words to describe Nature?
Beautiful. Vast. Wild.
3 things Nature taught you?
Patience
Freedom
Joy
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Yosemite
Highlands of Iceland
Pacific Ocean
I owe a lot to each of these places.
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel...?
Calm
When you see a forest, it makes you feel...?
Excited
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel...?
Disbelief. . . I cant even believe they are real. Did a trip flying around the volcanos in the Aleutian Chain. Still think I'm coming down from that experience..
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel...?
Excited, most of my favorite moments of my life have occured in that 30 minute window before and after sunset!
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel...?
Relaxed. Time for a good book.
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel...?
I don’t enjoy wind. It’s the most jarring of the elements. I'm more tired after being outside in the wind all day then if it was raining, sunny, or snowing.
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
The ocean will always be where I am most comfortable. I grew up in a small beach town on the California coast more known for it's clam chowder then waves but I spent my whole childhood in the ocean. It will always be an important part of my life.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
9. Only thing above is my family.
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
I was lucky enough to grow up on the central coast of California which lends itself to a life lived outdoors. My first memory of being outdoors is for sure days spent on the beach with my family in Pismo. That’s where my fascination with the ocean began and why I started trekking up and down the coast in search of waves, which eventually led to searching along coastlines around the world!. I remember my mom paddling me out on a boogie board pushing me off into the water and saying the ocean is your friend. I was always scared but I loved the beach.
Kody & Kyler McCormick
Brotherly duo, Kody and Kyler McCormick, founder of The Outbound Life, have never been interested in following the crowd. At young ages they set out to live out their dreams of travel, filmmaking, and entrepreneurship. This non-traditional path lead them to learn from some of their biggest heroes on the planet, receive recognition and sponsorship by some of the top brands in their industries, produce content for Fortune 500 brands, and speak on stages all across the country inspiring youth to chase their passions. The brothers have been seen and heard on platforms ranging from TEDx to Forbes, and LinkedIn’s Official Blog.
3 words to describe Nature?
Adventure. Peace. Recalibration
3 things Nature taught you?
To relax
To push my body physically
To live with less
3 most treasured Nature spots?
BC Canada
Northern California
Colorado Rocky Mountains
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel…?
Small and humbled
When you see a forest, it makes you feel…?
As alive as ever.
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel…?
Curious of the science behind it
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel…?
Eager to explore
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel…?
God is in control
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel…?
Determined to push on.
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
Mountain/forest
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
10
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
I’ll never forget taking ski trips with my family as a kid to Colorado. Beyond the hours spent carving fresh powder, my favorite part has always been to ski to an area where I was alone on the mountain where I could sit down and take in the view. The sounds of the world seem to drown away in the surrounding snow and the crisp air has a way of recalibrating the soul. This has been one of my favorite past times and I make it a point to be alone for awhile on every ski trip.
Zach Rabinor
ZACH RABINOR was seduced early on by Mexico's vibrant cultures, towering peaks, thundering surf and intoxicating cuisine. As the Founder, President and CEO of award winning travel company Journey Mexico, Zach oversees all aspects of the company’s operation and takes special interest and delight in the details of product development, marketing, and business development. Under Zach’s leadership, Journey Mexico has achieved dynamic growth as evidenced by their inclusion as an Inc. 5000 Company consecutively from 2009 through 2016, and has earned top honors and recognition including: National Geographic's Best Tour Operators on Earth, National Geographic “50 Tours of a Lifetime”, Travel & Leisure Best Adventure Trips, Travel & Leisure Best Adventure Outfitters, and The New York Times Adventure Guide. Zach has been personally recognized as a top expert by leading luxury travel publications: Conde Nast Traveller Top Travel Specialist 2010-2017, Conde Nast Traveller Top Villa Specialist 2011-2013; and Travel & Leisure A-List 2010-2017 as well as being named a Trusted Travel Expert on Wendy Perrin’s inaugural Wow List 2014 and each year subsequently (2015-2017). Zach is a Regional Member of the World Travel and Tourism Council, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Oceanic Society; he has been sought out in the press on matters relating to Mexico, tourism, and travel including interviews in: Forbes and NPR and a host of other prominent publications.
When not designing new itineraries or leading exploratory expeditions, Zach can be found searching for waves and Mexico’s best ceviche on his beloved Pacific Coast. He lives in Puerto Vallarta with his wife Rebecca and their two sons Sam and Nat.
3 words to describe Nature?
Vast, Powerful, Awe-inspiring
3 things Nature taught you?
Humility, Self Reliance, Faith, Respect
3 most treasured Nature spots?
Ocean, Mountains, Rivers
When you look at the ocean, it makes you feel...?
Alive, Small, Respectful, Hopeful, Dreamy, Spiritual, Complete
When you see a forest, it makes you feel...?
Peaceful, Quiet, Ephemeral
When you see a volcano, it makes you feel...?
Alert, Curious, Wondrous, Ambitious
When you see a sunrise or sunset, it makes you feel...?
Inspired, Peaceful, Contemplative, Romantic
When you hear thunder, it makes you feel...?
Excited, Suspenseful, Small
When you hear the wind howling, it makes you feel...?
Desolate, Watchful, Pensive
Are you an Ocean, Mountain, Forest, or Desert person?
Ocean
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is Nature to your well-being?
10+
Share with us a childhood nature memory?
The first time I surfed through a blizzard I was thrilled, humbled, elated, and terrified; I knew I would never live anywhere far from the sea.