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 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

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

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

Here’s what I learned from writing eight books on leadership for the self. It’s easy to write a bad book. It’s a worthy challenge to write a good book. What makes a good book?

Psssst. This also applies to memos, emails, and letters.

If you’ve got a book in you, here are a few objectives that I personally strive for (and hopefully achieve):

💡 Make it a Page Turner. Every sentence, paragraph, and chapter should entice the reader to want to read the next sentence, paragraph, and chapter. If you get the reader so flipping curious to know what’s next, give yourself a gold star.

💡 Make it Innovative or Counter Intuitive. If the reader thinks, “No $#1+ Sherlock,” then you’ve missed the mark. Use this as your mantra… “Never state the obvious.” Example: “Fall is here and the leaves are turning color,” or “You may be stuck between a rock and hard place,” then you have lost your audience.  Think of clichés and aphorisms as toxic book sludge.

💡 Bring People Into an Experience. Content does not rule the day if the experience doesn't lead the way. Yes, you want to grab someone’s attention with a point that has them think, “Gee, I didn’t think of it that way.” But then quickly transition into a story that has them noodling on what this must have felt like. At this point, you can support the story with your irresistible content.

This video is an exploration of a story-forward concept that is full of content designed to help people like you and me to get past any personal earthquakes. Heck, the Dalai Lama liked it…

I trust this helps.

#authortips #leadershipskills #TheEarthquake #dalailama #setbacktobreakthrough

Catch a decision maker off guard with your willingness to walk away and they’ll lean into what you have to offer.
 
In 2010 Music World Entertainment hired me to motivate their staff to “do what the competition is not willing to do.” MWE’s founder, Mathew Knowles helped his daughters Beyonce and Solange Knowles build their careers. First guiding Destiny’s Child then managing two successful solo careers.
 
From the age of 10, Max Poscente made it clear he would be a professional musician. I brought him to Houston to check out his dad's speech while he might gain some insight from the rest of the agenda. COO John Cawley was the first to recognize Max's potential and suggested my pre-teen son perform his own music while everyone ate lunch. Max rarely played covers back then.
 
Mathew jumped up, “Max how about you come down to Houston in a month or two and we’ll record one of your songs? Would you like that? Come to my office at the end of the day and we’ll talk about it.”
 
Waiting in the lobby, as the setting sun peeked through the window, Max insisted we should leave because “Mr. Knowles wouldn’t get my music.”
 
I encouraged Max to hear Mr. Knowles out. It was a fascinating conversation as Max finally admitted, “Mr. Knowles, I appreciate your interest, but I don’t think this will work. I just don’t think you’ll get my music.”
 
Mathew went from tilting back to leaning forward. He started selling Max on why he would be good for Max’s music career.
 
Skip ahead to Mathew and his A&R team flying up to Dallas to see Max’s band rehearse plus the makings of a 360-degree deal. At that time Beyonce wanted to spread her wings. She left MWE. With this tectonic change, Max, Mathew, and John continued their friendship as each went their separate ways.
 
I think back to that time, 12 years ago, when a music icon went from a gracious posture to a let’s-do-this vibe.
 
Here’s to friends knowing what they want and going for it.
 
#DecisionMakers #Beyonce #MusicWorld #setbacktobreakthrough

On a recent LinkedIn Poll, I asked folks, just like you, "Which leadership characteristic was most effective in a job, project, or team you've been involved with?"

Definitions of each leadership style featured were:

Autocratic – Confidently issues directives, especially in urgent situations. An autocratic leader promptly and effectively issues strategy, procedures, and direction. This leader may praise personally but will just as easily criticize someone. They can be friendly or hostile putting a priority on the health of the organization. Example: Bill Belichick and Margaret Thatcher

Participative – The leaders gather input from team members for everyone to contribute to decision-making. The leader still decides but allows others to feel engaged in the outcome. They can spark creativity while remaining objective. Examples: Indra Nooyi, Walt Disney, and Nelson Mandela.

Laissez-faire – Don’t let the name fool you. They are far from a lazy leader. They empower employees without micromanagement. They provide feedback when asked, otherwise, they listen carefully and are expert delegators. At times, the team may not fully understand the organization’s mission or the leader’s expectations. Examples: Steve Jobs and Warren Buffet.

Transformational – Employees rally around their grand vision. With a team eager to evolve personally and professionally – they coalesce under a singular cause. Their qualities include encourager, communicator, visionary, and inspirational. While lines of communication are always open, burnout and some feeling left out of the big picture may occur. Examples: Meg Whitman and Jeff Bezos
                                                              and/or
Adaptive – This leader adapts as needed. They can be an autocrat when there’s chaos than a lassez-faire leader when necessary. They may democratize decisions, then be more proactive with transformational leadership. Examples: Cynt Marshall, Richard Branson, and Abraham Lincoln

Comments included: 

"When working with companies I use Transformational. that being said, I would say a good leadership style must be situational, so the answer would be Adaptive. Whereas when working on a new project and looking for innovation, might be participative, etc."

Dr. Karen Jacobson, CEO of Aligned Leadership

"I gravitate to transformational but I know it depends on the situation. I pilot who has lost three engines is probably not going to focus on inspiring the team. She'll be focused on a "pack mindset" where each member of the crew knows exactly what to do. BTW, Eric McNulty has some great thinking on this in the book, "You're It: Crisis, Change, and How to Lead When It Matters Most."

Dain Dunston, Founding Partner at Reservoir, LLC

"I choose laissez-faire. That worked for me as an often traveling CEO. I had great people execute the plans day to day!"

Dianna Booher, Hall of Fame Speaker - Bestselling Author

"In the words of the late Arte Johnson, "Verly Intelesting." On the more serious side, Vince, I would have to classify myself as adaptive. The biggest challenge to that characteristic is clear communication that connects with the audience."

Brian Kennedy - Small Business Leadership Consultant

"Love the breakdown of each leadership type. I think there are good attributes to each one of these leadership styles but at the end of the day we must be able to adapt to any scenario."

Chip Eichelberger, Certified Speaking Professional

Here's to good leadership that is required in times of uncertainty, opportunity, challenge, and triumph. 

#leadershipstyles #team #bestjobever #setbacktobreakthrough