We all have a past. Some memories are good, and some memories painful, but they all make us who we are. Adversities and lack of misfortunes shape us, like it or not. I was fortunate to grow up in a loving home in Auburn, a small town in central Massachusetts. My dad, a Veteran, worked…
Ep. 77 We Double Dog Dare You! Did you ever accept a dare when you were younger? Or did you choose the comfortable path and ‘play it safe?’ As presenters, it’s easy to get comfortable doing what we do well. In this episode, Darren and Mark DOUBLE DOG DARE you to serve your audiences by…
Collateral growth? What does that mean? It’s a learning effect you may not be fully capitalizing on. Never heard of it? I just coined this self-development phrase based on a recent experience. (It is also a medical term, but I’m taking credit for my version in our industry. Tee hee.) What does it mean? Let’s…
Ep. 74 Impromptu You! Ready? You’re suddenly asked to ‘say a few words’ at a special occasion, or to replace a no-show speaker at the last minute. Are you nervous, or are you READY? Mark and Darren share effective tools and a simple yet effective strategy for handling any impromptu speaking situation, all to help…
OK, how serious are you about truly impacting your audience? We’ve heard about learning styles and the Myers Briggs tests. Still, have you considered who the people really are in your audience and, more importantly, what they really need from you? Let’s sit down with three of them and hear their actual truth. We are…
I listen at night and first thing in the AM. I also read them out loud. Hope it helps you. (Reminder, this is just a journal of my mistakes, experiences, and thoughts along with my journey to having a closer relationship with God. I do not claim to be an authority on the subject. If…
What did Simba’s dad say to him in Disney’s Lion King after Simba grew up? Remember? Hold that thought. It’s been said too many times that 2020 is unbelievably challenging. Too often, we let outside factors cause doubt in ourselves. We focus on those negative thoughts and ideas, and we start to see more of…
Ep. 69 Virtual Training Mistakes: 9 NO-NOs Virtual training done well can be delightful. Done poorly, it can be disastrous. Darren, Mark & guest host Ed Tate, CSP take a deep dive into 9 NO-Nos of virtual training and show how to avoid being boring, keep your attendees engaged, and ultimately deliver unforgettable virtual training…
When was the last time you thought, “Why me?” Maybe it was, “Why us?” Or “Why now?” You are not alone. Often, we are correct. It’s not fair, especially with all of this craziness going on. Even the Bible tells believers that we will have troubles. It was 1998, and it was one of the…
Ep. 66 Your Family’s Treasures Do you remember the times when your family got together for holidays, anniversary celebrations or special occasions? The laughter you shared, the memories you made, and the tales you told? Mark and Darren talk about the hidden TREASURE in our families’ stories and offer specific ideas for finding and sharing…