Dennis Bauer | Leadership Keynote Speaker & Author

Dennis Bauer delivers a high-energy keynote built around a true story from his aviation background.

While flying a six-passenger, single-engine airplane from Tacoma to Denver, the engine suddenly quit at 5,000 feet over northern Colorado. In that moment, Dennis relied on the three words every pilot is trained to remember when facing the unexpected:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

Through humor, storytelling, and powerful audience connection, Dennis shows how these same three principles apply to leadership, business, and life when things don't go according to plan.

Audiences leave with a simple framework they can immediately apply:

• Aviate – Focus on the fundamentals and regain control
• Navigate – Know where you are and chart the best course forward
• Communicate – Seek clear feedback from the right people

Participants laugh, engage with the story, and walk away inspired with practical tools they will remember long after the event.

• "Dennis is an excellent presenter and leader. I’ve had the privilege to see him in action with large audiences giving inspirational speeches as well as educational sessions. His engaging style and natural humor keep the audience in the moment and wanting more. The detailed pre-work for these events is evident in the resulting positive experience for the participants."
-Dan Proctor, Sales Consultant

• "Dennis spoke at our (SHRM-Olympia) annual HR conference yesterday. He was engaging, energetic, and a joy to listen to and learn from! His stories and links to real-life situations engaged our audience consistently! I truly look forward to working with him again! Thanks for making our conference a great success!" ~ Jerame Johnson, Strategic HR Planner

• "Great presentation! Bauer was both interesting with his subject, and funny ... and engaging!" ~ Patrick Palmer, Business Owner

• "Dennis has an uncanny ability to connect with any audience! Dennis Bauer delivers provocative content with his uplifting, motivational and inspiring presence." ~ Linda Bown, Consultant

This humorous and inspiring keynote grows out of a true aviation story.

While flying a six-passenger airplane at 5,000 feet over northern Colorado, the engine suddenly quit.

In that moment, every pilot relies on three words learned in flight training to handle the unexpected:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

Dennis brings those same principles to your audience through storytelling, humor, and practical insight. Participants laugh, engage with the story, and leave inspired—with tools they will remember and use long after the event.

"If you want funny, poignant, and inspiring all at the same time, Dennis Bauer is your man!"
— Bob Ingram, President, Relationship Strategies University

Dennis will work with you to engage your audience and help make your event both memorable and meaningful.

Let's make your next event unforgettable.

Dennis Bauer is a keynote speaker, pilot, and #1 bestselling author who helps leaders navigate uncertainty and perform under pressure.

His signature keynote is built around a true aviation story. While flying a six-passenger airplane from Tacoma to Denver, the engine suddenly quit at 5,000 feet over northern Colorado.

In that moment, Dennis relied on the three words every pilot is trained to remember when facing the unexpected:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

Today Dennis brings those same principles to organizations, conferences, and leadership teams through engaging storytelling, humor, and practical insight.

Audiences leave with a powerful framework for:

• staying focused under pressure
• making clear decisions in uncertain situations
• leading with confidence when plans suddenly change

Dennis is the author of the bestselling book Fumes and a Prayer: How to Live at the Edge and Still Be Home for Dinner, and speaks to corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, associations, and faith-based groups across the country.

His presentations combine powerful storytelling with practical leadership lessons that audiences remember long after the event.

Technical Requirements

Dennis Bauer’s keynote can be delivered in a variety of venues, from conference halls to meeting rooms.

For the best audience experience, the following are recommended:

Stage:
A raised platform is helpful so audience members can see clearly, especially in larger rooms. A minimum width of about 10 feet is ideal, though Dennis is happy to adapt to your venue.

Sound:
A wireless lavalier or headset microphone is preferred so Dennis can move and interact with the audience.

Lighting:
A well-lit stage or presentation area.

Video Recording:
If the presentation is recorded, Dennis would appreciate receiving a copy for archival and promotional purposes.

Dennis works closely with event planners to make the program easy to host and successful for your audience.