Steve Zikman

Biography

The Washington Post called Steve Zikman "the man who wrote the book on wanderlust." Steve has ventured through more than 50 countries on six continents. In fact, this former attorney left behind a successful law practice in Toronto to set out on a three-year, around-the-world journey. His travels have allowed him the opportunity to meet with two of the most fascinating figures of our times--Nelson Mandela and Mother Teresa. Steve Zikman is co-author of the bestselling series titles Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul and Chicken Soup for the Nature Lover's Soul, and author of The Power of Travel: A Passport to Adventure, Discovery and Growth and Doing Good for Goodness' Sake. A member of the American Society of Journalists & Authors and a NATJA (North American Travel Journalists Association) Award winner, Steve has appeared on hundreds of radio and television programs nationwide. In addition to his writing, Steve is a certified Mediator and founder of The Next Fork. These groundbreaking trips explore such timely lifestyle issues as embracing change and transition, finding more work/life balance and rediscovering a sense of purpose. Steve Zikman is a dynamic and captivating keynote speaker. His powerful programs and topics offer rich, results-oriented content--inspiring audiences across the country and around the world to see their lives in a refreshing light. When he's not on the road, Steve can be found working in his studio or hiking the mountain trails near his home in California.

Publications

A verdant collection of stories for everyone who loves the outdoors – from hometown birdwatchers to international travelers.

Titles

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE TRAVELER'S SOUL: Reconnecting with the Spirit & Passion of Travel Drawing on highly inspirational selections from his bestselling series title Chicken Soup for the Traveler's Soul, author and adventurer Steve Zikman will take your audience on an entertaining, insightful and transformative journey. AROUND THE NEXT BEND: Emerging Trends in the Wonderful World of Travel Sharing quirky and insightful statistics, predictions and observations from around the globe, Steve Zikman reveals what lies ahead in the often not-so-predictable arena of travel and tourism. WHERE THE JOURNEY MEETS THE DESTINATION: 7 Steps to Success in Experiential Travel Experiences engage people in a very personal way. The greater the sensory experience, the more authentic, memorable and transformative it is for the individual. Travelers are focusing more and more on the experiences that travel can offer--experiences that broaden their minds, touch their hearts and enrich their souls. LET'S GET REAL: Tourism & the Search for Authenticity The best travel experiences occur when travelers connect in an authentic way to a place and its people. More and more travelers are making their travel decisions based on how real they perceive an experience to be. Authenticity is rapidly becoming the key factor in the minds and souls of tourists everywhere. GO!: Courting the Adventurous Spirit Adventure travel has become the third largest retail industry and grown into a $200 billion business representing one-half of America's $400 billion tourism industry. Indeed, 50% of American adults have taken an adventure trip in the last five years; 80 million people will look for an adventure within a year. THE SOUL OF NATURE: Ecotourism & You The International Ecotourism Society defines ecotourism as "travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improve the well-being of local people." It accounts for more than 20 percent of all international travel. In this innovative and insightful presentation, Steve Zikman will highlight the challenges of today's ecotourism industry. THE POWER OF TRAVEL: Getting the Most Out of Your Travels... and Life! Whether it's for business or for pleasure, travel presents us with unparalleled opportunities for adventure, discovery and growth. THE NEXT FORK: Embracing Change & Transition Change happens. Change is constant. The cheese does move, often. Whether at home or in the office, our lives consist of a series of transitions to the many forces that cause change. Some of these are small adjustments while others are large shifts. At times, they may seem overwhelming and even insurmountable. How we respond to change will determine our state of mental, physical and spiritual well-being. FINDING YOUR COMPASS: The Path to Passion and Purpose "I have so few real passions." "I've lost my compass." "I know there's something I'm supposed to be doing, but I don't know what it is." Most of us have a sense that there is a better, more meaningful way to live our lives, but we can't seem to find what it is. Instead, we carry on doing what is required of us, and still the voice returns, "There must be something more." ACHIEVING THE RIGHT WORK/LIFE BALANCE: The Search for the Holy Grail Do your days and weeks seem to go by in a blur? Are your priorities off? Are you waiting until things settle down so you can get back on track… and never do? Balance takes desire, awareness, and determination. Let Steve Zikman re-focus the fine line between what you need to do, what you ought to do and what you really want to do. DOING GOOD FOR GOODNESS' SAKE: How to Start Where You, Use What You Have, and Do What You Can Drawing on insightful selections from his book, Doing Good for Goodness' Sake, Steve Zikman will inspire attendees to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of others--whether at work, with friends and family, within their community, or in the world-at-large. BUILDING BRIDGES: Resolving Conflicts Through Mediation Mediation resolves disputes by facilitating agreement between the parties. The mediator does not decide the outcome, but helps the parties develop a solution that is mutually acceptable.