Murray Banks School & Education Kick-Off Special!

June 30, 2011 in Speaker for Education Groups

In these trying economic times many schools and educational organizations are experiencing an economic crunch and minimal budgets for staff development speakers topped with burned out teachers and administrators.

For this August 2011 Murray Banks is rolling his educational rates back to his 2005 fee of $6,000.00 plus travel and accommodations.  If you share the day with a neighboring district, you share the cost – $3,000.00 each and only half of the travel expenses.

Murray’s keynotes range from 1-3 hours and he can easily do one for your school or district in the morning and another for a nearby district or school n the afternoon.

Click here to learn more about Murray Banks and to see him in action.

Contact Andy at 617-243-3889 ext or andy@collaborativeagency.com to check availability or with any questions.

Charles Krauthammer – Columnist & Speaker

June 29, 2011 in Political Speakers

The late Meg Greenfield, editorial page editor of The Washington Post, called Charles Krauthammer’s column “independent and hard to peg politically. It’s a very tough column. There’s no ‘trendy’ in it. You never know what is going to happen next.”

A column, says Mr. Krauthammer, is not just politics. “My beat is ideas, everything from the ethics of cloning to strategy in Afghanistan. I also do public service, like reading Stephen Hawking’s books and assuring my readers that `It is not you, they are entirely incomprehensible.”

Perhaps Mr. Krauthammer’s most important mission as a columnist is to challenge conventional wisdom. Hence eight years of columns warning that the Oslo peace accords were a fraud and a deception, doomed to fail. Alas, he was proved correct.

Charles Krauthammer was born in 1950 in New York City. He grew up in Montreal and was educated at McGill University (B A. with First Class Honors in Political Science and Economics, 1970), Oxford University (Commonwealth Scholar in Politics at Balliol College, 1970-71), and Harvard University (MD, Harvard Medical School, 1975).

From 1975-78 he practiced medicine as a Resident and then Chief Resident in Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital His scientific papers, including his co-discovery of a form of manic-depressive illness, are still frequently cited in the psychiatric literature. In 1978, he quit psychiatry and came to Washington to serve as a science adviser in the Carter Administration and, later, speechwriter to Vice President Walter Mondale. In 1981, he joined the staff of The New Republic where he was an essayist and editor from 1981 -88. In the mid-eighties he began writing a weekly syndicated column for The Washington Post, which now appears in more than 100 newspapers, and a monthly essay for Time magazine.

In his first full year as a syndicated columnist, he won the Pulitzer Prize (Distinguished Commentary, 1987). His New Republic essays won the highest award in magazine writing, the National Magazine Award for Essays and Criticism (1984). In 1997, the Washingtonian magazine named him among the top 50 most influential journalists in the national press corps.

He has won awards for his writing on everything from the economics of oil (the Champion/Tuck Media Award for Economic Understanding) to religion in civil society (People for the American Way, First Amendment Award). Mr. Krauthammer received the Guardian of Zion Award from Bar-Ilan University in May 2002. His essays have appeared in dozens of anthologies on subjects ranging from nuclear deterrence to gay marriage. He has been writing about medical ethics for The New Republic since 1979 and recently wrote an article for the magazine entitled “What We Will Become: A Secular Inquiry into the Ethics of Research Cloning.” He is a member of the President’s Council on Bioethics. A collection of his essays and columns, Cutting Edges, was published in 1985 (Random House).

He is a regular weekly panelist on Inside Washington, Washington’s highest rated political TV talk show, and a contributing editor to The New Republic and The Weekly Standard. In addition, also serves on the Editorial Board of several journals, including the National Interest and the Public Interest.

In his speeches, Charles Krauthammer breathes new life into tired debates, offering clear and compelling arguments that everyone else overlooks and challenging conventional wisdom. An incisive thinker, he is a strong voice offering new perspectives on international affairs, U.S. politics, foreign policy and culture. He is widely known as a conservative, but he is also unorthodox to the core.

Click here to learn more about Charles Krauthammer

Steve Sax AllStar Baseball Player and Speaker

June 23, 2011 in Motivational Speakers, Sports Speakers

The baseball career of Steve Sax spanned 18 years and featured many impressive moments. This five-time All-Star was named “National League Rookie of the Year” in 1982 and continued to improve his game with each passing season. Steve played second base with intensity and toughness for the Los Angeles Dodgers until 1988. During his years with the team, Steve’s defensive play was a key element in the team’s winning two World Series. He then played for the New York Yankees from 1989 to 1991 and then went on to play for the Chicago White Sox and Oakland A’s.

After his retirement from baseball in 1994, Steve went on to express his love of the game contributing commentary on ESPN and as Major League baseball analyst for Fox Sports’ Prime Time.

Steve has some impressive theatrical credits as well. He has appeared as a guest star on several television shows including, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Naked Truth, Good Morning America, Howard Stern, Hannity and Combs, and Who’s the Boss?. He appeared as a characterization of himself on The Simpsons and was a guest on Late Night with David Letterman. He booked a recurring role on Aaron Spelling’s Sunset Beach and completed a supporting role with Keifer Sutherland in the feature film, Ground Control.

He was published in the WALL STREET JOURNAL for an article he authored on personal responsibility and self reliance. This article was recognized by The President of the United States for its candid and thoughtful remarks regarding character building in our children.

Born January 29, 1960 in Sacramento, California, Steve has been a Northern California resident most of his life, always returning to his off-season home when baseball season came to a close. Growing up in the middle of a five-sibling brood fostered his competitive nature and drive to excel. A lifelong skilled athlete, Steve has a black belt in Shotokan karate and in kickboxing as well.

In 2001, realizing that he had accomplished his professional baseball aspiration; he rededicated his talents to helping individuals and families to manage their finances as Vice President of Investments for the Royal Bank of Canada. Steve is the author of the book Shift, a motivational and inspirational book that outlines action steps to change your mindset and to become a success. Steve has two children, Lauren and John.

Motivation
It all starts with a big dream. Never underestimate the will and passion of the human spirit. The value of motivation transcends all boundaries. Always known as a gutsy and passionate player on the field, Steve brings this same dynamic motivation to the stage. Also, he is able to draw from his success on the baseball field and in the world of finance to link this ultra important tangible to his audience.

Leadership
Always by example. Drawing the distinction between talkers and doers. People will always follow the ultimate professional. Steve’s gripping personal testimony on leadership is one of the reasons he consistently receives standing ovations. There are many elements and styles of leadership-and Steve specifically targets this to his audience. Also, Steve draws from his extensive knowledge of American history, including the Civil War and early twentieth century.

Team Building
Grasping the importance of winning as a unit. Selflessness, Integrity, and Never compromising core principles. One of these core principles is humility. Being the leader that exemplifies charting a course with a humble heart is the ultimate in putting others first and why your team will follow you.

Personal Development
Real life experiences dealing with overcoming a career on the verge of collapse. This is an example from Steve’s personal testimony as a professional athlete dealing with ridicule, self doubt, humility, and near collapse before a national viewing public. Sports are a mirror of life, and Steve directly links this enormous triumph to his audience and their personal everyday challenges.

Click here to learn more about Steve Sax and to see him in action!

Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour – America’s First African American Female Combat Pilot

June 22, 2011 in Diversity Speakers, Inspiring Lives & Stories, Leadership speakers, Military Speakers, Motivational Speakers

Once you are CLEARED HOT, now what? Known simply as “FlyGirl”, Vernice ignites her audiences with a dynamic spark that can’t be extinguished. Soar through the execution of any plan by harnessing the power of a “Breakthrough Mentality” mindset! From the moment she leaps into the audience, she shows attendees how to go from “Zero to Breakthrough” and create a personal flight plan utilizing her candid strategies to help win on the battlefield of life!

Leveraging her “Breakthrough Mentality” mindset, she propelled herself from beat cop to combat pilot in a record-breaking three years and became the United States Marine Corps’ first African American female pilot and, shortly after, was recognized as America’s First African American Female Combat pilot by the Department of Defense.

Upon completion of two tours in Iraq and leaving the military, Vernice launched VAI Consulting and Training, LLC. By applying the Zero to Breakthrough™ Success Model to her own company, Vernice produced over six-figures in revenue within the first 12 months! Her passion is helping others create similar results.

As featured on Oprah Winfrey, CNN, Tavis Smiley, NPR and others, Vernice Armour’s fresh style and presentation methods have inspired hundreds of organizations and individuals.

Vernice ultimately impacts organizations and individuals with an understanding of the passion and leadership required to excel. Through her keynotes, executive and group coaching, seminars and executive retreats, Vernice conveys messages of Zero to Breakthrough™ through her unique insight and life strategy: “You HAVE permission to engage!”

Vernice now travels extensively in order to create a global movement based on the Breakthrough Mentality mindset. In order for us to change the current conditions we are going to need to think and execute differently. We are going to need leaders to step up and lead. Our society and global community needs people to take personal responsibility and accountability. We win or lose together. One Mission, One Goal, One Team™.

Among her accomplishments, Vernice has been awarded as a pioneering pilot, including her commanding role in technology and engineering. An honorary Doctorate of Laws was conferred on Vernice from Chancellor University in 2010. She was also the first African American woman on the Nashville Police Department’s motorcycle squad, Camp Pendleton’s 2001 Female Athlete of the Year, two-time titleholder in Camp Pendleton’s annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women’s professional football team.

click here to learn more about Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour and see her in action!

The O’Shea Report – Clean Corporate Entertainment!!!

June 20, 2011 in Entertainment

The economy has created some harsh challenges for organizations. Leadership is under pressure and employees are required to do more with less. But it doesn’t have to get you down!

The O’Shea Report “Change 180” looks at dealing with change with our most powerful tool: our sense of humor. Discover how laughing your way through change can help you to overcome stress; change the dynamic of a situation by changing your perspective, and harness the power of teamwork for support during uncertain times.

Professional speaking team Tim and Kris O’Shea present as “The O’Shea Report” at meetings and conventions all over the United States and Canada. Recently voted among the Top 5 Entertainment Keynote Speakers for 2011 by Speakers Platform, The O’Shea Report has shared the stage with the likes of Robert Klein, Steve Forbes, Connie Chung, and cast members from “Saturday Night Live” and “Whose Line Is It Anyway.”

As former corporate professionals by day and comedy writers and performers by night, Tim and Kris O’Shea are both familiar with the fast pace of the working world. Blending their unique backgrounds in humor and business, The O’Sheas have presented to such organizations Nordstrom, Coors Brewing Co., and Hewlett Packard.

Keynote: Change 180

Giving You the Last Laugh at Change If you are looking for a keynote program with a fresh approach instead of the same-old motivational speakers, look no further.

The O’Shea Report will help your audience to laugh at the fast-paced, constantly changing world in a whole new way!

In their one-of-a-kind keynote, “The O’Shea Report: Change 180°,” The O’Sheas take you on a hilarious journey through the ups and downs of dealing with change. As innovative change speakers, Tim and Kris O’Shea redefine the keynote experience, as they open your people’s minds to look at change with a fresh perspective.

Convention Coverage

Multi-day, live segments to anchor your meeting!

This year, wake up your meeting with relevant, topical business humor.

The O’Shea Report provides custom corporate comedy at its finest! Engage every convention day with The O’Shea Report: a frank, friendly, and live update in an “Evening News” format.

Kicking off your meeting, energizing after lunch, or wrapping-up the convention, The O’Shea Report has inspired camaraderie and buzz in halls and hotels across the country.

Click here to learn more about The O’Shea Report

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BOSTON BRUINS 2011 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!

June 16, 2011 in Uncategorized

Robert Tucker- New Book, Now Lecture Topic, New video!

June 15, 2011 in Leadership speakers, Speakers for Business Groups

Robert B. Tucker is president of The Innovation Resource (TIR), and an internationally recognized leader in the field of innovation. Formerly an adjunct professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, Tucker has been a consultant and keynote speaker since 1986.

His pioneering research in interviewing over 50 leading innovators was published in the book Winning the Innovation Gamein l986. Since then, he has continued to publish widely on the subject, including his international bestseller Managing the Future: 10 Driving Forces of Change for the New Century, which has been translated into 13 languages. In Driving Growth Through Innovation he identified the emerging best practices of 23 innovation vanguard companies. And in his latest work, Innovation Is Everybody’s Business, Tucker interviewed 43 innovation-adept individuals from multiple industries and all levels of organizations, and teaches the personal skills necessary to become an innovator in this hyper-competitive world.”

As one of the thought leaders in the growing Innovation Movement, Tucker is a frequent contributor to publications such as the Journal of Business Strategy, Strategy & Leadership, and Harvard Management Update. He has appeared on PBS, CBS News, and was a featured guest on the CNBC series The Business of Innovation.

The Innovation Resource, based in Santa Barbara, California, is a consulting firm devoted exclusively to assisting companies seeking to improve top and bottom line performance via systematic innovation. Tucker is a much sought after keynote speaker at conventions, company management meetings, and industry conferences. Clients include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies as well as clients in Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Australia.

Innovation is Everybody’s Business
Organizations all over the world are shedding jobs in record numbers. But they are suddenly, desperately in need of people with the abilities and skills to think ahead of the curve, delight and challenge customers and colleagues, slash costs, and achieve unconventional results. In this practical, highly interactive session, global innovation guru and bestselling author Robert B. Tucker provides the powerful tools and strategies to help your employees to hone their Innovation Skills (I-Skills) and learn to demonstrate initiative, add value, and get new things done more effectively and efficiently.

click here to learn more about Robert Tucker

Robin Crow – New Video & New Book “EVOLVE or DIE”

June 13, 2011 in Authors, Inspiring Lives & Stories, Leadership speakers, Speakers for Business Groups

Evolve or Die

Seven Steps To Rethink
The Way You Do Business

With financial markets in turmoil, real estate in collapse, environmental problems, resource shortages, and global hyper-competition in full swing, it´s a big scary world out there. And your business is going to have to change in order to survive. There is simply no more room for “business as usual.”

Evolve or Die shows how businesses that adapt the fastest are also the ones that win the biggest. Evolve or Die presents a series of practical, proven, real-world tools and techniques to successfully start changing your business now to meet current and future challenges.

Click here to learn more about Robin Crow and to see his new speaking video!!!

Kelly McDonald a recognized expert on diversity marketing and business trends.

June 10, 2011 in Diversity Speakers, Speakers for Business Groups

Kelly McDonald is a recognized expert on diversity marketing and business trends. She was named #1 on the list of “26 Hot Speakers” by Successful Meetings magazine.

Kelly’s speaking client roster includes: Toyota, Sherwin-Williams, Harley-Davidson, State Farm Insurance, Mattel, AAA Travel, BlueCross BlueShield, and dozens of financial organizations and associations. As a professional speaker to businesses and organizations, Kelly shares marketing insights and teaches strategies and tactics for cultivating diverse consumers emotionally, rationally and with cultural relevance. Her topics are always customized to the specific industry and localized geographically as appropriate.

The following are Kelly’s most popular topics and are widely requested by various clients and associations. All presentations are fully customized to address a client’s specific needs, industry, geographic location(s) and business pressures. Length of presentations is also customized to meet clients’ needs.

• How to Connect With People Regardless of Age, Wage or Lifestage
• How to Market to People Not Like You
• Marketing 101 – the Basics of Advertising & Marketing
• Relating, Not Translating: How to Market to U.S Latinos
• How to Be a Latino-Ready and Latino-Friendly Employer
• Diversity in America: the Growing Impact on Work, Organization and Consumers
• How to Best Reach the Hispanic Family in Your Schools
• How to Be a Culturally-Ready and Culturally-Friendly Employer
• Customer Service: How to Keep Customers Rushing Back for More
• How to Incorporate Outstanding Customer Service into Your Marketing Plan
• Social Media & Social Marketing – How to Use It to Grow Business in a Low Cost, No Cost Manner
• Come Together: Generational Differences and How to Effectively Work with Someone Much Older or Younger than You

Click here to learn more about Kelly McDonald and to see her demo videos!

Robin Crow, Musician, Author & Speaker

June 9, 2011 in Motivational Speakers, Speakers for Business Groups

His philosophy is simple –step up, go the extra mile, and take charge.
Robin is a public speaker, author, entrepreneur, and one of the most innovative guitarists in the world. As a business owner, author, and RCA recording artist, Robin has navigated his career through extreme adversity to achieve success.

“Leadership is not about ability. It’s about responsibility and taking ownership.” That message applies to anyone in any business. Robin’s lessons of leadership comes from hard-won, first-hand, bone-crushing experience. This is how he has led his company, Dark Horse Recording, to one of the most prominent recording complexes in the world. It has become home to stars like Neil Diamond, Faith Hill, The Judds, Jewel, Michael W. Smith, Alison Krauss and countless others.

His “whatever it takes” attitude comes across in everything he teaches. With humor and a fresh perspective, he encourages us to expect the best from ourselves, never accept mediocrity, toughen up, take charge and treat everyone with respect.

With his tell-it-like-it-is style, he makes us look at ourselves and laugh as he wages war on apathy, complaining and excuses. What’s more, he uses jaw-dropping guitar playing as a metaphor for achieving excellence in leadership.

There’s no one remotely like Robin Crow, so don’t miss the chance to turn your event into a learning and entertainment experience. Your audience will walk out with a renewed commitment to step up, go the extra mile, and take charge!

click here to learn more about Robin Crow