Business today needs a new paradigm, because “business as usual” is just not working anymore. Environmental consciousness is exploding; public distrust of business is at an historic high; many employees and customers are disconnected from the companies they work for or buy from; suppliers feel squeezed; communities often organize to keep certain businesses out. The traditional approach to business is like an old operating system that is no longer adequate and needs to be replaced. It is becoming increasingly evident that the old operating system of capitalism is simply not up to the demands being placed upon it in the new millennium.

At the same time that its reputation is deteriorating, the reach and impact of business in the world is growing. Business today has greater power than ever before to enhance or to diminish overall well-being in society. As its power and influence grow, so too must its sense of responsibility and stewardship. (from ConsciousCapitalism.com)

Under that premise, a group of pioneering business leaders gathered at the Catalyzing Conscious Capitalism (C3) Summit in Austin, Texas, last week, seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of Conscious Business™. Here’s a highlight video:

At The Speakers Group, we’re honored to represent Jeff Klein, President of the Conscious Capitalism Alliance and author of the recently released book, Working for Good, who spoke at the event. Here’s a video introduction to Jeff:

If the Conscious Capitalism theme resonates with you and your organization and you would like to empower and mobilize your team toward “Working for Good,” consider Jeff’s Working for Good Engagement Experience for your next meeting or conference. We’d be happy to help you evaluate the program and how it could benefit your organization – just give us a call or send an email.

Posted under Innovation Speakers, Leadership Development, Motivational Speakers, Organizational Excellence, inspirational speakers

The Speakers Group congratulates Diane Sieg, Denver-based professional speaker and author of STOP Living Life Like an EMERGENCY!, for achieving the National Speakers Association’s Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation. Sieg is one of 30 in the international class of new CSPs honored  on July 19th at the 2009 NSA Convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

“I was first introduced to Diane almost 10 years ago,” said Shawn Ellis, founder and president of The Speakers Group, “and she has become a great friend and one my most-booked speakers in my career. This is a much-deserved honor for her!”

The CSP is the speaking profession’s international measure of speaking experience and skill. Fewer than 10 percent of professional speakers worldwide hold the designation, which is awarded only to accomplished professional speakers with a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and expertise as well as a commitment to ongoing education, outstanding client service and ethical behavior.

“A Certified Speaking Professional is an insurance policy for the meeting planner’s success,” says NSA’s CSP Council Chair, Patrick Donadio. “Hiring a CSP will make a meeting planner’s job easier as speakers who earn the CSP designation give their audiences a proven track record of continuing speaking experience and topic expertise and know how to deliver client satisfaction. A CSP provides a solid place from which to begin your search.”

From the chaos of the emergency room to the calm of her yoga mat, professional speaker, published author, life coach, and certified yoga teacher Diane Sieg shares lifesaving strategies with audiences nationwide. With high energy and life lessons learned from over 20 years working in the ER, Sieg demonstrates how to take care, take charge, and take action in every area of your life!

For additional information or to inquire about booking Diane for your next event, visit her profile page on The Speakers Group’s web site.

Posted under Speaker News, inspirational speakers

In our ongoing effort to help meeting planners and business leaders create the most exciting, results-oriented meeting agendas, we’re excited to introduce the 10 newest additions to our roster of speakers (in alphabetical order):

• Stew Friedman – Stew is the Director of the Wharton Work/Life Integration Project and author of the 2008 national bestseller, Total Leadership: Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life. Invite Stew to your group or organization to improve performance at work, at home, in the community, and for the private self, and learn how to score four-way wins with Total Leadership, benefiting you and the most important people in your life.

• Bear Grylls – Bear is best known as host of The Discovery Channel’s Man vs. Wild, but did you know he’s also the youngest Briton to climb Mt. Everest – at age 23? Two years before the climb, he had suffered a near fatal parachuting accident and narrowly escaped being paralyzed for life – requiring a year of rehab. He is one of the youngest motivational speakers on the international business circuit and has won over even the toughest of audiences.

• Vicki Halsey – Dr. Victoria Halsey is a spirited, inspirational speaker, author and trainer who energizes audiences worldwide by engaging their hearts well as their minds. As Vice President of Applied Learning for the Ken Blanchard Companies, Vicki specializes in partnering with organizations to inspire people to be in touch with and unleash their greatness.

• Terry Hawkins – One of the most sought after speakers in Australia, Terry is relatively new on the speaker circuit in the US. Her high-impact, hilarious and thought-provoking presentations leave audiences inspired and motivated, equipped with new tools to create outstanding results in their personal and professional lives.

• Dave Horsager – Through Dave’s book and program, “The Trust Edge,” he shares the secrets of using trust to impact the bottom line. Combining humor, illusions and memorable stories with research and insight, Dave sheds light on the confusion and misconceptions surrounding the cornerstone of personal and professional success. He offers tangible steps that audiences can incorporate into their own lives right away.

• Mark Jeffries – As an economist, former stockbroker and TV host, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the events he speaks at and facilitates. He has the unique ability to serve as an entertaining emcee, an incisive and knowledgeable facilitator, and a popular speaker with a ‘hugely entertaining’ and ‘immensely practical’ keynote presentation entitled “Using Soft Skills to Gain the Business Advantage.”

• David Kralik – Called one of the “Top Ten Changing the World of Internet and Politics,” David is the Director of Internet Strategy at American Solutions, founded by former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich. Based in Silicon Valley, he is constantly scouting new technology and finding ways technology can migrate government and politics into the 21st century. For both political and non-political organizations, he offers great insights into how to leverage technology to tell your story online and mobilize supporters (and customers).

• Jason Lezak – We would not be hearing about Michael Phelps winning a world-record eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympics if not for Jason Lezak. As team captain, Jason swam the fastest split in 4X100M freestyle relay history to keep Phelps’ hope of winning eight golds alive. Your audience will be inspired by Jason’s competitive nature and will to succeed.

• David Nour – David Nour is a social networking strategist and one of the foremost thought leaders on the quantifiable value of business relationships. His “Relationship Economics” presentation, based on his book by the same title, teaches individuals how to exchange Relationship Currency, accumulate Reputation Capital and build Professional Net Worth. It’s about learning the art and science of relationships.

• Pat Zigarmi – Dr. Zigarmi currently serves as Vice President of Business Development for The Ken Blanchard Companies. She is an expert in the areas of leadership and change management and is coauthor of Leadership and the One Minute Manager, the third book in Ken Blanchard’s best-selling One Minute Manager Library, and Leading at a Higher Level. On the speaker’s platform, she is engaging and passionate with the ability to blend power and warmth, as well as knowledge and instinct.

Contact The Speakers Group today to inquire about these and other dynamic speakers for your upcoming events.

Posted under Event Management, Leadership Development, Motivational Speakers, Organizational Excellence, Planner Tips, Speaker Recommendations, inspirational speakers

Are you committed to making 2009 into a successful year marked by increased revenue, record-setting profits and unparalleled growth?

Are you tired of listening to the fear-mongering media pundits who talk endlessly about layoffs, plunging stock prices and the shrinking economy?

For the first time ever, Jack Canfield (best known as founder and co-author of the New York Times bestselling book series Chicken Soup for the Soul and one of the contributing authors from The Secret and host of the PBS special, The Secret Law of Attraction) is offering a 1-day experiential training, The Success Principles Workshop, to personally teach a select group of achievers how to use his most powerful success principles.

By participating in the Success Principles Workshop, you’ll gain skills needed to create major breakthroughs in the achievement of your goals and the quality of your life in 2009 and beyond. If failure is NOT an option…

… no matter how many competitors enter your market …

… no matter how much consumer spending slows …

… no matter what crises erupt in your personal life …

… no matter what …

… then you’ll want to see what Jack Canfield is doing!

Jack has devoted more than 30 years to the study and application of universal success principles. He coaches and trains individuals, entrepreneurs, educators and corporate leaders to accelerate the achievement of their personal and professional goals … live their dreams … and create more joy in their everyday lives.

By participating in this one-of-a-kind workshop, you’ll gain practical skills needed to create a major breakthrough in the achievement of your goals in 2009 and beyond. You’ll dramatically increase your clarity, focus and power. And you’ll develop the momentum and support that will carry you throughout the rest of the year.

You’ll also discover the latest breakthroughs about how the power of your intention and thought help you create physical and financial results.

For Dates, Locations and a FREE Preview of the workshop, click here.

Posted under Motivational Speakers, Speaker News, inspirational speakers

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Inspirational speaker Tim Richardson believes that being rich has little to do with material wealth, money or otherwise, and everything to do with “richness” in the way we live our lives, serve others, and in how we think. Tim has spent the greater part of his career researching and interviewing people from all walks of life, to uncover the “secrets” to Living Rich. In Tim’s inspiring, motivating and thought-provoking programs, he challenges traditional thinking on success and calls people to take action on what’s most important – making a difference. In this unique program, Tim shows how giving impacts employee morale, customer loyalty and profitability. His mantra is “It’s not about how good you are, it’s about what good you do” that matters. If you want a refreshing message that is different than the “It’s all about me” message, view Tim Richardson’s profile to learn more, or contact us today.

Posted under Motivational Speakers, Speaker Preview Videos, inspirational speakers