Procrastination Can Be Wisdom In Disguise

Recently, I have really been noticing how much I’ve been procrastinating. I had a couple of big breakthroughs after noticing this and then having some conversations around it. I think what I realized could be useful to entrepreneurs, executives and high powered global leaders of any kind. The first one is […]
Stories are Like Songs… Here’s Why.

OK, you know that stories are essential. But, I find that people hesitate to tell their best stories more than once. They certainly often resist telling them often and using them to their full effect. But, stories are like songs! I believe that thinking of your stories as if they are songs is powerful […]
Stories Are Essential…

Would you like to know the story of this picture? Read on! Storytelling is essential to Leadership Communication and Persuasion. No matter where you are stories and good storytelling are ESSENTIAL. Whether it’s the TED stage, the boardroom or the bedroom, stories really matter wherever you interact with human beings… As for the […]
Is Storytelling Fluffy? Maybe… But It’s Fundamental To Your Success!

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 […]
What You Could Learn From Dolph Lundgren of the Expendables and Rocky IV and His TEDx Talk

In this photo Dolph Lundgren feels the catharsis, relief and emotion that comes along with the vulnerability and authenticity of his powerful talk. Photo Courtesy of Liz H Kelly, Founder, Goody PR I had the honor of working with Dolph Lundgren on his talk for TEDxFulbrightSantaMonica and in the process he taught me some very valuable […]
This is Probably the Most Powerful Leadership Tool of All.

And, it sure is a powerful, useful and amazing tool to have as a speaker. I call it your Super Hero Origin Story. Don’t get hung up on Super Hero, it’s really about your Origin story! Watch this video, it’s only 3 min. long. Then come back here and I’ll share a little more about […]
I Just Want to Make a Difference

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 […]
I Crashed and Burned Onstage During a TED Talk. What I Learned Proved More Valuable Than Success

There are some great speaking lessons to be learned from the TED conference. I learned them the hard way! Read more at Inc.com https://www.inc.com/john-bates/how-failing-on-the-ted-stage-changed-my-life.html
The ESS “Put Them at Ease” Challenge

Here’s a potentially life changing challenge for you. It’s a great practice for public speaking, effective leadership, being a better parent, friend, lover, husband, wife, employee, employer AND it makes parties a whole lot more fun. If you accept the challenge please come share your story about how it goes here: facebook.com/executivespeakingsuccess We want […]
We Actually Do Want to Hear About You!

That’s right, we actually DO want to hear about you, if your intention and execution are right… And, it’s an important leadership skill to develop. I have seen this over and over. At NASA, Accenture, Johnson & Johnson, Janssen Labs, Boston Scientific and more. People say, “I don’t want to talk about myself. It’s not about […]