The adventure is already here.
Wayne Parkins has never been very good at doing what he's "supposed" to do.
Oh, he built the career. Climbed to VP of Online Strategy at 2U/edX. Led teams. Hit targets. Checked the boxes that ambitious people are supposed to check.
But somewhere along the way, he figured out something most people don't learn until it's too late: work was never the point. It was always just the thing that funded the adventures.
The Philosophy
While others were optimizing their calendars, Wayne was saying yes to the detour. The unexpected conversation. The scenic route. He built what he calls a "library of stories," and now he helps others do the same.
His philosophy is simple: you don't need to wait until retirement to enjoy the ride. You don't need a five-step plan to feel alive. Sometimes you just need permission to notice what's already there.
The Work
Today, Wayne speaks to corporate audiences, associations, and community groups about trading the pursuit of "more" for a life fully lived. His keynotes blend humor, warmth, and hard-won wisdom in a way that leaves audiences feeling like they just had a conversation with a wise friend.
He's also the author of Waltzing with Wayne: Giving You Permission to Have Fun, a collection of stories that remind readers what matters most.
The Personal Stuff
When he's not on stage or writing, you'll find Wayne seeking out the next small adventure, whether that's a new hiking trail, an unexpected conversation with a stranger, or simply savoring a good cup of coffee without checking his phone.
He believes that fun is the framework, not the reward. And he thinks you probably believe that too, even if you've forgotten.
Conventional path. Personal compass.