Keynotes

Visit External link opens in new tab or windowJim's Blog (Thor's Hammer)for practical business and economic observations.

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Jim is an atypical CPA that delivers humorous presentations on business and self improvement topics.  Bring Jim into your organization or conference to deliver a keynote speech, a workshop or facilitate a Corporate Retreat.  His mission is "Improving People's Lives and their Businesses.  He will do that for your organization and your employees in an entertaining, humorous and practical approach.

Corporate Entropy and the Phoenix Effect (Keynote)

All of our businesses on the road to Chaos. Our history is littered with examples of organizations that failed to recognize their own demise. The fortunate organizations learned to innovate, to change and rise like the Phoenix. Join Jim in a practical examination of businesses that have been overcome by Chaos and even more importantly the steps that can be taken to rise from the ashes of Chaos.

Ethics: A Line in the Sand (Keynote or Workshop)

The pervasive lack of Ethics encompasses all aspects of our daily lives. Everyday newspaper and internet headlines display ethical violations that involove our Governmental Leaders, Sports Heroes, Business Leaders, our Neighbors and our Children. A society that continues to display a lack of respect for Ethical issues is regressive in nature and selfish. This candid look at ethics provides a historical perspective of ethics, reasons why individuals are unethical, practical examples of daily ethical lapses and suggestions how we can raise ethical behavior in ourselves, our family, our workplaces and our government.

Cannons, Scrums and Teams
(Keynote, Workshop)


Cannons, Scrums and Teams will present a different vision on the critical factors that make Teams successful.  By illustrating the commitment and dedication from two unique areas, attendees will gain new insight into how to make their own teams more dynamic and more successful.


The Profit Puzzle - Planning, Culture and People (Keynote, Workshop)

A candid look at the role of planning and the interdpendence with Corporate Culture and People. Utilized correctly, an organization has the best chance to achieve its goals. If Planning, Culture and People are ignored for the sake of current productivity, the organization's profitability will be jeopardized as will the organization.

External link opens in new tab or window Business is Like Fishing (Keynote or Workshop)

The best learning tools are humorous and practical stories with lessons that can be transferred to our daily lives.  Join Jim on a humorous trip through a Northwoods vacation and the practical lessons that apply to our daily lives.  Even if you have never been fishing, Jim takes easy to understand stories that have direct impact to your business or your life.

Recession Proofing your Business (Keynote or Workshop)

We are still in the quagmire of difficult recessionary times.  If we are headed for a double dip recession, what steps have you taken to ensure that your organization will survive the coming months and years.  Have you examined the potential for inflation or hyperinflation and determined that your organization is prepared?  Jim will explore the steps that a prudent management team should consider to implement in tough economic times.

When Pigs Learn to Fly: Average People Achieving the Impossible (Keynote)

A humorous and entertaining look at everyday people that have risen to great heights and overcome significant difficulties.  Join Jim in learning how companies can unleash employees’ hidden potential and skill.  The techniques are also excellent for unleashing your own hidden talents.

External link opens in new tab or windowNot For Profit Organizations Competing in a For Profit World (Keynote)

The challenges of running a  Not for Profit organization are many during good times. The challenges become more  difficult during tough economic times.  Join  Jim for a practical look at the challenges of operating a Not For Profit and Capitalizingon the NPO's must valuable assets - their people, their mission and their Passion.

External link opens in new tab or windowFamily Business: Boon or Bane? (Keynote, Workshop, Seminar)

Only when you have worked in a family business can you appreciate the difficulties that occur when companies mix family and business.  Join Jim as he takes a humorous journey through the day to day difficulties in running a family business and also shares ways to help ensure the family business can be successful.

External link opens in new tab or windowBusiness: How to Avoid a Financial Heart Attack (Keynote, Workshop)

The recession sorted out unsuccessful businesses from those that had effective business models.  We have seen many companies disappear from the business horizon due to a multitude of problems and circumstances.  Join Jim as he takes a practical and critical look at the reasons why companies fail. He will also identify the warning signs of a financial crisis and practical steps to get a company back on track.

Mergers & Acquisitions: Tricks, Traps, and Terrors (Keynote, Workshop, Seminar)

When companies desire to grow, they always look at Merger & Acquisition opportunities.  For companies that have never participated in the process, it seems like an easy and effective way to grow.  Jim will share practical guidance with an overview of the M&A process and share tricks to avoid the pitfalls from both buyer and seller perspectives.

1+1=3 Networking and Growing Your Business (Keynote, Workshop)

Learn how to build and nourish a business network that will grow and help you build a successful business.

Why Smart People do Dumb Things (Keynote, Workshop)

Unfortunately, there is always a supply of Smart People doing Dumb things.  The advantage that most of have is that we can learn from others mistakes as opposed to forging our own.  Jim will take the audience on a challenging look at the reasons why intelligent people make bad decisions that ruin their finances, their family and their life.

Creativity - the Key to all Corporate Value (Keynote, Workshop)

Many corporations are frightened to consider the role of creativity and the power of dreams in generating true value for a corporation.  In this speech, Jim will show that all value is derived from only 1 place - and that is the Dream phase in the planning process.

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Thanks for your time…..

Jim