In 1939, a student named George Dantzig arrived late to his math class due to his work as a janitor at the school. The room was empty, but there were two detailed math problems written on the board, so he copied them down thinking they had to be homework. For some reason, these were especially difficult, and it took him several days to solve the problems. When he turned them in, he thought he was handing in a late assignment. He apologized to the professor, who barely even lo

Not every lion who chases the zebra catches one, but every lion who catches the zebra chased one. At the end of every year, I always like to take stock of what I did right and what I missed. This year, in particular, was a year of change and new experiences for me, and I wanted to share five bits of wisdom I learned.   1) Don't be afraid to chase the zebra. "Not every lion who chases the zebra catches one, but every lion who catches the zebra chased one." New experiences offe

I recently made a two-hour drive to speak in another city. Along the way, I decided to play a little game and count the Dollar General stores we passed. In that relatively short drive, we passed ten of them (and two DG Markets)! Sometimes, they were literally the only thing in the area besides the woods. That familiar yellow sign was just poking out among the trees.   Dollar General is effective because their primary focus is to be available where there are few (or any) other

When it comes to crafting a memorable event, the power of a well-chosen speech topic cannot be overstated. I’ve seen firsthand how the right message can spark transformation, ignite passion, and leave a lasting impression on every attendee. Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering or a team-building session, selecting inspiring speaking topics is your secret weapon to energize and motivate your audience. Let’s dive into three powerful themes that have the magic to inspir

As we approach the end of another year, I want to share some insights I've gained over the past few years since I embarked on my journey as a full-time speaker. These lessons have not only shaped my career but also transformed the way I approach life and challenges. Embrace Your Identity 1. If you don’t know who you are, the world will decide for you. In all honesty, you probably won't be happy with their choice. It's crucial to figure out who you want to be and fight hard t

If someone were to ask you why you are doing the job you do, what would your answer be? Is it because you love your work? Or because you feel called to do it? Or is it just because you need to pay the bills, and you just fell into this job?   Motivation is a powerful thing. When we have already established our "why" in the good moments, we are prepared to refer back to it in the bad moments. When the job is aggravating, or it seems like we aren't making progress, or we just f

Life becomes lighter when you learn how to carry yourself with strength and calm. These 10 skills can help you remain steady, regardless of what happens around you. Look people in the eyes. Confidence shows in your eyes. Meet people’s gaze with calmness, no matter who they are. Pause before you reply A short pause before speaking helps you stay in control and avoid saying things you regret. Plus, it gives them time to continue talking to fill the silence, so you can learn mor

In October 2018, a new luxury shoe store opened in a posh mall in Santa Monica. The shoes were displayed on glass shelves and runways....

Sarah was nine years old when she decided to try running a real race at school. She consulted with her coach, who helped her practice and...

Over the past decade, I've spoken with hundreds of people like you at various events, who have shared their wisdom with me. Today, I...

Not as big as the actual guy, but a lot more fun! Confession time: I am a comic book geek at heart.   This weekend, I had some free time,...

What is the measure of your success?   I recently spoke to a friend who had undergone a major life change. To everyone looking in from...

Speaking in front of a group can be one of the most intimidating experiences for many. Whether you are addressing colleagues, students,...

"Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today."  - Jordan Peterson   I recently visited a furniture shop...

Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s a career shift, relocating to a new city, or experiencing a personal transformation,...

This post will be short and sweet as I'm trying to prepare for a conference coming up this week. My friend and fellow magician, Paul...

We are often too hard on ourselves. It's not fair, though! I can almost guarantee that you are more successful than you think.

Don't let a past mistake dominate your present. Instead, learn from it and let the ghost die.

Allow your team to flourish and grow in who they are, not who you are. Have faith in them and show them you do!

Do you have any idea how many steps you take in a day? I recently got a smartwatch that tracks my steps in addition to showing the time....