Seven Continent Storyteller
Leadership speaker and consultant—and Program for Leadership Development alum—Garrett Gravesen describes himself as a "seven continent storyteller." As the cofounder of leadership consulting firm ADDO Worldwide and author of the recently released 10 Seconds of Insane Courage, Gravesen is currently visiting 52 countries in 52 weeks on a book tour, encouraging others to say "yes" to courage—and improve their personal and professional lives in the process.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a leadership speaker and consultant?
I gave my first big speech in front of 30,000 people at a college graduation. I shared the story of how I left my investment banking job in Hong Kong to spend a year at an orphanage in Kenya—the most meaningful decision I have ever made. It helped me realize that at any given moment, we can choose courage or comfort. We can use our time and talents to be a hero for someone or something beyond ourselves. After my speech, I knew I wanted to spread that leadership message: giving beyond ourselves, choosing courage over comfort, and inspiring others to start now.
What motivated you to write your book, 10 Seconds of Insane Courage?
While my dad always encouraged me to say "yes" in life, he planned to wait until after retirement to do so himself. Just 30 days after he retired from a 40-year career, he found out he had Stage 4 cancer and a year left to live. This book is a wake-up call for me and a guide for everyone else. It addresses the eight fears that hold us back personally and professionally and provides answers for anyone who wants to live a bigger, bolder life.
What impact do you want to create through this book?
I believe the future belongs to individuals and organizations who successfully develop a "culture of yes." Whether you're a professional selling a new idea or an organization hoping to pivot in a new direction, you recognize that while change may be hard, it is more than possible. This book tackles how to create the opportunity and overcome our fears with 10 seconds of insane courage. Identifying fears is the crucial first step to overcoming them. Old fears, new facts, better outcomes. As we create a new way to live, those become the building blocks of empowered lives and workplace culture.
How did your PLD experience impact your work?
PLD was life changing for me. The learning aspect was rigorous, but the quality of my classmates made it remarkable. My living group pushed me to be vulnerable and share my story about my father. The support I received was amazing. I was even selected to speak at our graduation. The vote of confidence from PLD gave me the courage to translate this message into a book.
What's next for you professionally?
My dream is to host a travel show that shapes culture and conversation around the world. Think "Parts Unknown" meets "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee." My dream guest would be Amal Clooney—any place, any time. She is the epitome of an international icon with elegance, intellect, and an edge. George Clooney would be a close second.
What aspects of PLD contributed most to your success?
The connections I've made have been invaluable. During my book tour, I'll be visiting 52 countries in 52 weeks. It's insane, for sure. But events hosted by PLD community members around the world have made it possible. I couldn't have done it without this program and the friends I've made. Anytime someone from PLD comes to Atlanta, Georgia, you can be sure I'll be the first one ready to show him or her around!