Ryan Holiday: New Book!
What’s the right thing to do? The highly anticipated third installment of Ryan Holiday’s Cardinal Stoic Virtues Series is almost here. In his latest book, Right Thing, Right Now, Ryan focuses on justice; the most important stoic virtue. It’s what our courage, discipline, and wisdom have to be directed toward. The idea of doing the right thing, even when it isn’t easy. Justice isn’t just what we do for other people. It’s not just the good we do in the world but it’s also realizing our own potential. Trying to become the best of what we are capable of being and that’s how we make that contribution to the world. The Stoics never claimed that living justly was easy, only that it was necessary. And that the alternative—sacrificing our principles for something lesser—was considered only by cowards and fools. Right Thing, Right Now is a powerful antidote to the moral failures of our modern age, and a manual for living virtuously. Ryan is not your typical keynote speaker. An expert in Stoic philosophy who is most often asked to speak on his hit bestseller Obstacle is the Way, Ryan customizes his remarks for every group, helping people understand their mindset towards problem-solving, and how to maximize all they do. Contact us today to bring Ryan to your next event to help your team realize its fullest potential through modern Stoicism!
Jesse Itzler Featured by ESPN.com for “Go NY GO!”
“There was nothing in sports songs. It was a blank slate — the Bears had done “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” the Mets had “Meet the Mets,” but that was for commercials. We needed something built for an arena.” – Jesse Itzler His celebrated journey as an entrepreneur began as a rapper in the early 90’s, and while his songs have hit the Billboard 100, his best-known hit may be the New York Knicks anthem “Go New York Go!” As chronicled by ESPN, Jesse is the mastermind behind one of the most iconic pump-up songs in sports history; 30 years later, the song still rocks the rafters at Madison Square Garden. The power of music, the spirit of competition, and the belief that anything is possible when we come together as one inspired Jesse, a lifelong Knicks fan and now an owner of the Atlanta Hawks. While his songwriting days are behind him, he is still driven by his love for music, traveling with a DJ to each and every speech he delivers. It’s what makes him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the world. If you are looking for stories of grit and determination mixed with passion and inspiration, contact us for more information on Jesse Itzler
From Pressure to Progress: Embracing Feedback and Adversity
Every year as spring arrives, as my eyes water from allergies, and as I switch to light colors and iced coffee, I find myself grappling with my multitude of imperfections amidst a frenzy of activity and an increasingly demanding calendar. The demands of leadership are overwhelming more often than not. It’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time to get everything done, let alone done right. In these moments, I find solace and inspiration from my clients. Their insights on pressure, feedback, and adversity have helped make them as successful as they are. I’m just lucky enough to be immersed in their words of wisdom daily, profoundly shaping my approach to both personal and professional challenges. At VaynerSpeakers, we recently added two new members to our team, which means my responsibilities as a manager just grew. As Jesse Itzler says, “Pressure is a Privilege.” Pressure is a constant companion for me. Deadlines, decisions, pivots, growth opportunities, communication, and responsibilities all create an ever-present tension. Instead of viewing this as a burden, I’ve learned to see it as an opportunity. Jesse’s words remind me that the most valuable achievements are accomplished on the other side of this pressure. Each challenging situation is a chance to grow, to push past limitations, and to find the gold that lies hidden in the struggle. Embracing pressure means acknowledging that it is an essential part of the journey toward excellence. A guiding light from his father, Will Guidara often says, “Adversity is a terrible thing to waste.” All of this pressure leads to many difficult situations to navigate. This idea offers a powerful reminder that challenges are not setbacks but opportunities in disguise. Adversity is inevitable. There are times when everything seems to go wrong, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Yet, Will’s words encourage me to see adversity as a catalyst for innovation and resilience. Each challenge is a chance to think differently, to adapt, and to overcome. Adversity forces us out of our comfort zones, pushing us to discover new solutions and unlock something untapped that becomes part of our futures. By not wasting these moments, we transform obstacles into stepping stones toward greater success. Amidst the chaos, the importance of feedback cannot be overstated, both to my staff and from them. Claude Silver‘s perspective that “Feedback is a gift” has been a guiding principle for me. I’ll admit, receiving feedback isn’t always easy, especially when it highlights areas for improvement that I’m keenly aware of. However, viewing feedback as a gift has transformed my approach. It’s about receiving insights with gratitude and using them as tools for growth, rather than ignoring them. Claude emphasizes the need for feedback to be clear, specific, kind, and actionable. By fostering a culture where feedback is valued and given thoughtfully, we create an environment that encourages continuous learning and development. It’s through this lens that I strive to both give and receive feedback that is constructive, understanding its power to drive positive change. We can expect change by offering insight and help as guidance. Balancing these principles—embracing pressure, valuing feedback, and leveraging adversity—has become a cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. It’s not about perfection, but the pursuit of it. In the midst of a busy life, these insights offer a roadmap for navigating challenges with grace and determination. As leaders, it’s crucial to champion these ideas, and I hope I’m creating a culture where pressure is seen as a privilege, feedback is cherished, and adversity is embraced as an opportunity. By doing so, we not only enhance our own capabilities but also inspire those around us to reach new heights. In acknowledging our imperfections and embracing the frenzied pace of our world, we pave the way for a more resilient and innovative future. So, remember, in each moment of difficulty you face, those are the moments where true growth happens. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them as fuel on your journey to excellence.
The AI Evolution: Embrace Change
Reimagine Your Business in an AI-First World “The feedback from the audience was through the roof, with a lot of people saying Brian was our best speaker ever. He’s truly a once-in-a-generation mind.” Gain knowledge from one of the foremost experts in the field of artificial intelligence: Brian Solis. Speaking on the subject of AI and VR for the last decade, Brian not only has insights on why AI is more than just a trend, but a fundamental shift that requires leaders to adapt and thrive in the new digital landscape, but the business applications we will all be forced to reckon with. AI has forever changed the trajectory of how we work, putting ‘business as usual’ in the rearview mirror. Leaders now face an entirely new set of prospects and challenges that will test their creativity, resilience, and vision. Brian explores why automation is no longer the goal, but instead the norm, why augmentation will be the key to differentiation, and how leaders can forge the mind shift required to unlock a new future as an AI-first exponential growth business. Contact us for pricing and availability!
Wake Up Your Audience and Electrify Your Event
High-Energy, High-Impact: Scott Stratten & Laura Gassner Otting Known for their powerful business messages and storytelling abilities, Laura Gassner Otting and Scott Stratten are energetic and spirited personalities on stage. Laura Gassner Otting, Bestselling Author of “Limitless” and “Wonderhell,” captivates audiences with her powerful message of purpose, potential, and impact. Her infectious charisma and empowering presence leaves audiences inspired to take action and pursue their dreams without any limits. Scott Stratten, Bestselling Author of “UnMarketing” and “UnLeadership,” brings a unique blend of humor and charm to the stage, challenging audiences to think differently about marketing, branding, and customer engagement, by getting audiences to think of themselves as consumers and employees, to improve how they lead. Don’t settle for the ordinary. By integrating the wisdom of Laura Gassner Otting and Scott Stratten into your leadership and business meetings, you’ll set a new stage for unparalleled success. See for yourself below!
How to Find the Best Speaker for Your Event
Contact VaynerSpeakers, or…. Define Your Event Objectives and Audience Purpose: Begin by clearly defining what you aim to achieve with your event. Are you looking to educate, motivate, or entertain? Does your speaker need to be a draw or will your audience be there regardless? Setting a clear purpose will shape the entire event, including, but not limited to your choice of speaker. Audience: It’s crucial to understand who will be attending. Identifying your audience in terms of demographics, interests, and professional backgrounds, will help you select a speaker who can truly resonate with and captivate your audience. Establish Your Criteria Content: Ensure the speaker’s expertise and message aligns with your company mission and/or event theme, but decide if you want someone to come in with an entirely different message and purpose than the rest of your event. For association or industry focused events, there can be significant value in a non-endemic speaker who can break up any monotony of a day focused on a singular subject. Format: The term speaker has evolved over the last decade. Many keynote sessions are not a singular speaker, but rather a panel discussion or moderated conversation/fireside chat. Determine if you are open to alternative formats and make sure the speaker you are considering fits the format you are aiming for. Credibility: Evaluate the speaker’s experience, achievements, and reputation in their field to ensure they bring authority and trust. These days, all it takes to be a speaker is putting “Speaker” in your instagram profile. Be sure that the speaker you are considering has an ample history on stage. Budget: Be clear about your financial limits. Beyond the speaker fee, you’ll have to manage their a/v needs and travel costs. Having a defined budget does not mean you have to spend every penny you have budgeted, but establishing a budget allows you to consider only realistic options. Date/Time/Location: Whether you are planning an in person or virtual event, it’s helpful to have a defined schedule, and ability to indicate any flexibility to speakers you are considering to be sure you are able to consider only those speakers who are actually available for your event. Research Potential Speakers Use Various Sources: Explore industry conferences, professional networks, and online platforms such as LinkedIn or TED Talks. However, recognize that not every person actually wants to give a speech. Someone may appear on a podcast, or have built a cool company, but have no desire to take the stage. Speaker bureaus are a great resource-but not the only resource- to help take some of the guess work out of it. Recommendations and References: Leverage your network by asking colleagues, industry peers, or relevant social media groups for speaker suggestions. Explore other events to see who they are hosting and use social media to see if there was any buzz about someone that you find interesting. Watch Videos: Like test driving a car, it’s better when you can have the experience yourself. If possible, watch recordings of previous talks by the speakers you are considering to assess their presentation style and content. Create a Shortlist Evaluate Potential Speakers: From your research, compile a list of speakers who best match your defined criteria. Then begin to determine who fits within your budget parameters and has availability on your event dates. This list will be crucial for the next steps in the selection process. Stay Tuned for Part 2: “How to Book a Speaker”
They said WHAT about Jesse Itzler?!
Wait…what did they say? Walking off stage after every speech dripping sweat, Jesse speaks from the heart and with a passion that is unmatched. Regularly booked multiple times by the same customer, Jesse helps people understand their relationship with time to maximize their days on earth and motivates them to achieve things they never thought possible. Why run a 100-mile race when you can learn from someone who has already done it? Jesse doesn’t just deliver a speech – he creates an unforgettable experience that leaves attendees energized, inspired, and ready to take on any challenge. Jesse channels his passion for adventure and relentless pursuit of excellence to ignite audiences, but don’t just take our word for it – hear directly from those who have been moved by Jesse’s powerful message of resilience and determination. “All I can say is WOW. I’ve been to hundreds of events at this point, and Jesse’s keynote was the best I’ve ever seen. Just amazing. Rollercoaster of emotions with stories of his success and his father, stories of him being a father. To top it off, he couldn’t be nicer behind the scenes in the green room/VIP meet and greet. I can’t thank your team enough for bringing Jesse to the convention, even with the time switch on you! Thank you again and I so very look forward to working with your team very soon!” — American Pistachio Growers “Jesse was a big hit. Between us, my boss was not so sure about the session leading into it, as he worried it was a little too out of left field, but the feedback from our guests was unanimously positive. This is a spouse/guest-included event, and it was powerful to have a speaker who really spoke from the heart and whose message is very visceral/emotional.” — JP Morgan Chase “The event was excellent and Jesse was fabulous. He was by far the hit of the show and was very well-received. It was clear by the amount of comments I received directly that he connected with everyone. We are fired up from Jesse’s keynote…it was perfect.” — Byteworks Contact us for pricing and availability.
Scaling Innovation and Growth: Matt Higgins
Look who’s talking! A beacon of innovation and growth, Matt Higgins captivates audiences with his insights and strategies that have shaped industries. Higgins draws from a wellspring of experience as a successful entrepreneur, investor, and adviser to high-growth companies, infusing his talks with real-world examples that resonate with start-ups and established businesses alike. His approach to speaking is not just informative but transformative. He challenges attendees to rethink their strategies and embrace change as a constant, with an ability to dissect complex concepts of innovation and growth, combined with his engaging storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on his audience, and equipping them with the tools to navigate the fast-paced business landscape of today. His speeches are a masterclass in harnessing the power of innovation to drive growth, making him an invaluable voice for anyone looking to elevate their business or personal growth journey. “Matt was absolutely amazing today, and we have had nothing but fantastic feedback from our team!” – Benefit Advisors Group “Matt’s presentation was wonderful, and we have already received great feedback from our attendees. He stuck around afterward for cocktails and mingled with our members. Very down to earth! Thank you!” —CEO Council of Tampa “I just wanted to let you know that the Expo was wonderful this year and that Matt Higgins did a great job! We have had so many wonderful comments about him. I believe he is the best speaker we have had at the expo and others have said the same. Thanks so much for your help!” —ICREA “Your presentation was a huge hit once again! We received amazing feedback fromthe Board of Trustees and the attendees. You always exceed expectations.🙂” – Florida Chamber of Commerce Contact us for pricing and availability on Matt for your next event.
The Power of Positive Leadership: Lead with Empathy, Fuel Growth
Bring Resilience to the Workplace In today’s business environment, nurturing a culture of mental wellness for your organization has become more crucial than ever. As we observe Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the resilience of our teams and the strategies we can employ to bolster their well-being with two luminaries in leadership and mental health: Laura Gassner Otting and Claude Silver.Laura, with her best-selling books “Limitless” and “Wonderhell,” offers valuable insights into embracing authenticity, redefining success, and breaking through barriers you’ve put on yourself. Claude, as the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia, specializes in fostering a supportive work environment where employees can personally and professionally thrive, with one major focus: empathy. In their transformative talks, Laura and Claude share practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset that extends beyond the walls of your office, navigating life’s challenges with resilience, and fostering emotional well-being. They inspire audiences to prioritize self-care, embrace authenticity, and create a life of purpose and fulfillment. Transform the way your business approaches mental health and resilience. By integrating the wisdom of Laura Gassner Otting and Claude Silver into your leadership strategy, you’ll not only enhance the well-being of your employees but also set the stage for unparalleled success. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Intentionality: The Lost Art of Strategy
In a world that’s constantly in flux, where the winds of change blow more fiercely with each passing day, it’s easy to find oneself adrift, caught in the currents of circumstance and reactive decision-making. This is a reality that not only individuals but also organizations face, navigating through the uncertainties and complexities of the modern business landscape. I’ve come to appreciate, more deeply than ever, the immense value and transformative power of intentionality in both personal and professional realms. So much so, that it has been my focus for 2024. Intentionality, as I see it, is not just about making deliberate choices; it’s about aligning those choices with a clear vision, a purpose that goes beyond the immediate. It’s about the conscious direction of our energies and efforts towards what truly matters, about creating rather than merely reacting. This principle has been a guiding light for me and the team at VaynerSpeakers, helping us navigate through challenges and opportunities with clarity and conviction. The essence of intentionality lies in its simplicity and its profundity. It begins with the willingness to ask hard questions: What is our actual goal? Are we doing the things that will get us there? Are we all aligned? These questions might seem obvious, but they are essential in carving out a path that is not just successful, but a path your team will want to join you on. For us, it has meant building a culture that prioritizes speed, customization, and innovation, where every speaker we represent, every event we help curate, and every interaction we have is imbued with these values. But intentionality is not a static state; it’s a dynamic process. It requires regular reflection and recalibration, a constant evaluation of whether our actions align with our core values and goals. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, the immediate deadlines, and the urgent tasks. As Ryan Holiday has said, “Your inbox is a to-do list created by other people.” However, the true measure of intentionality is how well we can maintain our focus on the long-term vision amidst these pressures. It’s about making the hard choices, sometimes saying no to good opportunities because they don’t align with our greater mission. This in and of itself has led me to keep the word “No” above my door where I can see it while sitting at my desk. It’s not a reminder to be negative but to remember to use “No” as a tactic towards intentionality. In practice, intentionality has also meant being proactive about learning and adaptation. The landscape of public speaking and thought leadership is ever-evolving, with new platforms, technologies, and audience expectations. Staying true to our mission while embracing change requires a delicate balance, one that can only be achieved through intentional decision-making. It’s about discerning which trends align with our values and vision, and how we can leverage them to enhance our impact and reach. Moreover, intentionality extends beyond our organizational goals and into our personal development as leaders and individuals. It’s about setting intentional goals for growth, seeking out feedback, and being mindful of our own biases and limitations. It’s about leading by example, embodying the values we espouse, and creating a space where others are empowered to do the same. The journey of embedding intentionality into the fabric of our organization has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. It has not only shaped our strategy and operations but has also fostered a culture of purpose-driven action and authentic connection. As we move forward, intentionality remains our compass, guiding us through the complexities of the business world with clarity, purpose, and resilience. And I hope that by sharing this principle, others may find in it a source of inspiration and guidance, in their professional endeavors and beyond.