Exploring Mother Earth’s beauty with NatGeo Explorer and Dell Ambassador Mike Libecki

During the upcoming Adobe MAX 2021 event, famed National Geographic Explorer and Dell Ambassador, Mike Libecki will host a virtual session with a behind the scenes look at his recent explorations. While the pandemic may have hindered Libecki’s excursions, once it was safe, he started traveling again and shared with us insights from his recent visit to Alaska as well as how he hopes his work will continue to impact lives.

Changing the world one expedition at a time

Having completed more than 85 expeditions, Libecki’s recent adventure not only tackled new terrain, but allowed him to continue his microplastics research, the study of plastic debris smaller than a millimeter found in our oceans and lakes. According to a recent report, studies show that up to 80 percent of the oceans litter consists of plastic. Libecki and his longtime friend, expedition partner and scientist Abby Barrows, are working together to solve and decrease the accumulation of plastics in our oceans and on land, an important feat they can’t do alone.

“We are grateful for the team that is supporting us on this journey,” said Libecki, “It wouldn’t be possible without our partners — Dell Technologies, Adidas, and Goal Zero Solar — and so many others for their support.”

While many of his excursions focus on exploring remote and untouched places on the planet, Libecki is using his most recent adventure to better our planet. The best part about his lifestyle is being in the field and working with so many amazing people, including his daughter. Not only is he fighting for the oceans, but he and his daughter began a humanitarian project in India (501c3, joyfund.org), in partnership with Dell, to help make the world a better place. When it comes to his travels and projects, his favorite adventures include his daughter who has traveled to over 28 countries with him.

Traveling during a pandemic

Like for many of us, Libecki’s job was impacted during the pandemic. Travel restrictions caused him to cancel and rearrange upcoming expeditions. Being on the move 24/7, Libecki learned patience and optimism during a rough year and was able to spend as much time with his family and friends as he could.

“I have never been home for so long at one time,” Libecki said. “I love the time I’ve spent, but I am really excited to start traveling and doing these important expeditions again. The second-best part of traveling is bringing home the stories to share with the world.”

Without Libecki and his excursions, we wouldn’t have the opportunity to view those remote, untouched locations from the convenience of our homes. Thanks to his Dell Latitude Rugged, we’ve had the opportunity to experience Antarctica, Greenland, Baffin Islands, and more, through the lens of Libecki and his technology.

Technology in the great outdoors

Of course, we all know the pain we have when it comes to the outside world and technology, when you need something to work, it doesn’t. Without the technological advances we have today, Libecki wouldn’t be able to carry out the research he’s doing to help save our oceans from the plastic crisis, and share these findings with the world through research, photo, and video footage.

“Dell Latitude Rugged has been a major part of our expedition equation,” Libecki said. “I have tested and used it on dozens of very demanding expeditions in the harshest climates — rain, mud, extreme cold — you name it, I’ve done it. We rely on it for a successful expedition.”

On top of the Dell Latitude Rugged, Libecki says he can’t go on an excursion without making sure he has hard drives, photo, and video cameras (including virtual reality), satellite communications, drones, and for those times he needs to relax, audio books.

While pre-production is important, Libecki doesn’t forget to thank his post-production equipment, Dell Precision mobile and desktop workstations and his Adobe Creative Cloud apps for creating photo, video, and virtual reality experiences.

“If we can bring these stories home, and create any kind of emotion with them, I really feel like we can be a voice for our planet, and people will start to care more and make better choices for our planet,” Libecki said. “Without the best tech, these goals are not possible. Again, so much gratitude for the amazing teamwork and partners that make this all possible!”

What’s next?

Libecki is looking forward to representing Dell and speaking at Adobe MAX 2021. One of many sessions, Libecki will be speaking to the magic, power and beauty of our planet and people he has met along the way while delving into film making, showcasing behind the scenes footage, and much more.

“Having this opportunity and representing Dell showcases the trust in our partnership and why teamwork is important,” Libecki said. “Being an ambassador has provided me the opportunity to do a number of expeditions and showcase my work without losing any data thanks to the Dell Latitude Rugged.”

If there’s one thing Libecki doesn’t stray from its his emphasis on teamwork, while he may be the face of many of his expeditions, Libecki will remind you that none of this would be possible without his partners behind the scenes. Having worked with many of them for years, he has made lifelong friends and believes his friendships have led to the highest quality of success possible.

Libecki ends our conversation stating, “It is not only life, but the quality of life.”

Learn more from Mike Libecki during Adobe MAX 2021 (Oct. 26-28) during his session titled, ‘Behind the Scenes with a National Geographic Explorer’ and follow him on Instagram @MikeLIbecki.

This MAX post is sponsored by Dell.