Find a Great Coach and be Coachable

John Bates in his debate heyday

I recently got this question in my online course discussion area from one of the very cool folks at MovesTheNeedle.com, which is run by a hero of mine, Brant Cooper and his brilliant partner Aaron Eden. This participant said: “Excellent presentation, enjoying it very much. Your finding your coach was kismet. Please tell those of us […]

Is Storytelling Fluffy? Maybe… But It’s Fundamental To Your Success!

audience listening to stories

Years ago I read a really good book called Tell To Win by Peter Guber who is a very successful businessman. In this book he looks back over his long career and thinks about where he failed and where he succeeded. After really thinking about it, his final conclusion was somewhat shocking to me. He […]

“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 […]