Dennis Bauer | Leadership Keynote Speaker

Dennis Bauer delivers a high-energy, story-driven keynote that combines humor, inspiration, and practical ideas audiences can use when the unexpected happens.

At the heart of the presentation is the true story behind Fumes and a Prayer. While flying a six-passenger airplane from Tacoma to Denver, Dennis suddenly found himself facing a serious problem over northern Colorado—one that ultimately brought him back to three words every pilot learns:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

Dennis shows audiences how those same principles apply far beyond the cockpit:

Aviate — Get the essentials under control.
Focus first on the fundamentals—the things that absolutely must be working before anything else matters.

Navigate — Find a course forward.
Determine where you are, decide where you need to be, and chart the course that gets you there.

Communicate — Seek the information and counsel you need.
Ask questions, listen to wise counsel and honest feedback, and use the right information to make better decisions.

Through storytelling, natural humor, and audience interaction, Dennis takes participants on a journey through uncertainty, setbacks, risk, perseverance, and possibility.

Audiences leave entertained and inspired—but also with a simple framework they can remember when plans suddenly change and pressure rises.

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

When the Unexpected Happens, Don't Just Survive. Soar.

Dennis Bauer is a keynote speaker, pilot, former flight instructor, entrepreneur, and #1 bestselling author who helps people prepare for the unexpected—and respond effectively when it happens.

His signature keynote, Aviate. Navigate. Communicate., grew out of a harrowing flight over northern Colorado that became the basis for his bestselling book, Fumes and a Prayer: How to Live at the Edge and Still Be Home for Dinner.

Drawing on lessons from aviation, business, and his own encounters with the unexpected, Dennis combines powerful storytelling, natural humor, and practical insight to help audiences remain effective when plans change, pressure rises, and things don't go according to plan.

An award-winning speaker who has presented to businesses, professional associations, conferences, and other organizations, Dennis is known for his ability to connect with audiences while giving them ideas they can remember and use long after the event.

His message is simple:

Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.

When the Unexpected Happens, Don't Just Survive. Soar.

Stage: A raised stage or clearly defined presentation area is preferred, with sufficient room for Dennis to move comfortably while speaking.

Microphone: Wireless lavalier or headset microphone preferred.

Sound: House sound system appropriate for the size of the audience.

Presentation: Dennis normally uses a PowerPoint presentation featuring photographs and other visual elements that support the stories in the keynote. A projector or large display, screen, and connection to the venue’s presentation system are requested.

Lighting: The presentation area should be well lit while allowing the projected images to remain clearly visible.

Advance setup: Access to the room and A/V system before the event is requested for a brief sound and presentation check.

Water: Bottled water available on or near the stage.

Dennis is happy to coordinate with the event planner or A/V team in advance to accommodate the venue’s setup.