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By Robert White, Editor-In-Chief
Exploration has always been about discovery, but in the modern world, it has taken on an entirely new meaning. Richard Wiese, president of The Explorers Club, has been at the forefront of redefining what it means to be an explorer. Under his leadership, exploration has expanded beyond daring expeditions to encompass scientific advancements, cultural preservation, and environmental advocacy. Wiese has created a new model of exploration—one that is inclusive, impactful, and deeply relevant to our times.
Born into a legacy of adventure, Wiese’s introduction to exploration came early. His father, Richard Wiese Sr., was the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, setting an extraordinary precedent. By the age of 11, Wiese had already climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, an achievement that fueled his lifelong pursuit of discovery. However, unlike the explorers of the past who sought to conquer nature, Wiese believes in working alongside it. His vision for exploration is one of stewardship, science, and storytelling.
One of Wiese’s most remarkable contributions to the field is the creation of the Explorers Club 50 (EC50), a program designed to elevate voices that have traditionally been overlooked in exploration. “The world doesn’t just need more explorers; it needs more recognized explorers,” Wiese explains. EC50 highlights individuals from diverse backgrounds who are making groundbreaking contributions, whether in oceanography, climate science, archaeology, or indigenous knowledge preservation. By expanding the definition of who an explorer can be, Wiese is ensuring that the field reflects the global nature of discovery.
His work extends far beyond The Explorers Club. Wiese has also played a pivotal role in making exploration accessible to the public through media. As the executive producer and host of the Emmy-winning television series Born to Explore, he has introduced audiences to some of the most remote and fascinating places on Earth. “If we want people to care about the world, we have to show them why it matters,” Wiese says. His ability to blend adventure with education has changed how people engage with exploration, making it not just thrilling but also deeply meaningful.
Collaboration has been at the heart of Wiese’s approach. He has formed strategic partnerships between scientists, conservationists, and corporations to fund critical research projects. “No one explores alone,” he states. “The greatest discoveries happen when people work together.” His leadership has helped support initiatives tackling climate change, wildlife conservation, and cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that exploration is not just about looking outward but also about giving back.
The impact of his work can be seen in those who have been honored through EC50. “Being named an EC50 honoree truly turned my world upside down in the best way,” says Dr. Britney Schmidt, a polar explorer. “Before that, I was more of a silent member of The Explorers Club, but this recognition connected me with an incredible community of like-minded explorers who see the world in unique ways.”
Wiese is also redefining the way exploration intersects with luxury and high society. Historically, only the wealthiest could fund expeditions, but today, Wiese is inviting elite travelers to invest in conservation and research. Through exclusive partnerships, he is turning high-net-worth individuals into patrons of exploration, offering them opportunities to experience the world while contributing to scientific progress.
Looking ahead, Wiese sees exploration as an essential tool in solving some of the world’s most urgent crises. From deforestation to ocean acidification, he believes that discovery must serve a purpose beyond mere adventure. “Exploration isn’t just about where we go—it’s about what we do with what we learn,” he explains. His work continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, proving that exploration is not a relic of the past but a driving force for the future.
Through his leadership, Richard Wiese is ensuring that exploration remains a dynamic and evolving discipline. Whether through his work at The Explorers Club, his television series, or his global advocacy, he is shaping a new era of discovery—one that is inclusive, impactful, and indispensable. By elevating new voices, fostering collaboration, and championing conservation, he is leading the world into a new golden age of exploration—one where discovery is a shared human endeavor, meant to inspire and sustain generations to come.