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Keynote Speaker Feature: Learn To Dance in the Rain by Steve Rizzo

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Steve Rizzo is a one-of-a-kind motivational-keynote-speaking triple threat. Not only is he a teacher with a powerful message, he’s extremely funny and inspirational. Mostly known as: ‘The Attitude Adjuster,” Steve spreads his positive message to the masses. In Steve’s article, he reveals the Hawaiian secret to being happy.

Last week I spent four wonderful days at the Four Seasons Hotel in Kona Hawaii, where I had the pleasure of speaking to a wonderful group of Top-Sales Performers and spouses of Ameritus Financial.

My job was to give them the tools they needed to embrace the changes and intense growth they were currently experiencing — and will inevitably continue to experience in the coming years. I knew the tension was high, but I was prepared.

One morning, two hours before my speech, I was having breakfast at a restaurant with a captivating view of the ocean. As the waitress was pouring my coffee, I asked, “Why is it that no matter where they are, or what they are doing, Hawaiian people always seem to be happy and at peace with themselves? Is there some kind of secret that I should know about? And if there is, can you please tell me?”

She laughed and looked around as if to make sure that no one was listening and in a low voice she replied, “Mr. Rizzo today is your lucky day. For today I will tell you the secret that most Hawaiian people live by.” She sat down in the chair next to me, motioned me to get closer and whispered in my ear. “We learn to dance in the rain.”

Before I had a chance to respond, she reached into her pocket and pulled out a laminated card and handed it to me and said, “This is for you. It really is a secret that should be shared with everyone.” “Don’t wait for the storms of your life to pass. Learn to dance in the rain”.

Read that again my friend. That statement is a touchstone for living a successful, happier life, especially when you are experiencing intense change and growth of any kind. That in part is the message I shared with the wonderful people of Ameritus Financial.

“Dancing in the rain” is an attitude that truly happy and successful people live by and few dancers come by it naturally. Can you learn to dance in the rain when the storms of change and misfortune are pouring down on you? I believe the answer is yes. It’s a matter of shifting your focus and way of thinking when times are tough that makes the difference.

That is to say, when the storms of life are pouring down on you, you can muster up enough courage to dance and bless the things that life has given you, or, you can drown as you curse your challenges and unfortunate circumstances. I don’t know about you, but I’ll take dancing over drowning any day!!

To check availability and book Steve Rizzo for your next event:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit his keynote speaker profile page.

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Keynote Speaker Feature: ‘Life Lessons Learned from LINsanity’ By Devon Harris

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Devon Harris is a top motivational speaker and three-time Jamaican Bobsled Team Olympian. He uses his real-life stories of perseverance, persistence, and powerful stage presence to positively impact thousands at Fortune 100 companies, non-profits, governmental organizations, schools, and universities. In Devon’s article, he discusses the inspirational rise of the new NBA superstar, Jeremy Lin. Devon uses examples of Jeremy breaking through barriers throughout his life, along with tips of how you can create your own version of success.

CATCH THE LINSANITY!!!

I can’t say I’m totally Linsane, but my faith that I live in the land of “anything is possible” has been renewed and rejuvenated.  The New York Knicks unlikely savior has me tuned into the shortened NBA season and turned on for three reasons:

1. Living just north of NYC, it is extremely cool to see the New York Knickerbockers bringing respect and dignity back to the fabled Madison Square Garden and making new fans of all ages and backgrounds.

2. I am always happy to see someone succeed, especially after overcoming adversity.

3. As a Jamaican bobsledder I am super stoked to see someone break the stereotypical mold. As a Taiwanese-American born basketball player, Jeremy Lin doesn’t break the mold, HE OBLITERATES IT!

Stepping out of the bleachers and up to the lectern, I’d like to highlight Lin’s greatest attributes.  I’m not talking jump shot, crossover dribble or court vision.  I’m talking about attributes we can use in all our endeavors.

Believe in yourself
Despite being a high-school standout, Jeremy received not one scholarship offer. Poor guy had to slum it at Harvard instead of Kansas, UConn or the ‘Cuse. With the Crimson, he managed to handle his studies and while leading Harvard’s ballers to unprecedented heights. Still he was overlooked by “those in the know.” Earning All-Ivy First Team honors multiple years did not even get Jeremy Lin a look in the 2010 NBA Draft. He had to settle for a partially guaranteed contract with the Golden State Warriors. He spent more time in the D League then with the Warriors. The Houston Rockets eventually picked him up. Total court time with the Rockets through the preseason: 7 minutes.

After Houston released him, the guard-hungry Knicks signed him, then sent him back to the D-League. Injuries to the Knicks’ already paper-thin guard corps, gave J Lin another chance … to sit the bench. He totaled 55 minutes in the first 23 games – then it happened. Those ahead of him, on the roster, started dropping like flies. Finally, when the coach looked down the bench and he was just about the only one there, Jeremy Lin got his chance … literally a last resort.

Could you imagine after all those signs indicating you’re not even good enough for a an athletic scholarship, never mind the NBA, to walk onto the Madison Square Garden court under the hottest microscope in the world and perform? Imagine the genuine self-confidence, his unshakeable belief in himself. The fact that others did not believe in him did not discourage him. In fact, it may have made him stronger. He had something to prove!

Persistence Pays
No scholarships, not drafted, bench sores on his butt, racial slurs … Jeremy Lin faced it all. Even before the NBA, opposing teams discounted him, coaches and scouts ignored him, and fans jeered him. His response?  PERSIST!  Persevere. Now that Lin is an emerging phenom he will no doubt sign a guaranteed contract worth more than 10x what he is currently earning. Let me put Jeremy Lin’s story into a simple mathematical equation for you bottom-liners. Persistence + Perseverance = PAY OFF.

Get Lucky
My friend and fellow Jamaican bobsledder Jason Morris says luck enters when preparation meets opportunity. Jeremy Lin can be the poster boy for that kind of LUCK. First glance, we see an “overnight success.” But a thorough examination reveals a lifetime of preparation and patience. Jeremy’s father taught him everything he knew about basketball, and as a kid, Jeremy was either at school, at church or in the gym working on his game. While other NBA-ers view the D-League as a D-motion, Jeremy used the time to truly D-velop mid and long-range jumpers. Here’s another equation of sorts: If you hope to be half as lucky as Jeremy Lin, prepare twice as hard as Jeremy Lin.

Take your shots when you get them
No pun intended, you have to take your shots when you get them. In elementary school, I learned that the one thing that never comes back is a missed opportunity. The Knicks were off to a terrible start, but even with that Jeremy Lin would not have gotten off the bench if injuries and other issues hadn’t depleted the roster. So yeah, fate entered, but he was more than ready. The average off-the-bench point guard comes in shaky and shies away from taking shots because he’s afraid to make mistakes. Only one in a million dare to take over games. Dare to take the last second, game-winning shot! Jeremy Lin is clearly not the run-of-the-mill fill-in. He hasn’t just risen to the occasion; he raised the bar for all young players who will have to follow. He’s the first NBA player to put up at least 20 points and seven assists in his first six starts. He went from unknown to the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in his FIRST week. Most importantly, as of this writing, the Lin-led Knicks are undefeated in 7 games. He hasn’t just taken his shot; he has given his team, the league and the entire world a shot of adrenaLIN. So the next time, you think you can’t, get YOUR adrenaLIN pumping! With it, you have the potential to be LINvincible!

Keep on Pushing!

To check availability and book Devon Harris for your next event:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit his keynote speaker profile page.

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Quote of the Week: Steve Ford, Son of Former US President Gerald Ford

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Alexis Washington

“Character is what you do when no one is looking.” -Steve Ford

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mike Walsh, Tech and Emerging Markets Speaker, Stops by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Sheldon Senek

This week we had a special treat as Mike Walsh, Technology-Emerging Markets Futurist, stopped by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau between his many, MANY (worldly) engagements. Mike was in New Jersey speaking for a large pharmaceutical company presenting how emerging technology will always change — how it will change our human behavior — and more specifically, consumer behavior.

Futurist Keynote Speaker Mike Walsh visits Eagles Talent Speakers BureauWhat I love about Mike is his passion about technology and how it affects us as people, now and in the future. He spends a lot of time researching these subjects for clients that bring him in to do a keynote presentation. I had the pleasure of seeing him speak in San Diego last year as he touched on the mobile phone, and how it will change the way do our banking and pay for things when we shop. Think of it, using your phone to pay for your morning coffee at Starbucks. This technology is already happening and being used in other parts of the world and is only a matter of time before we incorporate here.

No matter what industry, technology plays a vital role. Even in sales, how much can you get out of your website to help complete execute the sales, so your reps can focus on what they do best, the relationship factor? Mike’s also great for healthcare industries as the world is going more digital (as if it couldn’t be more digital, right?) — how will that play a role in growth — in globalizing business even further?

On a personal level, Mike is truly personable and walks the walk (on and off the keynote stage) by using his cultural background, his worldly travels, and the vast relationships he has with companies all over the globe. We will certainly be sharing more about Mike in the coming future!

For more information on Mike Walsh, we’d love to talk to you directly, learn about your organization, and share how Mike can make a positive impact. You can call us at: 1-800-345-5607.

Also, if you haven’t watched it yet, check out the exclusive video Mike made — asking the question, “Where will future growth come from?”

 

 

 

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Keynote Speaker of the Week: Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, 1st African American Female Combat Pilot

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Captain Vernice Armour has one of the most inspirational stories of a motivational speaker. Her accomplishments have made history and she easily inspires audiences with her story of becoming the first African American female combat pilot in the Marine Corps. Vernice’s message discusses the importance of goal-setting and encouraging people to chase their dreams.

Captain Vernice Armour (Known simply as “Flygirl”) knows how to conquer obstacles because of her years of hard work and dedication — which began on a hot summer day in 1994. While still in college, she went to a career day and saw something she would never forget, “a black woman in a flight suit.” Even though she went on to become a police officer first, she never forgot about the image that woman left in her mind. Vernice credits the inspiration of her sudden career change to asking herself “why not,” and to the woman whose name she doesn’t even remember.

After only a year in service, she found herself flying over the deserts of Iraq, supporting the men and women on the ground. Upon completion of two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, she realized that many people wanted to create breakthroughs in their own lives, they just didn’t know how.

So she leveraged her “Breakthrough Mentality” mindset and launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. By applying the ‘Zero to Breakthrough Success Plan’ to her own company, she produced over six-figures in revenue within the first 12 months.  Her passion now is helping organizations and individuals create similar results. The experience of her success spawned her book: Zero to Breakthrough, which has a 7-step process and reveals a plan of how to create the path that will get you out of your rut. Her book became a best seller, which is no surprise since she was featured on Oprah, the View, CNN, Tavis Smiley, NPR and many others.

Today her methods have inspired hundreds of organizations and individuals. Vernice ultimately impacts organizations and individuals with an understanding of the passion and leadership required to excel. Whether you want to jump up the corporate ladder, start your own business, or develop a passion into a livelihood, Vernice can help get you there!

To Check Availability or Book Top Motivational Keynote Speaker Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit Vernice’s speaker profile page.

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Keynote Speaker Feature: “Where’s the Tent?” by Dr. Sheila Murray Bethel

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Dr. Sheila Murray Bethel is an engaging keynote speaker, best selling author, and expert in leadership, team building, change, and customer service. In her article below, she shares a personal story of a stolen tent that has significance and a lesson we could all benefit from. 

Four friends of mine went fishing in a wild and beautiful national park. They found a perfect campsite in a pine grove next to a river that positively shimmered with fishing promise. As fast as they could, they set up their big four-person tent, stowed their belongings, and set off eagerly down the riverbank with their rods and reels.

When they returned to their campsite a few hours later, tired but happy, they stood open-mouthed in disbelief. There was a big empty space where their tent had stood. It was gone! A quick search showed that everything else was still there — their stove, tools, food, sleeping bags, and personal belongings.

Their first stunned confusion soon changed to anger and a storm of questions: Why did someone take the tent and nothing else? Was a tent all the thief needed? Did they interrupt him so he couldn’t finish the job? Or would he soon return for more? And why did he, she (or perhaps “they”) steal at all?

Fortunately, they still had their Coleman stove, frying pan, and eating utensils — all the tools they needed to cook their fish and eat it. And they still had their sleeping bags against the chilly night air. Over dinner and late into the night, they sat around the campfire, debating the significance of the missing tent. Finally they all agreed on what it meant.

At peace at last, they climbed into their sleeping bags, gazing up at stars instead of canvas. Being city people, they rarely got to see stars up close and personal, “as if you could reach up and grab them,” they told me. “And it didn’t rain!” That night they slept more deeply than they had since they were babies.

And what was the conclusion they all had reached, the discovery that allowed this oneness with the universe? They had once again realized that life is inexplicable.

All of us have sudden changes in our life that are the equivalent of having the tent stolen from over our heads. We invest ourselves heavily in a project that fails. We lose a job, become ill or go through a life crisis. But as long as we still have the basics such as courage, faith, friendship, the ability to care and laugh and hope, we still have the tools we need for life. The thieves of life can’t steal our enthusiasm and curiosity, our ability to care and love and be loved.

The moral: Someone will steal your tent every single time! Expect it, and be grateful that you still have the basics. Look up and enjoy the stars like the fishermen did. You may find new joys and opportunities that you never noticed before.

To Check Availability or Book Top Keynote Business Speaker Sheila Murray Bethel:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit Dr. Bethel’s speaker profile page.

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Keynote Speaker Feature: ‘The Girl with the Radiant Smile’ by Steve Rizzo

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Steve Rizzo is a one of a kind motivational-keynote-speaking triple threat. Not only is he a teacher with a powerful message, he’s extremely funny and inspirational. Mostly known as: ‘The Attitude Adjuster,” Steve spreads his positive message to the masses. In this article, he gives a real-life example of the importance of having a positive attitude from a conversation he had with a woman he met with a radiant smile.

One day I was walking along a pier in San Diego when I noticed a young woman dancing and singing softly to herself. Occasionally, she would stop and take a sip of her coffee. As I walked by, she waved and smiled, and this wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill, everyday smile. It was a radiant smile. I mean I actually felt uplifted as a result.  She had a certain exuberant glow about her that made me feel good too.

“Someone is happy today,” I said. Her reply was, “What’s not to be happy about? The sun is shining. It’s a beautiful morning. I have a delicious cup of coffee, and last night I was at a concert and the lead singer was singing directly to me. Life is wonderful.” I must admit that I was more than impressed. I was intrigued. (I was actually wondering what was in her coffee and where I could get some.) “Are you always like this?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “For the most part I am. It doesn’t take that much to make me happy.”  Now she really had my attention. “Don’t you ever have problems or get in a bad mood?” I asked. This made her laugh too.

“Of course I do.” she said, “I just know that bad moods are a choice and problems are relative.” I try to look at a problem as something I need to learn. If I do learn from it, then it isn’t a problem.  It’s a gift.”  She took a sip of her evidently delicious coffee and then continued. “In fact, just this morning I couldn’t start my car. Sure, I was getting frustrated. I mean I just bought it last week! It’s brand new and I was late for work. Anyway, the good news in all this is that my neighbor noticed I was having difficulty with my car and she offered to give me a ride to work.”

She beamed her radiant smile again. “You know,” she continued, “In the two years I lived next door to her, I knew nothing about her. I mean she’s my neighbor, for crying out loud! We had a wonderful conversation and we are going out for dinner tonight. So yes, my new car wouldn’t start, but I believe because of that I have a new friend. I choose to focus on that. That’s the gift within the problem.”

If we could all see our problems and mishaps from the viewpoint of the young woman with the radiant smile, our lives would be so much easier. She is living proof that it all comes down to choices.

Rather than dwell on negativity, you can choose to focus on what is working in your life, to be grateful for what you have, and to use your time and energy finding solutions to your problems.  If you do, you will be nourishing your soul and experiencing a happier, healthier reality for yourself.  Either way, the outcome is based on choices.  Choose to be happy now, no matter what is happening around you.  If you wait for something else to change first, you don’t stand a chance at happiness.  How’s that for delivering the truth.

To check availability and book Steve Rizzo for your next event:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit his keynote speaker profile page.

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Quote of The Week: 1st African American Female Combat Pilot, Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Alexis Washington

“In my journey, I have learned that obstacles are opportunities. Acknowledge the obstacles and DON”T give them power.” – Vernice Armour

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Speaker of the Week: Daymond John — Star of ABC’s Business Reality TV show, ‘Shark Tank’

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Alexis Washington

Daymond John is a best-selling author, empire builder, fashion mogul, TV personality, branding consultant, philanthropist, entrepreneurial expert, and highly sought-after motivational speaker. A self-made multimillionaire from humble beginnings, his rags-to-riches success story is why he is the personification of the American Dream.

Daymond had the good fortune to grow up in the birthplace of Hip Hop, Hollis Queens. During that time, it was one of the most influential neighborhoods in America, to which he credits the inspiration for his clothing line FUBU. With the help of some recruited neighborhood friends, Daymond created a distinctive logo and began sewing the FUBU logo on all sorts of apparel, including hockey jerseys, sweatshirts and t-shirts.

Daymond is a fashion-industry trailblazer who created an urban market, when one didn’t exist. It wasn’t long before FUBU’s big break, Daymond convinced Hollis native and Hip-Hop superstar, LL Cool J, to wear FUBU for a promotional campaign — where it gained nation-wide exposure. And the once strictly ‘urban brand,’ transcended into the mainstream markets. At it’s peak, FUBU recorded annual sales of $350 million, placing it in the same stratosphere as designer sportswear labels such as Donna Karan New York and Tommy Hilfiger.

In 2009 ABC launched a new entrepreneurial business show called Shark Tank. This realty show has five prominent executives listening to business pitches from everyday people, and the executives have the option of investing their own money into the proposals.  With all of Daymond’s success, it’s no surprise ABC recruited him to be on of the “Sharks.” He is an invaluable investor because his business advice resonates with everyone from students and small business owners to corporate CEOs.

Clearly Daymond has a mind for business that can benefit the masses, so him entering the literary world was a logical step. His first book is called Display of Power: How FUBU Changed A World Of Fashion, Branding And Lifestyle. It not only tells his inspirational story of how he rose to success, but is more like a road map for aspiring entrepreneurs. His second book, The Brand Within: How We Brand Ourselves, From Birth To The Boardroom, discusses how companies attach celebrities to their brands and products.

Daymond John the motivational and business speaker is a real treat to experience. Not only does he discuss his inspirational story of success, but he also passionately discuses topics such as: achievement, business, entrepreneurship, marketing, negotiation, branding, and advertising. His programs are catered to the client with original life-changing material that will change the way people think in business.

Click here to check out his exclusive podcast with Eagles Talent.

To check availability and book Daymond John for your next event:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit his keynote speaker profile page.

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Sally Hogshead’s Recent Interview on ABC’s ‘Live! with Kelly’

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Alexis Washington

This week, Sally Hogshead was a guest on the hit ABC morning show, Live! with Kelly. Host Kelly Ripa and guest co-host Derek Hough sat down with the branding and fascination guru to get her expert opinion on this year’s best and worst Super Bowl commercials.

To Check Availability or Book Top-Branding Expert, Sally Hogshead:
Call Eagles Talent: 1.800.345.5607
Or click here to visit Sally Hogshead’s keynote speaker profile page.

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