* "The End of the [Outside] World: We're all in this together"
- Farmers have traditionally thought of themselves as set apart, both literally and figuratively. During the last few years, practically unnoticed, our profession has developed strong linkages to other sectors and other places. Like it or not, we must look outward to compete locally and globally. Changing this narrow focus is not easy, but some common sense guidelines and examples can help producers reduce the number of times they look up and ask "Where did that come from?" A more inclusive outlook simultaneously increases our chances for job satisfaction and personal happiness.
* "What If This Is Normal?" - Many farmers are waiting for things to return to normal in US agriculture. Some have begun to realize that may be a long wait. Suppose the future is going to look a lot like 2008? John examines aspects of farming that may be forever changed as well as some traditions that are holding fast in a presentation that helps listeners develop new and effective attitudes about their own ag future.
* "Make Up Your Mind:How to be there when your brain makes a decision" The choices aren't getting any easier in agriculture, but thanks to new research, we can all have a better understanding of how our brains go about the business of choosing. From selling during a down market to thinking clearly when racing a rain, new insights in brain function can help your operation, group, and personal relationships. John brings in information from diverse sources to help listeners balance their innate tendencies and intellectual talents with powerful decision tools.
* "The Prediction Problem: Why the future isn't what it used to be" - The trouble with thinking about the future is living in the present. Despite powerful new forecasting tools, humans still struggle to escape the influence of the present. New research about brains and behavior offer some clues to help all of us learn why we are so poor at predicting our own future, and especially our own happiness. John shares insights to improve our personal forecasting skills and adaptation abilities. Best of all, he draws upon wisdom and technology both to enable the possibilities for contentment in any future.
* "Must-Have Power Tools for 2009" - The tools you will need to thrive in agriculture in the 21st Century may not be all that familiar right now. Technical expertise is just the starting point. Learn what surprising skills and abilities are enabling leading producers to stay ahead of the competition and more importantly, add joy to their lives. From better listening to luck leveraging, this catalog of non-traditional management techniques contains valuable additions to any agricultural career toolbox.
Have a special meeting or theme planned? Let John craft a presentation to fit your specific objectives.
Motivational speeches * "Prosperity for Dummies: Managing success after a long layoff - The ethanol price boom has changed expectations and results on most farms. While some look back to the 1970's for similar farm economic comparisons, others see few parallels. The skills that kept farms going through the last part of the 20th Century may not be all we need to manage this magnitude of change. In fact, some basic farmer assumptions may have to change. John helps listeners - even the most skeptical - adopt attitudes and practices that can optimize their chances for true prosperity. It turns out $5 corn may not solve all problems.
Use John to avoid "PowerPoint Paralysis"
Presentations are constantly upgraded
Seminars, break-out sessions, and workshops * "What Are the Odds? (A Guide to Better Worrying)" - An engineer's (think "Dilbert") look at the flood of statistical information that inundates us daily. John gives easy, helpful rules to enable listeners to judge risks more accurately.
* "The Time of our Lives" - Time management techniques designed for the world of agriculture. Using current research, John can help audiences think about how to optimize their time senses for happier results.
Master of Ceremony services
John can host your general session and add zing to panel discussions on even the driest technical topics. His natural humor and energy coupled with vigorous research will make the difference between audience engagment and turn-off for the crucial information you need to convey. Using a hybrid style to fit your format - mixing "McGlaughlin", "Oprah" and "Leno" and his own familiar wit - John can glue your disparate presenters/panelists into a coherent and engaging package.
His work at the Commodity Classic has energized the General Session. He also has guided panel discussions for the Wisconsin Corn-Soy Conference and Illinois Corn Growers.
John at work at the 2002 Commodity Classic General Session
