http://www.exec-comms.com/blog "...a new favorite blog for professional excellence in public speaking, speech-writing, and executive communications." - The Register, May 24, 2008 Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:30:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 2006-2009 ian.griffin@exec-comms.com (Ian Griffin) ian.griffin@exec-comms.com (Ian Griffin) 1440 http://www.exec-comms.com/Pictures/0209_exe-comms_141.png http://www.exec-comms.com/blog 144 144 A forum for professional excellence in public speaking, speechwriting and executive communications. Speech, speechwriting, business, communications, presentations Ian Griffin Ian Griffin ian.griffin@exec-comms.com no no http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/02/03/interview-timothy-tosta-transformative-listener/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/02/03/interview-timothy-tosta-transformative-listener/#comments Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:30:55 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4325 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/02/03/interview-timothy-tosta-transformative-listener/feed/ 0 0:06:36 Timothy Tosta is a cancer survivor, a seasoned hospice volunteer and a widely acclaimed speaker and lecturer. He is the author of two books and a featured columnist of the Daily Journal, California’s leading daily legal newspaper. Tim is an ex[...] Timothy Tosta is a cancer survivor, a seasoned hospice volunteer and a widely acclaimed speaker and lecturer. He is the author of two books and a featured columnist of the Daily Journal, California’s leading daily legal newspaper. Tim is an executive coach to legal and business communities. He also is recognized as one of California’s leading land-use and environmental attorneys. Tim has spoken at annual meetings, conferences and conventions of, among others, the American Bar Association, American Institute of Architects, American Planning Association, California State Bar Real Estate Section, California State Bar Trusts and Estates Section, National Association of Real Estate Editors, Practicing Law Institute, California Association of Appellate Lawyers, Urban Land Institute, California City Managers Foundation, Association of Corporate Counsel, and California Coalition for Compassionate Care. In addition to the topics of planning, development, sustainability and the environment, related to his legal career, Tim is a frequent speaker to legal and business gatherings on topics of human potential, fulfilled living, and conscious dying. Transformative Listening Tim’s currently most requested talk is Transformative Listening, in which he describes how one of the most fundamental human competencies in establishing and maintaining relationships – listening – has become a lost art. Tim shares what he has learned about listening from his experiences as a 37 year veteran of law practice, a 20 year cancer survivor, a parent and husband and an eight year hospice volunteer. Tim demonstrates how to build listening skills that allow you to break through communication barriers that separate you from authentic relationships and fulfilled living. Author and Blogger Tim is the author of #DEATH tweet, Book 01 – A Well Lived Life through 140 Perspectives on Death and Its Teachings and #DEATH tweet, Book 02 – 140 Perspectives on Being a Supportive Witness to the End of Life. He currently is writing his third book, with his wife Nancy, #DOG tweet – 140 Perspectives on What Our Dogs Teach Us About Being Human. In addition to his monthly columns for the Daily Journal, Tim also blogs on life and death issues at Coaching Counsel. Pro-Track Profile I had a chance to talk with Tim at a recent Pro-Track 2012 class. I asked him about his background as a native of the Bay Area, his legal career and life since he was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago. He told me about his work with the dying in hospices and what career professionals can learn from this. To hear what he told me, click on the podcast icon below. Ian Griffin no no http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/30/urban-life-in-modern-china-rush-rush-to-crush-crush/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/30/urban-life-in-modern-china-rush-rush-to-crush-crush/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:33:31 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4308 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/30/urban-life-in-modern-china-rush-rush-to-crush-crush/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/27/relevant-resources-books-to-kick-off-2012/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/27/relevant-resources-books-to-kick-off-2012/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:16:12 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4146 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/27/relevant-resources-books-to-kick-off-2012/feed/ 1 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/16/manufacturing-industry-why-china-will-win-hands-down/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/16/manufacturing-industry-why-china-will-win-hands-down/#comments Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:11:12 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4238 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/16/manufacturing-industry-why-china-will-win-hands-down/feed/ 1 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/13/guest-posting-worst-brand-name-award-of-2011-by-alexandra-watkins/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/13/guest-posting-worst-brand-name-award-of-2011-by-alexandra-watkins/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:36:28 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4219 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/13/guest-posting-worst-brand-name-award-of-2011-by-alexandra-watkins/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/11/interview-larry-dodd-change-agent/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/11/interview-larry-dodd-change-agent/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:44:02 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4164 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/11/interview-larry-dodd-change-agent/feed/ 0 0:03:43 Larry Dodd is a proven financial leader, consultant and trainer who applies an innovative, people-centered approach that helps the teams that he serves turn problems into business opportunities. His professional career includes CFO roles with Robe[...] Larry Dodd is a proven financial leader, consultant and trainer who applies an innovative, people-centered approach that helps the teams that he serves turn problems into business opportunities. His professional career includes CFO roles with Robert Half’s CFO Services (consulting); Signature Properties and Meritage Homes. His client experience ranges from startups to established companies with revenues in excess of $1 billion. Larry’s industry knowledge spans health care, agriculture, auto racing, high technology, Major League Baseball, manufacturing, professional services and real estate development. His diverse array of clients are linked by a critical need to make a change in their business. In 2011 Larry returned to his entrepreneurial roots by founding OpenPlaybook™, a consulting company specializing in change management consulting, management training and leadership coaching. OpenPlaybook helps companies and the people that lead them turn adversity into success, one team at a time. OpenPlaybook provides the leaders of change with the tools they need to unite the right team with the right vision; to discover and share individual team member strengths; and to provide a clear playbook outlining individual responsibilities and their impact on the team’s mission as a whole. The result is an effective team committed to the transformation process and to each other in a spirit of mutual accountability. Pro-Track Profile Larry honed his speaking and training skills by serving as an Instructor for Dale Carnegie Training where he taught hundreds of business people how to become more effective leaders and communicators by strengthening their human relations and public speaking skills. He is also a polished public speaker and management trainer. His topics include transforming organizations with strong, people-centered values; building stronger interpersonal relationships; developing and maximizing leadership skills; the business of running a Major League Baseball team and changing careers. In addition, he has served as a guest Instructor on Leadership for the University of San Francisco’s MBA in Sports Management Program. To hear more about Larry’s background and what attracted him to the 2012 NSA Northern California Pro-Track program, click on the podcast icon below. Ian Griffin no no http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/09/revealed-the-productivity-secrets-of-laura-stack/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/09/revealed-the-productivity-secrets-of-laura-stack/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:39:55 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4167 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/09/revealed-the-productivity-secrets-of-laura-stack/feed/ 4 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/02/recommended-death-by-powerpoint-by-alexei-kapterev/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/02/recommended-death-by-powerpoint-by-alexei-kapterev/#comments Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:36:53 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4151 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2012/01/02/recommended-death-by-powerpoint-by-alexei-kapterev/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/22/video-creative-challenges-for-the-holidays/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/22/video-creative-challenges-for-the-holidays/#comments Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:20:49 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4135 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/22/video-creative-challenges-for-the-holidays/feed/ 2 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/19/book-review-the-wall-street-journal-guide-to-information-graphics-by-dona-m-wong/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/19/book-review-the-wall-street-journal-guide-to-information-graphics-by-dona-m-wong/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:16:51 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4117 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/19/book-review-the-wall-street-journal-guide-to-information-graphics-by-dona-m-wong/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/13/guest-posting-write-like-a-pro-by-carey-c-giudici/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/13/guest-posting-write-like-a-pro-by-carey-c-giudici/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:17:53 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4111 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/13/guest-posting-write-like-a-pro-by-carey-c-giudici/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/12/book-review-you-talkin-to-me-by-sam-leith/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/12/book-review-you-talkin-to-me-by-sam-leith/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:23:14 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4044 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/12/book-review-you-talkin-to-me-by-sam-leith/feed/ 2 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/10/relevant-resources-holiday-gifts/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/10/relevant-resources-holiday-gifts/#comments Sun, 11 Dec 2011 02:26:16 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4050 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/12/10/relevant-resources-holiday-gifts/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/28/interview-manuela-pauer-life-coach/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/28/interview-manuela-pauer-life-coach/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:14:38 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4035 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/28/interview-manuela-pauer-life-coach/feed/ 0 0:05:18 Manuela Pauer, CPCC is a Certified Professional Coach and workshop leader. She is an authority in personal leadership and self empowerment. She works with clients who are stuck doing what they think they “should” be doing, rather than what they wan[...] Manuela Pauer, CPCC is a Certified Professional Coach and workshop leader. She is an authority in personal leadership and self empowerment. She works with clients who are stuck doing what they think they “should” be doing, rather than what they want to be doing. Her specialty is helping people fall in love with themselves so they can fall in love with their life. Her work experience spans Strategy Consulting at Bain & Company, Product Management and Strategic Development at a successful start-up, and Executive Director of Product Management and Strategic Planning at AOL. Manuela left the corporate world behind 4 years ago, when it became clear that she was feeling deeply unhappy despite her career success. She decided to give up the career she had worked so hard for to get back in touch with who she was and to find a vocation she loves. She realized that looking successful on the outside means nothing without feeling successful on the inside. And in order to feel successful on the inside, she had to fully accept and fall in love with herself first. Today, she is sharing the process she went through with other professionals who feel unfulfilled or stuck in their lives or careers and helps them rediscover their passion and purpose. Manuela completed her coach and leadership training at the Coaches Training Institute and her relationship systems training at the Center for Right Relationships. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley. Public Speaking Manuela’s audiences walk away with new insights and practices that they can implement right away to increase their confidence, improve their relationships, and re-power their lives and careers. Her most popular presentations include: Transform Your Inner Critic into Your Inner Champion The Five Fallacies of Success that Keep Us Overworked, Overwhelmed, and Unhappy Authentic Leadership: Making an Impact While Being True to Who You Are You can register here for her upcoming workshops. Pro-Track Profile Manuela is a member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association Pro-Track class of 2011. I interviewed Manuela during a recent Pro-Track class and reviewed her reasons for enrolling in the program and why she recommends it to others. She also shares her insights into her role as a life coach and a simple but powerful tip to help people improve their self-esteem. To hear what she told me, click on the podcast icon below. Ian Griffin no no http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-all-about-money/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-all-about-money/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:59:29 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4023 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/23/infographic-all-about-money/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/19/toastmaster-time-tv-speech-a-tale-of-two-cities/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/19/toastmaster-time-tv-speech-a-tale-of-two-cities/#comments Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:36:22 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=4003 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/11/19/toastmaster-time-tv-speech-a-tale-of-two-cities/feed/ 4 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/31/video-making-presentations-unforgettable-kim-a-page/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/31/video-making-presentations-unforgettable-kim-a-page/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:24:48 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=3995 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/31/video-making-presentations-unforgettable-kim-a-page/feed/ 0 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/28/interview-paul-larsen-business-consultant/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/28/interview-paul-larsen-business-consultant/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 14:20:44 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=3973 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/28/interview-paul-larsen-business-consultant/feed/ 0 0:04:57 Paul Larsen is an engaging and inspiring business consultant with over 20 years of experience within the business world. He has a proven track record of success in advancing strategic thought, streamlining operations, driving profits, and maximizin[...] Paul Larsen is an engaging and inspiring business consultant with over 20 years of experience within the business world. He has a proven track record of success in advancing strategic thought, streamlining operations, driving profits, and maximizing organizational growth and development within Fortune 100, start-up, high-tech, and non-profit environments. Paul realizes that many organizations today are overrun with the “tourist” mentality: “Let someone else figure it out and then tell me what to do.” Paul asks: On life’s journey…are you a Tourist or a Traveler? Do you drive your tour bus or let someone else do the driving? Do you set your own itinerary or let someone else schedule your life? Paul relishes all opportunities to transform leaders and teams from being “tourists” in their own companies into being “true travelers” and thus, take initiative and ownership for their results. The outcome is the creation of a well-connected, agile and motivating workplace of amazing results. Paul is a frequent conference and workshop speaker on leadership and development at such organizations as the Southern Oncology Association of Practices (SOAP), American Society of Training & Development (ASTD), and the Northern California Human Resource Association (NCHRA). His organizational development work has been featured in the latest book, Consulting on the Inside by Bev Scott and B. Kim Barnes. And his latest article, “Your Front Office: Create Fantastic First Impressions that Last!” was recently featured in the journal of the Professional Association of Health Care Office Management (PAHCOM). Paul has a B.A. in History from the University of the Pacific and a M.A. in Human Resources Organizational Development from the University of San Francisco. He is a current member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), NCHRA, ASTD and the Bay Area Organization Development Network (BAODN). In his spare time, he can be found somewhere in the world helping communities as a member of a project team with Global Volunteers.org. Pro-Track Profile Paul is a member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association Pro-Track class of 2011. I interviewed Paul during a recent Pro-Track class and reviewed his reasons for enrolling in the program and the value he gets from the “learning community” of fellow speakers. He also shares his insights into his role as a coach and consultant. To hear what he told me, click on the podcast icon below. Ian Griffin no no http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/14/relevant-resources-for-writers/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/14/relevant-resources-for-writers/#comments Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:20:53 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=3937 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/14/relevant-resources-for-writers/feed/ 2 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/04/interview-madelyn-mackie-career-coach/ http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/04/interview-madelyn-mackie-career-coach/#comments Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:02:01 +0000 Ian http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/?p=3923 http://www.exec-comms.com/blog/2011/10/04/interview-madelyn-mackie-career-coach/feed/ 0 0:05:28 Madelyn Mackie is a Professional Development and Career Advancement expert. Having successfully navigated careers in biochemistry research, Tony Award winning theaters and major nonprofit agencies, she brings experience, motivation and step-by-step [...] Madelyn Mackie is a Professional Development and Career Advancement expert. Having successfully navigated careers in biochemistry research, Tony Award winning theaters and major nonprofit agencies, she brings experience, motivation and step-by-step action plans that will Activate Your Career Dreams! Ask any 5-year-old what they want to be when they grow up and they might answer, “a firefighter,” “an astronaut” or even “President of the United States.” Madelyn Mackie dreamed of being a Superhero and using her talents, strengths and unique gifts to change the world. Madelyn believes that the road to career success and happiness starts with having and living BIG dreams. In college while researching articles for tenured chemistry professors, she dreamed of finding the cure for cancer and other lifesaving scientific discoveries. While working in small community theaters, she dreamed of being a part of with Tony Award winning productions. And up until a few years ago, she dreamed of a job that would allow her to leap tall buildings in a single bound and save the world! All those big dreams have come true. Career coaching Madelyn believes that life is too short to be unhappy, work at a job you hate and not make a difference. She brings experience, motivation and step-by-step action plans that will motivate everyone to activate their career dreams. Madelyn’s newest workshop, Activate Your Resume! helps individuals refresh outdated resumes, highlight their strengths and showcase their experience for their next dream job. Participants will walk out with a professional, current, stylish resume that will get results! In today’s competitive job market, Human Resource Managers want more than just a professional, confident, smart candidate with a charming personality. Madelyn’s Activate Your Interview! workshop promises give you the confidence you need to land the job. Find out the best way to research a company before you walk in the door. Learn how to answer the top 10 interview questions and the dreaded “uh oh” question. Discover the one thing you should bring to every job interview that will help you stand out from the pack. For more information on Madelyn’s speaking presentation and workshops visit ActivateYourCareerDreams.com Pro-track Profile Madelyn is a member of the Northern California Chapter of the National Speakers Association Pro-Track class of 2011. As part of the class, she has created an intriguing demo video. I interviewed Madelyn during a recent Pro-Track class and reviewed her reasons for enrolling in the program and the value she gets from the classes. She shared her insights into job searching, the value of LinkedIn and a key tip to customize a resume. To hear what she told me, click on the podcast icon below. Podcasts Ian Griffin no no