Manley Feinberg

Manley Feinberg II, CSP, is an international keynote speaker, bestselling author, expert mountain climber, and professional musician recognized for his work in leadership development. Feinberg's interest in climbing began in college during a beginner's rock climb in the hills of Kentucky, leading to a lifelong pursuit that includes thousands of climbs across 25 countries and more than 500 outdoor destinations, from the Himalayas to Uzbekistan. These experiences inform his keynote presentations, which focus on leadership, team performance, and personal development.

Before establishing his speaking career, Feinberg served as a senior business leader at Build-A-Bear Workshop. During his tenure, he contributed to the company's expansion from 40 to over 400 stores worldwide, revenue growth from $55 million to more than $474 million, and a successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. His leadership also played a role in Build-A-Bear's inclusion on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for four consecutive years. Feinberg developed his "Vertical Lessons" framework by applying principles from his climbing experiences to business leadership and organizational growth.

Feinberg is the founder of Vertical Lessons, Inc. and author of the bestselling book "Reaching Your Next Summit! 9 Vertical Lessons for Leading with Impact," which offers actionable leadership strategies based on his mountain and business experiences. His work has been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and TEDx, as well as in The New York Daily News, Entrepreneur, American Express Open Forum, and World News. Feinberg has served two terms as president of the National Speakers Association St. Louis chapter and is a member of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Leadership Development Staff.

Feinberg's keynote presentations integrate adventure storytelling, leadership insights, and professional development strategies, often enhanced by National Geographic-style photography and live music. His approach emphasizes practical leadership tools and strategies for building high-performing teams, fostering resilience, and achieving organizational goals.