Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Tom Turcich

10th Person to Walk Around the World

Tom Turcich Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

10th Person to Walk Around the World

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Tom Turcich
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
CVG - Cincinnati, OH

Primary Topic Category:
Adventure & Exploration

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Tom Turcich Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Tom Turcich, the 10th person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, captured the world's imagination with his remarkable journey. After the death of a close friend, Tom resolved to make the most of life. The day before his 26th birthday, he stepped out his front door to begin an adventure spanning seven years, 28,000 miles and 38 countries. His tale serves as a reminder that fulfillment lies not solely in reaching a destination but in the transformative power of the journey itself.

Tom Turcich, the tenth person to walk around the world and the first to do so with a dog, captured the world's imagination with his remarkable journey. After the death of a close friend, Tom resolved to make the most of life. The day before his twenty-sixth birthday, he stepped out his front door to begin an adventure spanning seven years, twenty-eight thousand miles and thirty-eight countries. By traversing the globe on foot, Tom immersed himself in the diverse cultures and landscapes. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the tranquil beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains, Tom embraced the challenges and triumphs of an extraordinary pilgrimage. But his expedition was not just a physical feat but a profound introspection. Each step was a testament to an unwavering commitment to self-discovery and a search for understanding. Through encounters with strangers, weeks of solitude, and a sheer resilience of spirit, Tom emerged as a beacon of inspiration for countless individuals yearning to find purpose in their own lives. His tale serves as a reminder that fulfillment lies not solely in reaching a destination but in the transformative power of the journey itself.  Tom has been featured on CNN, BBC, Good Morning America, The Guardian, and countless other news outlets.
“Tom was fantastic! The group loved him (as did I!), and we accomplished the goal of having him speak which was to leave everyone thinking about life differently and knowing that every step is a step forward and progress!” Senior Brand Event Manager, Anywhere Franchise Brands (Coldwell Banker Real Estate event for top producers) “I've had the pleasure of Thomas speaking to two of my teams over the last couple of years and both have been huge successes. His story and experiences are so unique—it's a great way of taking the team out of their normal work/career frame that helps his message land in a way that other business or industry speakers just can't do. And then Thomas is great at bringing the message back around to whatever the theme of the meeting/event is with the audience in an open and vulnerable state. He's a powerful speaker and great storyteller. I look forward to hearing how Thomas evolves his message and having him speak to our team again.” Adam Stalker, GM Public Affairs, Microsoft “Tom was a fantastic presenter. He kept the audience engaged throughout the keynote and struck a personable tone while still emphasizing the business elements we requested. There was certainly an energy lift after Tom’s presentation. The attendees were discussing not only Tom’s personal story but the goal-setting framework that he had presented. The element I found most inspiring was actually the overarching and continued dedication to the goal of walking around the world. It didn’t come across as the all-encompassing, sometimes frenetic obsession that endeavors like these often appear to me. It seemed to be woven into his life, adapted but never shied away from or forgotten. It made the seemingly impossible and incredibly impressive act of walking across the world come across as achievable. It was very inspiring to think that that mentality could be applied to the seemingly impossible goals that I shy away from in my life. I would highly recommend Tom as a speaker for your event. He has an open and engaging stage presence that kept our audience rapt while he told the group about his journey. He was also a fantastic partner in developing content that was specific to our group and seamlessly wove in the business elements within his own narrative. His team was very easy to work with and quick to respond throughout the planning process.” Alexa Mealer, Corporate Event Manager at Farmers Insurance Group of Companies “Hearing Tom speak was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. The most inspiring moment came when he shared the story of waking up each day for years with a single purpose—to keep walking forward, no matter the weather, obstacles, or uncertainty ahead. That message about consistent, values-driven perseverance hit home for so many of us in the Pinnacle Society, where resilience and purpose are at the core of what we do. As a presenter, Tom was exceptional—humble, genuine, and deeply human. He captivated the room not through theatrics, but through authenticity. His presence made everyone pause, reflect, and reconnect with their own “flag.” Tom’s insights about slowing down to truly see the world and the people around us resonated deeply. It encouraged many of us to look at our work and personal lives through a lens of gratitude and perspective—to find meaning in the journey rather than just the milestones. You could feel a noticeable shift in the room after his talk: the energy softened but deepened, with more openness, connection, and reflection than I’ve ever seen in a conference setting. If someone asked why they should hire Tom, I’d tell them this: He doesn’t just speak—he transforms the atmosphere. Tom brings a rare authenticity that inspires people to think bigger, act with intention, and remember what truly matters. His message stays with you long after the applause ends.” Kim Laipple, CBO Scientific Search & Member, The Pinnacle Society “Tom Turcich’s keynote was nothing short of extraordinary. His story captivated the room—equal parts vulnerable, inspiring, and unexpectedly relevant to the real estate industry. He reminded us what it means to persevere, to adapt, and to find meaning in every step forward. You could feel the energy shift—our audience left not only motivated, but deeply moved.” Emily Paquette, CEO, Inman News “Tom Turcich delivers on all the critical elements of a successful keynote. He has an inspiring story: a seven-year journey walking across the world, overcoming physical limits and emotional challenges such as heartbreak and loneliness. He has clear takeaways, such as setting deliberate goals and embracing constraints, that anyone can apply to their life, regardless of the journey they are on. And most importantly, he has a keynote speaker’s presence while also maintaining humility and openness. While he may be the one on the main stage, his keynote feels like a personal conversation between him and each member of the audience. In today’s world, Tom’s message of resilience is an important one, and his delivery is deliberate and impactful. He breaks down each of his strategies carefully, ensuring the audience remains with him throughout the entire talk. He intersperses anecdotes and photos of his travels, so although Tom is conveying a very important message, the audience feels like they’re sharing in his story rather than learning a lesson. On top of being an incredible speaker, Tom is also the consummate professional to work with—communicative, kind, and generous with his time. Tom was the perfect speaker to close our event, motivating attendees on their last day of learning and sending them off with an inspiring message they won’t soon forget.” Karla Kozak, Editorial Manager, Products & Events at Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS) Today's HR professional must focus on the evolving needs of our organizations while remaining mindful of the toll that these demands have on the HR professional's personal well-being and mental health. Tom's keynote was a profound exploration of how defining values, setting clear objectives, and embracing constraints can transform not only individual lives but also the very fabric of our organizations. For HR leaders and SHRM chapters dedicated to elevating the HR profession, Tom’s message offers a powerful and practical framework. He masterfully connects his incredible journey to the daily challenges HR professionals face—navigating change, fostering resilience, and guiding teams toward purposeful action. His insights on the 'Circle of Possibility' provide a unique lens through which to view talent development, strategic planning, and the cultivation of a thriving workplace culture where every individual can strive for their best life. This isn't just a motivational talk; it's a strategic imperative for any HR leader looking to inspire lasting impact and guide their organization with clarity and conviction. It's also an impactful reminder to make the most of the life we're given. Dustin Paschal, Partner, Simon | Paschal PLLC (Texas SHRM) “Tom’s keynote went beyond motivation; it delivered a ‘map’ to turn passive dreaming into focused, deliberate action. We didn’t just gain energy; we gained the clarity and a framework needed to drive real, sustainable change.” Fitz Maro, Head of North America Design Tech, Amazon “Tom’s talk at our yearly offsite acted as a powerful cultural catalyst, providing a shared framework and perspective shift necessary to break through old habits. Thanks to Tom, we’re more focused on our core values and taking consistent steps towards our goals.” Joe M, Creative Strategist, Pinterest “We were lucky to catch Tom on the tail end of his walk as he joined us live from rural Wyoming. Tom’s talk was unique & inspiring - the team was buzzing afterward!” Myles Darcy, Strategic Partnerships, Booking.com “I have told everyone about Tom’s keynote - best ever! Tom’s story is about courage, tenacity, and forgiveness of life, with a roadmap for finding direction, purpose, and fulfillment. His keynote changed the way I view boundaries and tackle challenges.” Lynne Robinson, Mayor of the Bellevue, Washington “Tom was great! He was very easy to work with and just went with the flow, which was awesome. His messaging was a great way to send off our team at the end of our meeting, so that was great. I appreciated the questions he took from our team at the end. They were all very curious about his walk and had great questions for him. Chief Human Resources Officer at Riverstone Communities "Tom was fantastic! He was very engaging, relatable, and brought great energy to our workshop. His keynote resonated well with our county board members and sparked some great conversations." Education and Community Engagement Specialist, Nebraska Association of County Officials “Tom Turcich delivered an unforgettable and perfectly timed keynote for our leaders at AGA. Amidst immense external challenges, his message on how consistency builds resilience resonated deeply with our audience. His storytelling was captivating, his photography stunning—but what truly set his talk apart were the practical strategies he shared. These actionable tools gave our attendee leaders immediate ways to ready themselves and their teams in turbulent times. Attendees left not just inspired, but empowered with renewed confidence and a greater sense of control over their professional journeys. Tom’s impact was both immediate and lasting. If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire, motivate, and deliver real-world value, Tom is the one to bring in.” Director of Meetings & Exhibits, AGA “Tom's keynote on redefining constraints was a true lightbulb moment for our attendees. His personable and engaging style made it feel like he was speaking directly to each of us, drawing us into his incredible story and message. The energy in the room was palpable after his talk, with attendees buzzing about their own ‘flags’ and how to apply his insights to their lives. Tom's message goes beyond his amazing walk around the world; it's a journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply. If you want to energize and inspire your audience, you absolutely need to hire Tom.” Cat Jones, Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network “Tom’s story is both incredible and inspirational. In a world that puts a premium on speed, Tom taught us that sometimes slowing down is the fastest way to get ahead.” Chris Fair, CEO, Resonance Consultancy Inc. “We had Tom speak at our APWA – Southern Nevada Branch. He was a pleasure to work with, was professional and easy going which was appreciated with the last-minute changes that happened on our end. Tom spoke with confidence and his presentation was not forced – the messages of embracing inconveniences, constraints, and achieving your life goals came across naturally and were memorable with the stories that he shared. He did an excellent job tying our public works theme into his presentation with facts about the greenspace concept used in Barcelona, and Costa Rica with their clean water initiatives. Our attendees are a tough crowd to keep engaged and Tom kept them captivated during his luncheon presentation with his stories, photos of his travels, and of Savannah. A handful of people stayed after the luncheon to talk to Tom one on one. It was cool to see! One attendee also recognized Tom from his children's book and wished he had brought it for an autograph .” Suzy Young, Centurion Consultants | IQC Southwest “Tom Turcich's keynote presentation at our company Sales Kick-off event was nothing short of transformative. With his engaging storytelling and profound insights, Tom delivered a message that resonated deeply with our sales team, leaving us inspired and empowered. Tom's journey of resilience and perseverance, as he traversed the globe on foot for over 7 years, served as a powerful metaphor for the challenges we face in our professional lives. His ability to overcome adversity and maintain unwavering determination struck a chord with each member of our team. What set Tom apart as a speaker was not just his incredible journey but also his ability to distill key lessons and actionable strategies for building grit and resilience in challenging times. He shared practical tips and techniques that our sales team could immediately apply to their lives and careers. I cannot recommend Tom Turcich enough as a keynote speaker for any event or organization seeking to inspire and motivate its audience. His message of grit and resilience is timeless and universal, and his delivery is captivating and impactful. Thank you, Tom, for an unforgettable experience that will continue to resonate with our team for years to come. Taylor Vincent, Sales Enablement, Handshake “Tom Turcich touched the lives of all students who were at the EOF Diversity and Leadership Retreat. He shared his story with such passion and enthusiasm that radiated the room as he was speaking. The favorite part from his presentation was how he was completely transparent about his journey and showed when he was the most vulnerable as he was achieving his goal to travel around the world by foot. Students were able to take that life have many ups and downs and that achieving goals can take time, but if you are resilient and passionate about achieving whatever it is they want out of life, they can do it! From Tom’s words, many students started to think about their own life plans and the steps they will need to take in order to achieve them. Whether that can be immediate or steps that require years of knowledge, experience and grit, they know they can achieve anything as Tom was able to achieve his. I believe that Tom is a great presenter and can tailor any discussion of his story to anyone! He takes the time to really get to know the students and what they have gone through in their lives to get to where they are today. His story and journey can be translated to anyone who is in the room listening and I believe his words had a lasting impact on the EOF students present for the Diversity and Leadership Retreat at Salem Community College.” Katelyn Good, Assistant Director EOF, Salem Community College "Tom's talk goes beyond his epic journey, leaving the audience enlightened with fresh perspectives and equipped with frameworks to put them into practice!" Scott Rodgers, Creative Director, Amazon Brand Innovation Lab I had the privilege of interviewing Tom on stage at our 29029 Everesting event in Whistler, BC, Canada. From our pre-call to the back-and-forth conversation, I can say that Tom delivers a HOME RUN! He has an easy cadence and makes his incredible journey relatable to all who listen. He was the perfect fit for our high-performing, challenge-seeking audience!” Colleen Rue, 29029 Everesting
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