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 […]
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
Thank you for an amazing 2015!
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
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 […]
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 […]
A Hero of Mine Has Just Died
I just got the news that Tomas Dobrovolskis of Vilnius, Lithuania has died. A very bright light in the world has just been extinguished. He performed at TEDxVilnius last year and was going to do a workshop at TEDxKids in Vilnius coming up. He was someone I connected with immediately. His impish smile and his many […]
The REAL Reason I Love Attending TEDActive
Yes, the speeches are amazing. Yes, the locations are beautiful. Yes, the accommodations are posh. AND, what is the REAL reason I go well out of my way to attend TEDActive every year? It’s the people. As the final person in the video says: “I’m part of a tribe that will continuously inspire me for […]