Presentations for:
PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

MY NAME IS NOT DUDE!
How to return civility to the workplace

After a decade of down-sizing many employees report that the workplace has become punitive with less concern for one another. There are however organizations determined to build a respectful work-place. How can civility be strengthened? How can cynicism be reduced and what can be done so that a spirit of good-will permeates every office? Here are the strategies: Reward idealism. Thank those in "thankless jobs". Manage conflicts creatively. And when organizational success is achieved, throw the biggest party of your life! This is an ideal presentation for organizations which need a large dose of optimism and is an ideal kick-off speech for your conference. New for 2009-2010!

HOW TO AVOID A MENTAL RECESSION AND BUILD HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

The current economic downturn might be tougher than the last recession - and the last one was formidable. This presentation is loaded with practical ideas on how to avoid a mental recession while in an economic slump. What are the keys? Focus your goals. Stop the whining. Get the right people on the bus and the wrong people off. Think big - not small. This speech is filled with inspiring examples of how successful organizations reinvent themselves in tough economic environments. This is a highly relevant speech given the current economic environment and is an ideal speech for civic groups, such as Kiwanis, Lions and Rotarian organizations. New for 2009-2010!

Presentations for:
EDUCATORS -
Teachers, Principals, Superintendents and Parents

BUILDING RESILIENT YOUNG PEOPLE ONE CHILD AT A TIME:
Strategies that work in the classroom, the family and in the community

Based upon two decades of research on resilience at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Veninga demonstrates how a resilient spirit can be nurtured in every young person, every school and every home. What are the keys? Reward students for what they do well. Do not be offended by dress, mannerisms or even crude behavior. Turn conflict into learning opportunities. Focus on those who need a second chance and raise expectations for the gifted. This speech has been acclaimed by educators and parents and is a particularly fitting presentation for the start of a new school year. Note: Educational support staff should be included in this event.

Presentations for:
RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING -
Clergy, Church Leadership Conferences, Faith-based Hospitals and Health Care Organizations.

"DO I NEED TO LEAVE THE MINSITRY IN ORDER TO SERVE GOD?" A Message for Pastors, Priests and Religious-Care Workers

Bishop Kennedy was once asked if he ever felt like quitting the ministry. His reply: "Sure - every Monday." Here are the facts: 70% of clergy state that their self-esteem is lower than when they started their ministry and 80% state that parish ministry has negatively affected their families. How do you not drown in church politics? How do you prevent negative individuals from impacting your ministry? This speech will provide creative strategies by which to keep idealism alive. It provides innovative ideas on how to stay positive, even when criticized. And it will rekindle the joy you felt when you first entered the ministry. What is the thesis of this talk? "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you."

WHAT MY STUDENTS HAVE TAUGHT ME

Are you looking for a fresh, innovative key-note address that has received rave reviews by audiences throughout the country? If so, listen in on conversations Dr. Bob has with his students at the University of Minnesota prior to graduation. What questions do students ask? They aren't asking about how to become wealthy, famous or how to get promoted. They are asking questions about the meaning of life and what they can do to ensure that their lives have purpose and joy. This address, based upon actual conversations with students, will touch your life as Bob shares his "last minute advice" to students about to embark on life's journey. This is an ideal address for educational and health care audiences and has been used effectively in church leadership conferences.

Presentations for:
FINANCIAL SERVICE FIRMS -
Client Appreciation Events!

MAKING RETIREMENT THE BEST YEARS OF YOUR LIFE!

One of Dr. Veninga's most critically acclaimed books is Your Renaissance Years: Making Retirement the Best Years of Your Life. What are the rules for a successful retirement? Don't criticize your spouse! Exercise the mind and the body. Have a financial plan that will preserve your wealth. Get second and third opinions on medical issues. And remember this: When you stop moving, it's all over! This speech which has been given to thousands of clients of Ameriprise, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney and other financial services organizations will provide your clients with a mental lift. The speech comes with a guarantee: Everyone in attendance will leave with a smile on their face and a deep sense of appreciation to the organization that invited them to be a part of this inspiring event.

Presentations For:
GENERAL AUDIENCES

"ARE YOU PLAYING IT TOO SAFE?"
Lessons from an Olympic Athlete

At age 41, 2008 Olympic swimmer Dara Torres set a new American record in winning the 50 freestyle in 24.25 seconds - beating youngsters half her age. How did this mother of a two-year old do it? "The water doesn't know the age you are when you jump in." was her reply. This presentation addresses two important questions: Why do people limit their possibilities because of age? And why do organizations opt for being second-class when they have gold medal potential? This inspiring presentation will give you practical strategies by which to reach your personal and organizational dreams. The heart of this speech has been given to standing-room audiences in Europe, China, and South America and is one of Dr. Veninga's most frequently requested motivational presentations.

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO OPTIMISM?
Lessons on Resiliency

This is an ideal speech for audiences who want a research-based presentation filled with cutting-edge information about what makes people - and organizations - resilient. Based on Dr. Veninga's ground-breaking research at the University of Minnesota on hope, you will discover ways to renew yourself based on the experiences of real individuals confronting real dilemmas. This is an ideal speech for audiences who want to be challenged intellectually to rethink their goals, commitments - and their future.