Escape from Comfort: A Keynote That Changes Perspectives
"The storms you're facing aren't trying to destroy you - they're preparing you for the mountain ahead."
At 15, Said escaped the Islamic regime in Iran through blizzards in the mountains, not knowing if he would survive.
At 40, he was an associate professor conducting high level science and living what looked like the dream life. Then he walked away. Why? He'd forgotten his "Why."
Shortly after, he realized he was dying in a different way - he was chasing his "What."
Later, he was diagnosed with cancer.
That's when everything became clear.
Said's journey from refugee to scientist to entrepreneur to cancer survivor isn't just inspirational—it's instructional. The lessons he learned about comfort, calling, and courage apply to any professional navigating transition, uncertainty, or the question: "Is this all there is?"
The keynote:
Escape from comfort - a journey from survival to significance
ideal for
* Corporate leadership teams navigating change
* Professional associations and business groups
* Executive retreats and conferences
* Organizations focused on innovation and growth
* Non-profit organizations, universities and colleges
Key Takeaways
* The framework for staying "hungry and grateful"
* Recognizing false summits before wasting years climbing
* Why focusing on growth to reach your goals
* How to honor your "why" when the "what" keeps changing
The experience
Said doesn't just tell his story—he uses it as a vehicle to deliver actionable frameworks your audience can apply immediately. Expect laughter, tears, and transformation.
