“Here” is Always on Local Time

I’m not a paragon of fashion, I know that. But, one thing I do love to do when I’m traveling, especially in places where I’m clearly from far away, is to find some local garb, wear it with pride, learn how to say “thank you” in the local language, and then say it often. Maybe […]

I Just Want to Make a Difference

John Bates at IIT Bombay in Mumbai, India

This is a story which I find myself sharing with entrepreneurs I meet, all over the world, because it was such an important lesson for me. I share it when I’m in places like India, Finland, Estonia, the US, anywhere. I share it in Ubers, at co-working spaces, or at JLABS… Anywhere entrepreneurs can be […]

Look For Surprise!

UFO photo unexpected

Your Challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to: Look for Surprise! The Human Brain CRAVES surprise and if you know how to use that to your advantage you will be a far better leader, storyteller and speaker! Check this short video out and then please come to our Facebook page and let us […]

Speak to Them Like They are Great!

Speak to them like they are great, management, leadership resources

Are you up for a worthwhile challenge this week? It will put a fun flavor into your interactions and it might even change your life, if you let it! I’d love to hear how it goes, and if you want some feedback (I mean feedFORWARD – Thank you, Marshall Goldsmith!) I’ll give it to you. Share […]

Cool! I’ve Been Nominated for the Rule Breaker Awards 2016!

The Rule Breaker Awards for Entrepreneurs 2016

  “Entrepreneurs don’t play by the rules. Why should you be judged by them?” – from the Rule Breakers Award Website. In my work with events like TEDxHoboken, TEDxVeniceBeach, TEDxVilnius, IDEAS LA, and many, many more, I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet other Entrepreneurs from all over the world. My friend Indrė, an entrepreneur […]

Thank you for an amazing 2015!

Flash says Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays to you from snowy Salt Lake City, Utah! I’m writing for Sharon, Nataly, Flash & myself to say: “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.” It is difficult for me to adequately express my gratitude to you for being in my life and in our lives. Thank you for your support and for your […]

Collaborating with Ben Zander: We Made the Ninja Cry

John Bates and TED Speaker Benjamin Zander

I had been turned on to Benjamin Zander’s purely excellent 2008 TED talk about Music and Passion by my friend Jim McCarthy, the CEO of Goldstar.com who had attended the very first TEDActive in February of 2008. Mere weeks later he showed me the archive footage of his favorite talk that year, Benjamin Zander. I was […]

From SXSW V2V: How to Use Neurobiology to Make a Successful Pitch

Thank you to everyone who joined us at SXSW V2V 2015 today! You are a 5 out of 5 star audience! Thank you to: Shelfie – Take a #Shelfie of your bookshelf and get ebooks for FREE. Available iOS (http://www.shelfie.com/) Android (http://www.shelfie.com/). Tag photos: Shelfie.com and Igloohome.co – Igloohome brings convenience and cost savings to hosting guests […]

Absolutely Great TED talks: Benjmin Zander

  What do people remember about a train? The Engine and the Caboose! The opening and closing of your speeches have a special impact. Make them excellent every time. From the opening to the ending Ben Zander is there for the audience. He includes and inspires everyone, on purpose, and he has the audience hanging […]

Invaluable Resources for You

Gold ingots to convey the value of practice

  You are up to great things … and it is my intention that this list of resources makes a difference for you and what you’re out there causing in the World! This is a list of resources I’ve created by curating the best of the many things I’ve come across for you. The focus is […]