So, picture this: a guy who goes from casually skiing for fun to competing in the Olympics in just four years. Sounds nuts, right? That’s my story. Buckle up, because this ride is anything but ordinary.

Let’s rewind a bit. Growing up, skiing was just something I did for kicks. No grand aspirations, no Olympic dreams. Just me, some skis, and the slopes. Fast forward a few years, and I’m strapping myself to the roof of a car to perfect my aerodynamics. Yep, you read that right. Not your typical training regimen, but then again, my journey was never typical.

I recently had the chance to dive deep into this wild ride on the “Success for the Athletic-Minded Man” podcast. It was a trip down memory lane, sharing the highs, the lows, and the downright bizarre moments that got me to the Olympics. The episode isn’t just about skiing; it’s about pushing boundaries, embracing discomfort, and doing what others wouldn’t dream of doing.

Think about it: zero to Olympic hero in four years. It wasn’t a smooth ride. There were countless moments of doubt, pain, and sheer exhaustion. But I had a secret weapon—my mantra: “Do what the competition isn’t willing to do.” This mindset was my north star, guiding me through the rough patches and keeping me focused on the goal.

One of the quirkiest parts of my training? Strapping myself to the roof of a moving car to master my aerodynamics. Crazy? Absolutely. Effective? You bet. It taught me a lot about facing fears and shattering norms. And it worked. I went from a complete novice to competing at the highest level, using a mix of visualization, biofeedback, and sheer determination.

Visualization was key. I’d spend hours mentally rehearsing my runs, feeling every turn and movement in my mind before I hit the slopes. Biofeedback helped me fine-tune my body’s responses, allowing me to push my limits safely. These techniques were game-changers, helping me compete against athletes with years more experience.

But my story doesn’t end at the Olympics. I carried these principles into my professional life. As a New York Times bestselling author of eight books, including “The Earthquake” and “The Age of Speed,” and as a sought-after corporate speaker, I’ve always strived to inspire others to push past their limits. Leading expeditions to the summit and naming Himalayan mountains after everyday heroes are just a few examples of how I continue to challenge myself and those around me.

This podcast episode is more than just a recounting of my Olympic journey; it’s a masterclass in mindset, resilience, and the power of unconventional thinking. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best in sports, a new career high, or tackling a personal challenge, the strategies I share can apply to any goal. It’s all about embracing the extraordinary and pushing past your comfort zone.

If you don’t have time to listen to the entire episode or if something resonates with you but you can’t jot it down, grab your free copy of the Action Plan from this episode. You’ll also get access to action plans from every episode of the podcast at www.JimHarshawJr.com/Action 

So, what’s your version of strapping yourself to a car roof? What unconventional step are you willing to take to achieve your dreams? Remember, success often lies just beyond our comfort zones. Embrace the journey, push your limits, and do what the competition isn’t willing to do.

"It ain't bragging if it's true." Will Rogers.

When it comes to selecting the perfect speaker for your corporate event, the choice carries immense significance. A motivational business speaker possesses the unique ability to infuse your gathering with electrifying energy, leaving a lasting impact on attendees. Among the array of options, one name truly stands out: Vince Poscente. Renowned as one of the best business speakers in the world, he is the epitome of small business speakers who possess the power to elevate your event to extraordinary heights in 2022 and beyond.

Crafting an Inspiring Narrative

A paramount element of any corporate event is the ability to weave an engaging narrative that resonates with the audience. Vince Poscente, a top business speaker in 2022, brings to the stage a compelling journey from Olympic skier to Hall of Fame Speaker. His tale is nothing short of captivating, a narrative that effortlessly captivates and motivates attendees. As one of the best public speakers of the 21st century, Vince's skill in entwining his personal journey with business insights is a catalyst for inspiring transformation and accelerated achievement.

Strategies for Swift Success

Vince Poscente, among the best business speakers in the world, is renowned for delivering actionable strategies that drive remarkable results. In the fast-paced realm of modern business, time is a precious commodity. Vince understands this dynamic implicitly and imparts a blueprint for swift success that resonates deeply with small business speakers and global enterprises alike. His mantra, "Do what the competition is not willing to do," embodies a philosophy that motivates and empowers, encouraging individuals and teams to shatter limitations and conquer challenges.

Vince's unique ability to translate his Olympic triumphs into actionable business tactics is an unmatched attribute. His keynote equips attendees with the tools to navigate today's dynamic landscape, fostering a culture of innovation, resilience, and unparalleled achievement.

Entertainment Meets Education

An exceptional motivational business speaker, like Vince Poscente, has the knack for seamlessly melding entertainment and education. Vince, a top business speaker in 2022, crafts an immersive experience that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish. His presentations are infused with infectious energy, humor, and interactive elements that ensure both enjoyment and enlightenment.

Vince Poscente is not just one of the best public speakers; he's a master at fostering engagement. Attendees don't passively listen; they actively participate in an experience that extends beyond the event, leading to sustained growth and improved performance.

A Visionary Voice

Selecting a top business speaker in 2023 or 2024 requires an eye for visionary thought leadership. Vince Poscente's insights extend beyond traditional success paradigms, prompting attendees to challenge conventions and embrace change as a catalyst for progress. He is not just a speaker; he's a transformative force that sparks innovation and inspires organizations to reimagine their potential.

Inspiring Transformation

The hallmark of a remarkable public speaker lies in their ability to drive tangible change. Vince Poscente, one of the best public speakers of the 21st century, leaves an indelible imprint that resonates beyond the event. His strategies empower attendees to ignite transformation, propelling individuals and teams toward a future defined by unparalleled achievement.

In a realm where motivational business speakers are key to sparking growth, Vince Poscente rises as a luminary. His prowess as one of the best business speakers in the world, combined with his narrative artistry, actionable insights, engaging delivery, and transformative impact, solidifies him as an exemplary choice for your corporate event. Amidst a world where the distinction between good and bad public speakers is stark, Vince Poscente shines as a beacon of inspiration and success, ready to illuminate your event and lead your audience toward an exceptional future.

Since the mid-90s, I have had the privilege of being a keynote speaker, sharing my experiences, and inspiring countless individuals and groups to reach their full potential. Motivational speakers play a crucial role in driving positive change, but with the abundance of options available, choosing the right speaker for your event can be a daunting task. In this article, I will share insights and provide valuable tips on selecting the best motivational speaker for your audience.

As an experienced speaker, I have been featured alongside renowned personalities like Zig Ziglar, Mel Robbins, Jim Rohn, Molly Bloom, Michael Gerber, Sally Hogshead, Sean Achor, and Gino Wickman (to name a few).

The Importance of Choosing the Right Motivational Speaker

Motivational speakers possess the ability to ignite passion and empower individuals to overcome obstacles, achieve goals, and unlock their true potential. To ensure the success of your event, it is crucial to choose a speaker who possesses effective communication skills, personal experiences that resonate with the audience, and a profound understanding of human psychology. By carefully considering the following three key factors, you can make an informed decision when selecting a motivational speaker.

Outcome: Inspiring Transformation

One of the primary considerations when choosing a motivational speaker is defining the desired outcome. Ask yourself, what do you want the audience to think, feel, and do after experiencing the speaker's message? Whether it is to inspire innovation, encourage teamwork, or promote personal growth, understanding your desired outcome will help you identify a speaker who aligns with your event's objectives.

Budget: Balancing Investment and Value

Budget is an important practical constraint to consider. While it is crucial to allocate resources wisely, remember that the impact of a motivational speaker extends far beyond the event itself. Investing in a speaker who can genuinely engage and inspire your audience can lead to long-lasting benefits for your organization or group. Consider the potential return on investment when making your decision.

Connection: Harmonizing Values and Style

To maximize the impact of a motivational speaker, it is essential to evaluate whether they share the same values and style as your audience. A speaker who can connect on a deeper level and understands the unique challenges and aspirations of your audience will have a more profound impact. Look for a speaker whose authenticity resonates with your audience, fostering a genuine connection that sparks inspiration.

Exploring the Top 100 Motivational Speakers

Now, let's delve into the list of the Top 100 Motivational Speakers (created by Eric Papp) featuring a diverse range of professionals who have made a significant impact in the industry. From dynamic communicators to experienced thought leaders, this list offers a wide array of options to suit your event's specific requirements. Take the time to review their profiles, watch their videos, and consider their expertise, style, and relevance to your audience. To ensure your picker is a good one, contact your favorite speaker's bureau agent to ensure you're getting the right fit for your event. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right motivational speaker is a crucial step toward creating a transformative event experience. By considering the desired outcome, budget constraints, and connection with your audience, you can identify a speaker who will captivate, inspire, and motivate your attendees. Remember, the impact of a great motivational speaker extends far beyond the event itself, fostering positive change and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential. Embrace the power of motivation and unlock a world of endless possibilities for your event or organization.

If you're curious about the value I'd deliver to your team or audience, reach out to info@vinceposcente.com (The email is free. The speech?... not so much ;-)

How will you sustain value from your messaging?

What has retention power? It’s a fact that swag alone, from some factory made in a far-away-land, falls short.

Tim and Maureen booked the Las Vegas venue. They put hundreds of hours into ensuring their clients would get maximum value during their clients’ commitment to attend the two-day conference.

Time and again - conference planners default to a backpack or coffee mug with the logo of the event. The assumption is the attendee would correlate a positive experience whenever they see their swag. Of course - Maya Angelou’s "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” is apropos. But why stop there?

What if your speaker made them FEEL awesome AND they took home a keepsake that had SUSTAINED value? Organizers Tim and Maureen got that.

💡They purchased a book for every single attendee.
💡No one throws a book out.
💡More than ever before, actual paper (aka a non-digital book) is a novelty.
💡 BEST OF ALL the book directly supported content, storytelling, and notes taken during my presentation experience.

Sustain value after your messaging. Ensure there’s retention power for a message that made your audience feel they’re in the right place at the right time. They’ll never forget your investment of time and money.

In addition... 
It’s the best little hen house in Texas. Its eggs provide some crackin’ good business lessons. Today’s post is about unreasonable timelines some well-meaning leaders expect in a world of instant gratification.
 
Hens brood. It’s not the angry neighbor brooding you might be thinking of. It’s an instinct that a hen sits on eggs until they hatch. The problem with our hens and their seven-second memory banks, they keep forgetting we don’t have a rooster. Hence, their eggs aren’t fertilized. Brooding hens don’t leave their eggs until they hatch. They barely eat or drink. They take commitment to a whole new level of stubbornness. These ‘girls’ practically kill themselves with weeks of uninformed optimism. Therefore, “Don’t tolerate it. Go with it.”

Where do you get fertilized eggs? Google knows where the gaggles are. Put those rooster-inspired eggs under said Stubborn Hen. Now, you wait. A couple of weeks later, chicks start hatching.
 
That was six – long - months ago. These hatchlings figured out how to survive. We’re somewhat Darwinian around here. We wanted out kids to figure out how the world works. We avoided helicopter and snowplow parenting. We’re significantly more hands-off when it comes to chickens. We leave it up to the mother hen to help her adopted young ins navigate their surroundings.
 
If you’ve visited our one-acre backyard is a mini wild kingdom. Predators abound. To our amazement, five of six chicks beat the odds and survived to finally produce our first harvest of eggs.
 
It took nearly six months from bringing these beings into existence to produce results. We gave them the environment to be safe and thrive. They sorted out their pecking order and routines.
 
Leaders who expect unreasonable productivity timelines take note. With patience and trust in the process, the results are delicious.
 
#leadership #resultsculture #productivity #takeaways
#value #sustainvalue #swag #takeaways

How will I serve with love?

This question is pervasive 365 days a year. It’s a question that I live by. It’s a question instead of a statement. It is the direction on my compass that I keep checking in with.

It’s my question. It may not be your ideal question. Therefore:

What intrinsic question resonates with how you wish to live your life?

Years ago I took a course put on by Context Associated. They delivered a profound set of self-development courses where one realization led to the next.

The first course I took was called The Pursuit of Excellence. The salesperson, now a friend, pitched it when I was preparing to go to compete in the Olympic Winter Games. Silently I wondered, “What do I need to learn about excellence when I’m already going to the Olympics?” (It turns out I had a mountain of self-discovery to experience.)

The subsequent courses revealed more and more about how I could live fully.

The value of taking a course with other people is you can hear their journey and learn from external insights. It was the single most important thing I did in my life (at a time when my first marriage was in shambles). That marriage ended but the growth continued.

By the final course, I learned a bunch of ways to thrive. The most valuable takeaway was how to live IN my question.

What is your question? What has no answer beyond what is answerable (dare I say “livable”) right now?

Living in this moment ➡️ living in your question ➡️ may be the path to inner peace.

How will I serve with love?

Also...we humans don’t make sense sometimes. We think the best time to make a rational decision is when we’re comfortable. But we are frequently inclined to pivot when we are emotional, uncomfortable, or both. What’s up with that?
 
If I had a soap box it would be placed in the middle of “Safety Square.” The world of corporate safety is a fascinating reflection of the human condition. When things are good, and no one is getting hurt, the safety initiatives are generally on autopilot. But the second an incident occurs a call for improvement is enforced. When people get hurt or killed, a commitment to change has the full attention of everyone.
 
Regarding commitment, whether it is safety at work, home, play, or in relationships, the secret lies in seeking discomfort.
 
No one likes to seek uncomfortable feelings - but that is where change is inspired.
 
Recall the yin and yang symbol. Rational decisions mix with emotional decisions. Get too emotional and logic fades away. Stick to pure logic and decisions have no urgency.
 
Paradoxically, get too comfortable and urgency is elusive. Get too uncomfortable and decisions become desperate.
 
John F. Kennedy said, “The time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining.” Do we do this? Of course not. We wait until it rains while a leak causes more damage than was necessary.
 
We, humans, could make better decisions.
 
We could embrace the optimum zone in The Commitment Paradox.
 
But that makes too much sense.

#selfhelp #servewithlove #yourquestion #setbacktobreakthrough #goalsetting #achievment #truth #dominantthoughts

A person living ‘on purpose’ is happier.

PART ONE:

An organization acting ‘on purpose’ is united. A culture exhibiting its purpose is magnetic. People want to be around people who activate their purpose. The question for activators and leaders is how and how fast can I make that happen?

There are headwinds. They are internal doubts and external uncertainty. Activate purpose and you’ll decode all aspects of your personal mission. Look for signposts and tools to propel you forward.

Inside your head and heart, there is fear, ego, childhood setbacks, relationship trainwrecks, financial hiccups, situational deficiencies, imagined roadblocks, and real-time challenges that all mess with the path to living a purpose-focused life. It is all too easy for others to say, “Find your purpose!”

Another headwind is the competition that is all around you. It could be you think that…

➡️ Fantasizing about comfort and security all you want, your competition probably has an agenda that does not include you.

➡️ Getting a job over someone else is in your face.

➡️ Winning a contract over a worthy opponent is weighing on you.

➡️ Capturing your share-of-wallet would eliminate some stress.

➡️ Overcoming paralyzing losses might hold you down.

➡️ Leaving a job for greener pastures plops you in the middle of a field of uncertainty.

How will you stay centered, relevant, and indispensable? How will your team supersede other rivals? How will others know you have their backs?

With my clients, I offer tools for Zenlike equanimity and Ninja-like scrappiness. Meanwhile, self-determination will be augmented by the speed of execution. How wisely they proceed will reveal how far they can exceed their own expectations and those of others.

It all starts with activating purpose.

PART TWO:

When he was a kid, he dreamed about touring. Dreams have a price. Get this - to open for a headliner, emerging bands like About You, need to pay for food, transportation, lodging, and gear. Yikes!! Below, Max gives us a lesson in getting funded.
 
People are motivated in two ways.
 
Fear, Loss, Pain
and
Love, Gain, Pleasure
He inspires both.
 
Max's most popular song, MoNa (MOther NAture) wants us to come together and save the planet.
 
A few months ago, he crowdfunded this goal. "Our goal? Raise a minimum of $10,000 to make this tour more sustainable - every bit makes a difference! Both for the band and the environment.” They came close to their target and went on tour.
 
When you see social advertising or tv/radio ads you see a

➡️ fear of loss/pain approach or an

➡️ opportunity to gain approach.
 
“Fear is a more powerful motivator than the opportunity to gain.”
 
Political ads jockey for your vote. They may demonize “the enemy” while pinpointing the loss and pain if that “horrible person” gets elected. This tactic triggers the amygdala, the brain’s gateway. This fear part of the brain control motivators of anger and disgust. Fear limits information to getting to the prefrontal cortex where good judgment and interpreting long-term consequences are triggered. Another part of the brain (VTA) is also throttled, thereby limiting feelings of reward and pleasure.
 
So, for those of us who are motivated by fear, we may feel compelled to lock arms with About You in their mission to tour with sustainable initiatives.
 
For those of us who are motivated to be a benefactor of the arts (or just believe in Max) got a shot of your brain’s feel-good dopamine by supporting the tour.
 
Max demonstrated we can leverage both fear and love to live the dream.

#culture #leaders #purposedriven #quietquitting

Who sets out to build character?

Maybe someone who has hit rock bottom and realizes a different way is needed. Possibly someone who doesn’t like what they see in the mirror? It could be a simple case of just trying to be a better person.

Helen Keller perceived it this way, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”

Any way you approach the development of character, chances are it will be a path of either discipline or a dose of ‘ye shall overcome.’ Ease and quiet is definitely a curl up and enjoy this moment but driving forward and skinning knees is going to be a way to a richer life experience.

Is there a way to enjoy trials and struggles? Look to your character to answer that riddle:

💡 Are you curious? Then make your curiosity character trait front and center. Take away learning from this challenge.

💡 Are you creative? Do you get energy from the process of seeing the world in a new and fun way? Then ensure you fashion your approach creatively.

💡 Are you a solution-oriented person? Does the feeling of solving problems give you the spice of life?

There are myriad ways to develop your character. You can both grow by choice or circumstance.

Either way, let’s grow.

I hesitated even sending out this post today. Simply because it’s so basic and obvious. But consider this post for those of us who are holding off on starting a project.

For those of us who need to be certain of all the next steps. This is for you.

Just start.

Things in motion tend to stay in motion. So set your project in motion by simply starting.

➡️ Open a door and see what’s behind it.
➡️ Make a call with someone who knows the space you’re entering.
➡️ Trust the answers will appear as you proceed.

Momentum needs a start. Yes, this is obvious but uncertainty stands in the way of starting a project. Despite momentum being the key to success, its precursor, “starting” can be intimidating. Consider this your nudge to start.

For those who know exactly what’s going to unfold - kudos. You’re ahead of the curve. This message is for the rest of us who will learn along the way.

Again... just start.

#leadershipdevelopment #salescoaching #setbacktobreakthrough

Chances are, if your lips are moving you’re selling something. The importance of stellar communication starts with active listening - not talking.

If you’re trying to get across a message to an employee, coworker, or even a teenager then it’s important to, as Stephen Covey says, “seek first to understand then to be understood.”

Once your lips start moving it may be too late to really have impact and influence. As we all attempt to go through our days and accomplish certain objectives it’s clear other people will likely be part of the solution.

Please join me as I walk through this topic with Rock and Rich. Their style of podcasting is one I think you will enjoy.

In the meantime, just know, that if your lips are moving, chances are you are selling something. Choose your words wisely based on what you’ve first sought to understand.

Hear the podcast with this link:
https://lnkd.in/gZZtWC-V

#influence #coworker #communication #rockandrich #setbacktobreakthrough

Passion makes up for a lack of humor chops or mediocre speaking skills.

Over the years, our office regularly gets calls from folks wanting insights regarding the speaking business. 100% of the time I personally take those calls because I was in their exact same position many years ago. Hence, I pay it forward with 15 minutes on what’s essential in this biz.

Every few weeks we’ll get a call from a celebrity agent, or best-selling author looking to go from good speeches to great audience experiences. In these cases, I’ll offer a three-month speech coaching contract. (PS I have my own coach as one should never underestimate the value of an outside perspective.)

One of my past speaking clients had a significant market presence in the financial world. This guy lives entirely in his left brain. Data makes him all giddy. Telling jokes and presentation humor is NOT his jam.

“Vince, how can I be funny?” he asked during one session.

“You can hire Mack Dryden. Also, you can also lean into your passion,” I replied. “When you talk about compound interest as the 8th wonder of the world it’s truly entertaining in a dorky sort of way. You get all animated and passionate about it. Keep doing that and you don’t necessarily have land jokes in your financial talk.”

Another gentleman who netted over $200m per year approached me to be his speech coach. He wanted to improve his speaking skills at his industry events. On our 15-minute call, I reviewed what I saw from his recording in front of 500 business leaders. I declined to coach him for one reason - his desire for presentation skills was not worth 3 months of his or my time. He had all the passion in the world. He was better on stage than he thought. His passionate take on overcoming obstacles superseded any “ums” or lack of speaking chops he demonstrated.

Whether it’s a presentation, leadership style, or sales acumen ➡️ lead with passion and your platform skills become secondary.

#leadershipskills #salesskills #speakingskills #speechcoach