by Zoe Training staff

There are thousands of doctors and thousands of professional speakers, but few of them are both a doctor and a speaker. Brad Nieder, MD, is one of them. Brad combines his humor-filled doses of medicine with wellness advice to entertain audiences from the healthcare industry across the country.

As The Healthy Humorist®, Brad knows laughter in the workplace can enhance communication, aid creativity, and improve productivity. And his therapeutic presentation, “Laughter is the Best Medicine,” is quite effective at teaching audiences how humor can reduce stress, manage pain, and boost the immune system.

In this interview, Brad delivers some insightful answers about his presentations and personal life.

What’s your favorite topic(s) to present on? Why?

“Laughter is the Best Medicine” — It’s my mantra! And it’s my only topic.

Three words that describe your presentation style:

Seinfeldesque, inspiring, informative.

What are your favorite groups of people to work with?

I like working with all groups, but most of my clients are in the health care industry.

What’s the most unusual location (or circumstances) you’ve presented in?/Tell us about a presentation experience that went wrong:

I once delivered a continuing education program … to a bunch of folks getting drunk … at a “Redneck County Fair” theme party.

Do you have any pets? Kids? Unusual hobbies?

I have a three-year-old son (Isaac) and a one-year-old daughter (Molly). I like fly fishing, downhill skiing and “Dark ‘n Stormy” drinks.

by Zoe Training staff

With the employment situation in flux in recent years, Paul Unks’ career management expertise has come in handy for many people who need to regain their footing by either clarifying their career objectives or identifying new career options. And because career ups and downs can be the source of so much stress, Paul is also there to help individuals understand how stress impacts our daily lives and what we can do about it to alleviate the potential negative effects. In this interview, Paul talks about the joys of teaching his favorite topics and the mutual benefits that are gained by working together with participants.

What’s your favorite topic(s) to present on? Why?

1) Career Life Transition and Development, 2)Managing Stress and Wellness (“The Joy of Stress”) and 3) Communications and Team Building

I love teaching and facilitating workshops on these three topics.

I get a great deal of satisfaction from helping people to identify and then achieve the career position where they will be: fulfilled, very productive and successful, and in the right environment.  Career Life Development knowledge and skills are increasingly important and needed in our world today. Whether someone has been laid off through no fault of their own, if they are seeking a clearer direction and path to a more rewarding career, or if they want to further advance their career proactively in their current organization, they can benefit greatly from three key areas: 1) Assessment and Goal-Setting: Knowing how to do a clarifying self-assessment that accurately identifies their unique individual strengths and priorities (not artificially force fits them into one category that most traditional tests attempt to put people in). Then they need to know how to use the results of their assessment to see how their priorities best fit into the current job market segments in order to establish goals that are both desirable and viable. 2) Research and Confirmation of their top potential career goals; Knowing how to effectively research and conduct the early stages of networking so that they can be at peace with what they choose, as well as that which they choose not to do.

3) Setting up and Executing an effective Marketing strategy to attain the goal: Knowing how to prepare and deliver a clear and compelling message to their targeted market through networking, in their resume, letters and in some entrepreneurial cases, their website, as well as interviewing and negotiation. Being good at these aspects and knowing how to leverage key differentiators goes a long way to helping them gain an advantage in a very competitive market.

There are many aspects involved in each of the above areas, but it can all be more concisely boiled down to helping people address three questions:

1) Who am I? 2) Where am I going? and 3) How am I going to get there? It is by effectively addressing these questions that we can become more who we are.

I also love to help people better understand and manage their stress and wellness. I like to help people get a better handle on their most significant sources of stress, the major things, as well as the smaller seemingly less significant things they might otherwise overlook. And then it is important to understand how these different sources of stress impact on us both mentally and physically, how it can negatively effect our thought process, communication, performance and health. Once they have a good understanding of the progressive sequence, or chain, of mental and physical stress reactions, and where they are individually in that sequence, they are in a much better position to effectively manage their stress. We also take a look at the benefits and blessings of stress, and how to use the good kind of stress to combat and defeat the negative effects of distress. Finally we end on selecting from a long list of many things we can do to protect ourselves from the damaging effects of stress, prevent potential problems, or when required; how to get out of and reverse a downward unhealthy spiral someone might be in. Each person in the workshop leaves with an individualized assessment and action plan to protect themselves from their greatest risks and to proactively promote greater health and wellness for themselves. As a result, they have a much greater awareness and control over their unique stress situations and health, and are able to perform better as well.

Teaching and facilitating interpersonal communication and team building I find both rewarding and fun. I enjoy helping people gain greater insight to their own and others’ naturally preferred ways of working and communicating, and how these can present challenges, as well as be leveraged as advantages to the team so they can more effectively achieve shared goals.

I like to teach a simple and successful four-step team building model they can use to clearly see where they are strong and where they are vulnerable. They can also use the same four-step process to more effectively solve problems and mange projects as well. I like to include a key piece in this highly interactive workshop I call “The Power of Active Listening.” Very few people have ever had a class on listening skills. But it is one of, if not the most important communication skill of all. Yet it almost always gets short shrift in our education and training system. Once each person on the team has a better understanding of their own and each others’ main tendencies, what each finds easy and difficult, they are in a much better position leverage their strengths, and better accommodate each other. Where previously they might  have seen a certain team mate’s particular tendency as purposely being annoying, they now understand that he or she just comes by it naturally. There are many ways people can have fun in this workshop and become more enlightened in the process. One of the take aways I like participants to get out of the workshop is an enhanced sense of trust in each other and more enjoyment in working together.

Three words that describe your presentation style:

Dynamic, Engaging and Authentic

Do you have a favorite quote? What/why?

“Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

I also like, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” – Dr. George Draper, founder of physiological psychology in America. Therapist to Franklin Roosevelt and supreme court justice William O. Douglas. Both of these famous men credit Dr. Draper with helping them overcome their respective phobias and fears.

by Zoe Training staff

K.J. McCorry thrives on helping people save time, reduce stress, and protect the environment. Upon recognizing the need for organizational help in the workplace,  K.J. founded her own organization in 1996 to offer a wide spectrum of productivity consulting services. Her consulting specialties include increasing efficiency using electronic tools and becoming less paper-based. K.J. has also founded an innovative sister organization called eco-officiency, which offers sustainability consulting to individuals and organizations.

We asked K.J. to divulge some interesting tidbits about herself that go beyond just her consulting background.

Three words to describe her presentation style:

Fun, practical and engaging!

What are your most popular presentation topics?

Email, Time and Task/Priority management.

Why did you become a speaker/trainer?

It’s in my blood! I have been teaching since I was 14 years old.

Are you involved in any community projects/issues?

Yes, I’m active environmentalist and engaged in many business sustainability issues.

Do you have a favorite quote? What/why?

This quote by William James: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitude of mind.” I see a lot of clients and workshop participants burnt out. So much of becoming more efficient and productive is re-setting your expectations.

What are you most grateful for in life?

Everything.

What’s one thing on your “bucket list” you hope to do in the next year?

Head to Costa Rica and ride the Rainforest swings!

by Ashley Andrus

- Is the economy finally back on track?

- Are we headed for a double-dip recession?

- Will hiring pick up again anytime soon?

These are important questions that will impact the future of your organization—however, the more immediate question is: How are the ripple effects from the ongoing tight economic conditions directly impacting your employees TODAY?

Just as an individual business functions within the tides of the economy, individual employees and team members are buffeted by the turbulence associated with the ongoing economic downturn. The “new normal” translates into longer working hours, shorter deadlines, expanded job duties and responsibilities, and increased stress levels throughout the organization—all of which directly impact morale, working conditions, and your bottom line.

What can you do from a training and development standpoint to ensure your employees have the tools they need to ride out the ripples?

• Directly address increased stress levels with a variety of approaches. Organizations can offer stress management workshops and implement health and wellness campaigns to help address the stressors facing employees.  You might want to bring in a motivational speaker or humorist for certain types of events, and implement both formal and informal recognition programs, which can be effective without a high cost.  If you aren’t already doing so, consider surveying your employees for their input as to the highest-value stress relief options they’d like to see.

• Seek opportunities for increased efficiency and improved productivity. Many organizations have turned to an internal project management approach to identify process flow improvements and streamline operations—training your managers and supervisors in the Essentials of Project Management can help them hit the ground running. Beyond project management, you can provide tools to help all employees improve their time efficiency and gain a handle on the daily deluge of information they are expected to handle.

• Ensure your employees have the tools and skills they need for effective teamwork and communication. When working with fewer team members to share an unchanged or increased workload, it’s important that teams understand how to work AND play together for solid long-term results.  For some teams, communication and interpersonal skills could stand some improvement, while for others conflict resolution skills are called for.  You may want to consider implementing a psychometric tools approach and utilize the DiSC, Myers-Briggs, or other instrument to provide some common ground and language around team behaviors and expectations.

• Be alert for potential incidents of harassment, disrespectful behavior, and other compliance violations. In times of increased stress, it is not uncommon to see an increase in negative employee behavior; this may result in potential harassment complaints, hostile work environment claims, or reported ethics violations.  As an employer you must be on the lookout to quickly respond appropriately to such incidents and should also consider proactively offering harassment prevention & awareness workshops or respectful work environment programming to provide employees with the tools they need to be clear about their responsibilities and your organization’s policies and procedures.

The economy will improve at some point…however, these “new normal” working conditions are likely here to stay. Smart organizations are those taking steps to adapt now to the new normal so that they retain employees when conditions do improve and they are prepared to grow and thrive in both the rapids and the calm downstream.

Ashley Andrus is President of Zoe Training & Consulting. Her passion is making HR folks and meeting planners look like *rock stars* by providing one-stop access to 90+ speakers, trainers, facilitators, coaches, and consultants.

by Diane Sieg

In the Celtic tradition, the New Year begins in November instead of January.  This gives a whole new meaning to Halloween, or Hallow’s Eve, when, the ‘Seed Fall’: is celebrated as the days grow shorter and darker.  They honor this time of year with the belief that from death and darkness springs life and light.

I love this tradition because during these last two (what often are the busiest) months of the year, we can get caught up in survival mode to get through the holidays.  With this mindset, we put off beginning new projects, healthier diets, or financial plans until January.

But you don’t have to wait!  You are planting the seeds this very minute for January by the choices you make with everything you do, including what you eat, how much you sleep, and how much you spend.  You can set yourself up to start living with intention today and your New Year will be in full swing by January!

Think about your life in terms of the eight categories below.  What area would you like to focus on, shift, or give more energy to in your life for the next 30 days?  You can evaluate all the areas, but I invite you to just pick one at a time to focus on.

Now create an intention around your chosen category.  Your intention is not just a goal, but more of a vision, a direction you wish to channel your energy. It is stated in the affirmative, as if it is already happening.  Keep the intention specific to the category, but broad to the affirmation, so you do not limit yourself.  For example, if Finance is your chosen category, instead of saying “I have an extra $1000 this month”, you could say, “Money is flowing easily and effortlessly in my life” or “I am attending to my financial responsibilities.”

Other examples of intentions:

Health
I take good care of my physical body
My body is strong and healthy

Career
I move forward in my business.
I do meaningful work in the world

Romance
I attract the perfect partner in my life
I connect with my partner on a deeper level

Friends and Family
I am surrounded by loving, supportive, highly conscious friends
I am a loving and attentive father

Physical Environment
I feel secure and safe in my home
My home is spacious and organized

Fun and Recreation
I enjoy my new hobbies
I have fun learning how to play the piano

Once you have determined your intention, write it down and spend at least five minutes every day focusing on it with meditation, breathing, movement, journaling, or all of the above.   What we focus on expands.  When you take the time to focus on your deepest intentions, your day is different because you are different.  That is the magic of having a daily practice, and why the 30 Days to Grace program is so effective.

Here is a recent testimonial I received regarding the power of living with intention:

“I should love 30 Days to Grace for helping me lose 90 pounds, resolve a couple of scary financial situations and get back on track creatively, all in very short order! And I do. But in spite of those amazing results, what I’ve truly come to value about the 30 Day program is how it helps me go deeper on a daily basis. My intentions continue to evolve as I do, all toward becoming my most authentic self in a way that infuses my days with mindfulness and joy.”

Living with intention takes a real discipline to practice every day.  When we get busy, stressed, and overwhelmed (like now with the holidays), the need for it is even greater.  Start living with intention today, and you will not only finish this year strong, you will set yourself up for a powerful January.  Happy New Year now!

From the chaos of the emergency room to the calm of her yoga mat, professional speaker, published author, certified yoga teacher, and life coach Diane Sieg will give you life-saving strategies by showing you how to take care of yourself, take charge of your life, and take daily action!

by Ashley Andrus

Well, it’s the time of year for “best of” and “Top 10″ lists, so in honor of the brand new 2010, we thought we’d share a run-down of the most popular training topics our clients are planning for this upcoming year:

1. Behavioral Interviewing
There is nothing more important than hiring the right people. Hiring the right person for the right job provides tremendous organizational benefits by increasing employee productivity, reducing training time, and controlling the high cost of employee turnover—not to mention the positive impact on team morale. You’d think, with double-digit unemployment rates across the country, that it would be easy to hire right now…right? Well, maybe. Read more…

2. Business Writing
Many experts estimate that as much as 90% of human communication comes from non-verbal clues such as voice inflection and body language. In business writing, however, you have only the words to get your meaning across, so the way the writer uses those words becomes more important. On-the-job writing matters—to your company, to your readers, and to you as a writer. From sales proposals to client emails to internal communications, your employees represent your organization every time they write an email or craft a document. Read more…

3. Coaching/Mentoring
Coaching can help managers and supervisors provide a structure for enabling their employees to achieve high performance. But the bewildering array of both available resources and management duties can complicate the process. What situations call for coaching vs. counseling? What’s the difference in coaching and performance management? How exactly do you give constructive feedback? Read more…

4. DiSC
There are, of course, many different assessment tools that rate behavior, preference, attitudes, etc. and provide a framework for understanding the way in which you see the world and the differing ways in which others may approach the same set of facts or circumstances. Myers-Briggs/MBTI, Emergenetics, Lominger, Insights and many others remain popular, but the most common tool we see clients utilizing is the DiSC. Read more…

5. Emotional Intelligence/EQ
All managers can relate horror stories about employees or team members who were clearly intelligent, technically capable, and able to perform the duties their job demanded…and who wreaked havoc on their teams because their social skills or self-management capability was lacking. When it comes to individual and team success, IQ is not enough; in fact, the skill set known as Emotional Intelligence (EQ) has consistently proven to be a better indicator of workplace success. Read more…

6. Facilitation Skills
Most of us feel like we spend too much time in meetings. Meetings that are too long. Meetings that have too many participants. Meetings that don’t have clear objectives. Meetings that get sidetracked by off-topic discussions. Meetings can be a waste of time…but with an effective facilitator, that doesn’t have to be the case. Read more…

7. Harassment Prevention/Respectful Work Environment
Even when training budgets are tight, harassment prevention and awareness remains a topic of interest to many organizations due to the legal liability issues that can be involved. Ensuring that both individual contributors and managers understand the policies/procedures and responsibilities of the organization is essential, but may not be enough. Read more…

8. Networking Skills
Networking…it isn’t just for salespeople! Although for many people the word “networking” conjures up a cringe-inducing image of a pushy salesperson shoving a business card into every hand she can find, the reality is that networking is about serving as a resource—about giving, not taking—and it’s essential for both individual and organizational success. Read more…

9. Project Management
In past years, much of the project management training offered by organizations was geared towards those employees who were planning to become a Project Management Professional (PMP) and whose job title or function specifically encompassed a formal project management role. Today, however, we see organizations recognizing that many employees manage projects (albeit on a less formal basis) and recognizing the benefits of a project management overview. Read more…

10. Work-Life Balance/Stress Management
It goes without saying that the state of the economy, mass layoffs, and ever-increasing demands on our employees’ time creates a perfect storm of stress. The negative impacts of stress can range from the physical to the mental and can have devastating impacts on both individuals and teams. Organizations are exploring a variety of resources they can offer to help weather the storm. Read more…

Wishing you an excellent and productive 2010!

Ashley Andrus is President of Zoe Training & Consulting. Her passion is making HR folks and meeting planners look like *rock stars* by providing one-stop access to 90+ speakers, trainers, facilitators, coaches, and consultants.

by D.J. Vanas

With the mountains of the Front Range watching over me like guardian soldiers, I began my journey from Colorado Springs up to Rocky Mountain National Park, about three hours away, for a speaking engagement. I put a book on CD in the stereo, the sun was shining, the weather was perfect and thankfully, the traffic was moving quickly and smoothly on the highway. All seemed right and good… and then it appeared.

Out of nowhere, a decrepit white van with mismatched hubcaps shoved its way into traffic and began a battle of epic proportions. It dodged, weaved, cut several people off and tailgated others, receiving blaring horns and a few one-finger salutes from fellow travelers. I’d watch the van accelerate to find an opening and then suddenly its tail end would lift as the driver slammed on the brakes. This impatient driver wasn’t just a pain to endure; he seemed to be an outright menace. The mysterious white van went through this agonizing routine for almost the entire hour it took to reach Denver, suffering his own obvious frustrations but also attempting to force everyone around him on the highway to suffer them as well. All this and here’s what the van accomplished – he was a mere three cars ahead of me after an hour!

The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on me. As he chose to travel one way, I had chosen another path and so had some other travelers. I was listening to a great CD The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch, counting my blessings, enjoying the beautiful day and feeling thankful that the traffic was moving well. I actually savored my journey. I passed by a family in a minivan that was doing the same, enjoying their time together, engaging in conversation and wearing tender smiles. One of the little ones even waved at me from his car seat. As I made my way through Denver, I pulled over to get off the highway to take a pit stop. The van was also pulling off the highway, accompanied by the bright flashing lights of the Colorado Highway Patrol.

Of course we all know we can’t control all that life throws our way. But we do get to exercise our power nonetheless in those moments and choose how we’ll travel on the journey. How are you traveling on your journey? Are you chomping at the bit daily, aggressively pushing your way forward even at the expense of others? What did the white van, or any of us, gain by traveling that way except more pain? Or are you traveling well? Are you savoring the experience, traveling in the right direction and doing it in a way you know in your heart is right?

The driver of the van and I showed up in the same place at the same time, but how we got there was radically different. I’m sure the stress and strain of the way he traveled took a toll in more ways than he realized. Be conscious of the way you travel, be considerate to others on the road, keep your foot on the gas but be willing to tap the brakes and slow a bit to let others in front of you. Do this and when you get to where you’re heading, you’ll not only be happy about where you arrive – you’ll be happy about how you got there as well.

For the past decade, D.J. Vanas has used his dynamic programs to build warriors in 48 states and internationally to more than 1,700 audiences at organizations such as IBM, NASA, and hundreds of tribal communities, governments, and schools.