BigSpeakBlog

BigInnovation

2012-05-11T11:38:00.002-07:00

Better. Faster. Cheaper. BigSpeak Innovation Expert Navi Radjou unleashes his Jugaad manifesto on corporate America.

"The motto ‘innovate or die’ held true for American firms in the 20th century. In the 21st century, ‘innovate faster, better, and cheaper—or die’ will be your new mantra. Indeed, in today’s hypercompetitive, über-connected, and globally integrated economy, you need to crank out new products faster than you can spell ‘R&D,’ or else your customers will switch their allegiance to more agile rivals. Plus, your products need to deliver more value to customers—value no longer being defined by the bells and whistles in your product, but by the experience customers get from using your product. Finally, given the rapidly-shrinking purchasing power of the American middle class, your products got to be affordable to meet the frugal needs of thrifty US buyers. In sum, you need to innovate faster, better, and cheaper. Sadly, Corporate America is just not equipped to do that.”

Download Navi's full Jugaad Innovation PDF here

BigSpeech

2012-04-20T16:30:00.001-07:00

BigSpeak Eco-Warrior and Race-Car Driver, Leilani Munter will speak at the National Mall in Washington, DC this Earth Day (Sunday the 22nd). Over 200,000 people are expected to gather there for the celebration. The last Earth Day event featured speakers such as James Cameron and Robert Kennedy Jr, as well as musicial guest Sting. Leilani has been taking DC by storm this month, as she was also recently a guest at The White House. And, lest you think an environmental activist who drives a race car to be an oxymoron, check out her video.

Big Issue: Why Can't We Be Friends... On Facebook?

2012-01-19T11:02:00.000-08:00

BigSpeak Social Media and Personal Branding expert Dan Schawbel recently tackled the timely and tricky issue of social media connections and the workplace, in recent interviews and articles for TIME and Fox Business.

http://moneyland.time.com/2012/01/17/is-it-a-bad-idea-to-friend-co-workers-on-facebook-how-about-your-boss/

http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/01/16/blurring-lines-between-work-and-personal-life-on-facebook/

BigGift: Jon Bul Dau Brings Sight to Sudan

2011-12-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

Born in war-torn Sudan, BigSpeak's John Bul Dau has experienced challenges in his life that most people never imagine. One of 27,000 “Lost Boys of Sudan,” driven from their villages when the northern Arab government attacked the ethnic minority population of Southern Sudan in 1987, John Bul Dau led groups of displaced boys across Sudan for hundreds of miles facing starvation, disease, and violence.

Today, John Bul Dau is a compelling motivational speaker whose life is defined by his uncompromising commitment to the future of his native country, as evidenced in an inspirational holiday update he sent to our offices today:

"WOW! I cannot begin to say how happy I have been for the last three days!

We have world-renowned eye surgeons plus four other doctors who've flown in to our dirt airstrip near Duk Lost Boys Clinic in Duk County in a Cessna Caravan plane. These selfless doctors have been performing at least 178 eye surgeries as of today to restore sight.

Watching these patients celebrate after the 'Miracle' doctors take the patches from their eyes and they can see after being blind is awesome!

I have watched many, many of these patients jumping up in celebration, singing their songs, seeing their loved ones again after long time of blindness, and embracing the doctors ."

BigBoard: Conant Makes the Cut – Tapped for Fortune’s Executive Dream Team

2011-10-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

According to Geoff Colvin, Fortune’s Senior Editor-at-Large, vanguard leadership goes beyond the C-suite to the boardroom. Recently, he compiled not only the attributes necessary in a great board, but also assembled a stellar list of candidates to fill out his “Dream Team.” Colvin contends that a great board combines several competencies, including global perspective, financial expertise and a deep understanding of infotech. Where to find those traits?

The contact list of all time.

Included among Colvin’s top picks for leaders in global business and government, was BigSpeak’s own Douglas Conant, who saved Campbell Soup from a precipitous downward spiral. Others named were Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, FedEx’s Fred Smith and Caterpillar’s James Owens.

View the complete article and entire All-Star line-up here.

Find out more about celebrated CEO and speaker Doug Conant here.

BigTalk

2011-10-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

BigSpeak Social Media Expert, Dan Schawbel recently interviewed BigSpeak Change Management Guru, John Kotter about the significance of creating a sense of Urgency in today's business climate. Check out the interview here:

Listen to John Kotter: Create a Sense of Urgency in Your Life

BigSplash Update: She's Off!

2011-08-08T08:54:00.000-07:00

Last night at 7:45 Eastern time, 61 year-old long-distance swimmer and BigSpeak motivational speaker, Diana Nyad set off from the shores of Havana, Cuba in an attempt to swim from the island nation to the coast of Florida -103 miles away.
Originally planned for the summer of 2010, last year's attempt was cancelled due to bad weather.

The swim is planned to take approximately 60 hours and Diana will be constantly monitored by a small support team stationed on boats and in the water nearby.
The team at BigSpeak wishes Diana the best on her amazing adventure and we look forward to some incredible new stories upon her return.

Big Swing

2011-07-18T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Darren Clarke became the third Northern Irishman to secure one of golf's four majors in the last 13 months by winning the prestigious British Open. His secret weapon: BigSpeak performance expert and renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. According to UK media outlets, Clarke attributed his turnaround in fortunes to a quick chat with the celebrated golf psychologist - and hours later, emerged as an Open contender.

The 42-year-old Clarke bumped into Rotella earlier in the week, having worked with him previously, and after a couple of pointers went out and shot a two-under 68 to put himself on the first page of the leaderboard.

Clarke hasn't finished in the top 40 in his last five events, and felt pleased with his performance, stating, "I've been lucky this week as I've seen an old friend of mine, Bob Rotella."
This isn't the first time Rotella has worked his magic at the Open, coaching 2007 champion Padraig Harrington, in addition to other major tournament victors, including Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman. Congrats, Bob, on another spectacular triumph!

BigLaunch

2011-06-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

BigSpeak inspirational speaker, World Surfing Champion, best selling author, environmental advocate, filmmaker and successful entrepreneur, Shaun Tomson will be appearing on the Today show, Tuesday June 7th, to launch a new version of his best selling book Surfer's Code.

Shaun was at the pinnacle of his professional and personal life - a former world-champion surfer, a successful entrepreneur and an inspirational speaker when his 15 year-old son, Mathew died in a tragic accident. In a new chapter of his best-selling book, Surfer's Code, he writes about the strength derived from his father, who survived a vicious shark attack at the height of a promising Olympic swimming career, to riding the world's most dangerous waves. Shaun provides a personal account of facing life's biggest challenges by looking forward to the future and the light that shines ahead.
You can catch Shaun in-person this week in NYC as he will be speaking and signing the new Code at two events in the city - June 8th at The Simple Space in the New York Gallery Building - and June 10th at Saturdays Surf NYC.

BigSplash

2011-06-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

From 1969-1979, Diana Nyad was the greatest long distance swimmer in the world. In 1978, she attempted to swim over 100 miles from Cuba to Florida. After being in the water for over 41 hours battling huge waves, strong currents and high winds, Diana fell short of her goal.

In 1979, she completed the longest swim in history making the 102.5 mile journey from the Bahamas to Florida. She also broke numerous world records, including what had been a 50-year mark for circling Manhattan Island, New York, setting the new time of 7 hrs 57 minutes.

This summer (in June or July, when the weather permits) the sports commentator and motivational speaker will once again attempt the 103-mile swim from Cuba through the shark-infested waters to Key West, Florida - at the age of 61.

We wish Diana the best and are confident that her crossing is sure to capture the attention of the world, redefine the image of today's 60+ year olds, and inspire audiences of all generations for years to come.

For more info on Diana's latest long-distance attempt, check out a recent Washington Post article.

BigMogul

2011-05-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

From Supermodel to Supermogul: Recently, Liz Smith, BigSpeak speaker and columnist for the Women on the Web, extolled the virtues that have catapulted former supermodel and now CEO (also a BigSpeak speaker) Kathy Ireland into stratospheric realms, with sales of her line of lifestyle products surpassing the 1.5 billion mark. How'd she go from swimsuit to c-suite? Check out Liz's article at wowOwow.

BigSave: Reason #417 Why Working with a Speakers Bureau Might Just Save Your A##!

2011-05-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

A speaker we had booked for an engagement today at a major corporation was suddenly hospitalized over the weekend and required emergency surgery. Needless to say, the speaker could not fulfill today's speaking obligation, prompting mass anxiety for the client.

Fortunately, our intrepid and resourceful uber-agent, Amy was able to not only find a great replacement, but schedule a conference call and secure the new speaker in ONE HOUR (we're calling Guiness to verify world-record status). Today's engagement went off without a hitch and to glowing reviews.

Yet another reason to place the success of your major events and speaking needs in the hands of an experienced bureau (and the hospitalized speaker is doing fine as well).

BigSpill Revisited

2011-04-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

BigSpeak environmental speaker, ocean explorer, naturalist and wildlife filmmaker Mike deGruy wil be featured on CNN's Piers Morgan Show tonight - Tuesday 4/19 - 6pm PT and 9 ET. Mike will be showing footage from the National Science Foundation sponsored expedition to the Gulf floor to survey the post-spill environment on the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute’s deep-sea submarine Alvin. A longer length film is currently in the works.

BigTrouble

2011-04-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

In the wake of Japan’s recent catastrophic earthquake, resultant tsunami and now potential nuclear meltdown, renewed calls for examining energy policies across the globe have come to the forefront. BigSpeak energy expert, physicist, Chairman and Chief Scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute, Amory Lovins recently wrote a piece posted on both the RMI blog and PBS’ Inside Nova blog series entitled Nuclear after Japan. In part, he states,

“Every currently operating light-water reactor, if deprived of power and cooling water, can melt down. Fukushima had eight-hour battery reserves, but fuel has melted in three reactors. Most U.S. reactors get in trouble after four hours. Some have had shorter blackouts. Much longer ones could happen.” He adds, “Nuclear power is the only energy source where mishap or malice can kill so many people so far away; the only one whose ingredients can help make and hide nuclear bombs; the only climate solution that substitutes proliferation, accident, and high-level radioactive waste dangers. Indeed, nuclear plants are so slow and costly to build that they reduce and retard climate protection.” But, Lovins explains, “…smarter choices are sweeping the global energy market. Half the world's new generating capacity in 2008 and 2009 was renewable. In 2010, renewables, excluding big hydro dams, won $151 billion of private investment and added over 50 billion watts (70% the total capacity of all 23 Fukushima-style U.S. reactors) while nuclear got zero private investment and kept losing capacity. Supposedly unreliable wind-power made 43-52% of four German states' total 2010 electricity. Non-nuclear Denmark, 21% wind-powered, plans to get entirely off fossil fuels. Hawai'i plans 70% renewables by 2025.”

To view the article in its entirety, please go to Nova's blog or the RMI website.

Big Issues. Big Leaders

2011-01-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

BigSpeak Exclusive Speaker, author and extreme leadership expert, Col. Thomas Kolditz will be the moderator for the 2011 Global Leadership Conference to be held at the historic Thayer Hotel on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, March 30th through April 1st.

Encompassing the theme of Serving, Learning and Leading: Creating and Engaging Leaders in Global Citizenship, the conference will feature a host of preeminent speakers and thought leaders including:

Good to Great Author Jim Collins.

Ross School of Business Professor Noel Tichy

CEO of the Leader to Leader Institute Frances Hesselbein

ABC News Anchor Bob Woodruff

The presentations and discussions will center around such leadership themes as:

Servant Leadership

Leading Through Corporate Social Responsibility

Developing the Next Generation of Global Leaders

Boasting a prestigious panel of experts, timely topics and an affordable price, this year's conference promises to be lively, engaging and is sure to sell out fast.

For more information go to http://www.glc.westpoint.edu/

BigStories

2010-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, BigSpeak inspirational speaker and surf icon Shaun Tomson has unveiled Surf Creatures his latest interactive iPhone application.

From the familiar dolphin to the Xiphias Swordfish and the Zambesi Shark, Surf Creatures is a collection of 26 children’s rhymes, one for each letter of the alphabet, about ocean creatures that live in the same waters Tomson surfed during his decades-long career.

Already a keynote speaker and author of two books, Surfer’s Code and Bustin’ Down the Door, the idea of making a children’s book came to him after the birth of his 14-month-old son Luke. “It just kind of gives you a completely different perspective on life,” Tomson said. “Suddenly I’m reading to him, singing to him, and making up rhymes.”

Enter the iPhone application. Apart from the pictures, words and an audio track of Tomson reading the rhymes, the application will have a recording capability, allowing parents and children to record up to four different people reading the track.

In addition to raising awareness about ocean animals, Tomson also wanted the application to inspire the same connection between parents and children that he felt with his children, “With modern technology you can create your own stories.”

This isn’t the first application for Tomson, who earlier this year launched an iPhone application to provide helpful information when buying surfboards and related equipment. The application provides board and shape recommendations based on ability level, in addition to a 5,000-word surfing glossary and a listing of surf shapers and contact information.

BigShow

2010-12-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

On Monday, December 13th, BigSpeak's Chef Domenica Catelli will appear on HLN's Live Better Now - a CNN special program. Domenica Catelli, a celebrity chef, organic food specialist, speaker and best selling cook book author, will appear with Robin Meade of HLN's Morning Express in a segment on healthy eating for kids and preventing the nationwide epidemic of childhood obesity. Later in the month, Food Network's Guy Fieri will visit Domenica's eponymous Sonoma County restaurant Catelli's as part of his Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives program, which showcases America's most unique and interesting eateries. Look for it to air in Spring 2011.

Big Ascent: Salz Tapped to Speak for leading@Google.

2010-11-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

BigSpeak Anthropologist, Explorer and Leadership Expert, Jeff Salz has been invited to speak at the prestigious leading@Google speaker series. The series takes place at the company’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. Past distinguished speakers have included Jim Kouzes, Daniel Pink, Tony Schwartz and Barack Obama. Dr. Salz has made a life out of adventure. He has traversed most of the remaining blank spots on the map, living with the Turkestani Khazaks of Central Asia, riding with the Gauchos of Argentina and nomads of Mongolia, and searching for Shangri-La among the lost valleys of the Himalayas. His unique approach and insights into leadership, team-building and taking risks have found favor in the corporate suites of companies like Microsoft and Disney where Salz helps executives create the foundation for adventurous thinking. Congratulations, Jeff and best wishes on your latest adventure!

Big List

2010-09-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

Recently, several BigSpeak experts were recognized as top international thought leaders in the field of Human Resources. Britain’s HR magazine just released its “2010 Most Influential” list of the world’s top HR practitioners and thinkers. Among the renowned names selected were:

Dave Ulrich: (Ranked #1 on the list) HR thought leader and Professor of Business, University of Michigan.
Jim Kouzes: Author and Executive Professor of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University.
Paul Stoltz: Expert on resilience and creator of the Adversity Quotient.
Marcus Buckingham: Best selling author and management consultant.

Also included on the prestigious list were business researcher and Good to Great author Jim Collins, Harvard Business School strategist Michael Porter, and iconic business author and Co-founder of Franklin/Covey, Stephen R. Covey (7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

BigSpeak congratulates our distinguished cadre of expert speakers on their much-deserved worldwide acclaim.

BigSummer - BigSummit

2010-08-03T09:42:00.001-07:00

So, how did you spend your summer vacation? Many people dream of becoming an astronaut, but for Col. Mike Mullane, the dream didn't stop there. After being selected as a Mission Specialist in 1978 in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts, he completed three space missions and logged 356 hours in space aboard the Shuttles Discovery and Atlantis before retiring from NASA in 1990. Since that time, Col. Mullane has become a prolific author, TV host and sought after speaker. On July 23, 2010 Col. Mike Mullane achieved another dream, as he reached the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,341 ft). It continues to be a big summer for Col. Mullane as his memoir Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut, is on the Barnes and Noble 2010 recommended summer reading list. What does Col. Mullane have to say about his big adventure? "I would like to think it sends the message I preach on courageous self-leadership: to set lofty goals and be tenacious in the pursuit of them. Not bad for a guy who is 6 weeks from Medicare!"

BigList

2010-07-19T12:35:00.000-07:00

This week, BigSpeak social media specialist, speaker and author Dan Schawbel, who has been called “the personal branding guru of his generation” was named to the Inc. Magazine “Top 30 Under 30” showcasing America’s “coolest young entrepreneurs.” Befitting his status as a millennial media maven, Dan has over 82,000 Twitter followers (and counting), the maximum number of friends that Facebook allows (5,000), a book on personal branding, Me 2.0: Build a Powerful Brand to Achieve Career Success, a well-read blog and his own magazine.

Schawbel's mission is two-fold: He teaches members of his own generation why a personal brand is important and then shows them how to create one using social media; and he works on corporate branding strategies for companies including Time Warner and Citigroup.

BigShot

2010-07-08T15:24:00.000-07:00

BigSpeak’s Golf Guru and Performance Expert, Bob Rotella is once again rocking the fairway. Last month, Rotella disciple, Graeme McDowell won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, becoming the first Irishman to accomplish the feat, and the first European U.S. Open winner since Tony Jacklin in 1970. He was also the first British winner of a major championship since Paul Lawrie in 1999. McDowell was only the second European to win the U.S. Open since 1925. He rose to number 13 in the world rankings, a career high, and became the eighth European in the top 15. McDowell’s first Major win has also cemented his place in Europe’s Ryder Cup Team to face the United States in Wales this October.The victory is one of many for Rotella, who counts champion golfers Ernie Els and Padraig Harrington among his clients.

We wish Bob the best as he leaves Sunday to join several of his players who recently qualified for the British Open.

BigHonor

2010-07-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

Recently, the National Coalition of Ethnic Organizations (NECO) awarded BigSpeak’s Santa Barbara based management guru Dr. Ichak Adizes the Ellis Medal of Honor in Ellis Island, NY. According to the Coalition, the award “celebrates those who have helped to bring diversity to America.” Past recipients include: President Bill Clinton, President George H. W. Bush, President Gerald Ford, Mohammad Ali, Frank Sinatra and many others.

Dr. Azides is the first Macedonian-Israeli to have won the award and is regarded as one of the leading management experts in the world. He has received fifteen honorary doctorates, two honorary citizenships, and the honorary rank of Major from the military. Dr. Adizes has also been active on the teaching staffs of UCLA, Stanford, and Columbia University.

BigBang

2010-07-08T11:29:00.000-07:00

The skies cleared and the crowds at the beach cheered as another spectacular Fourth of July celebration took place here in Santa Barbara (the largest between LA and SF). The BigSpeak Team wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday!

BigSpill

2010-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

BigSpeak eco-warrior, speaker and professional race driver, Leilani Munter is headed for Louisiana to aid in the clean up effort from the massive BP oil spill that continues to threaten the Gulf and Southeastern Atlantic coastlines. Armed with a degree in Biology (she holds a BS from UC San Diego specializing in Ecology) Leilani will most likely aid teams in wildlife rescue efforts.

Esquire Magazine called Leilani Munter, “A Woman We Love.” Sports Illustrated named her “One of the top ten female race car drivers in the world.” Continuously redefining the contemporary image of a race car driver, Leilani Munter is politically active in the legislative fight for the environment. In 2008, she went to Capitol Hill to speak before Congress on behalf of climate issues. Leading by example, Leilani Munter purchases an acre of rainforest for every race she runs to offset her carbon footprint and has been a long time vegetarian and eco-activist. In her own words, Leilani Munter reminds, “Never underestimate the power of a vegetarian hippie chick… with a race car.”