Ordinary Americans. . . Extraordinary Achievements
In his signature presentation, the humorous, gutsy and tenacious Nelson Lauver entertains and inspires audiences while arming them with his rock solid insight into the common denominator that turns ordinary Americans into extraordinary achievers. Nelson shares his personal experience, as well as the inspiring stories of ordinary Americans who’ve accomplished the extraordinary. He clearly identifies the behavior of those who’ve overcome the seemingly insurmountable - and he inspires his audience to do the same. A great keynote address, opener or closing session that will pump up your audience and send them away with a fiery mantra that will stick with them for life.
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Beating the Odds
In this presentation, Nelson Lauver shares what he’s learned in his 15 years of interviewing, researching and writing about “super achievers.” His findings are refreshing and ingenious. This program clearly distills and defines the common denominator found in all great American successes. It recharges the batteries of goal oriented individuals, organizations, even groups on a mission.
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Caution: Opportunity Ahead
The road of life doesn’t come with traffic signs and signals pointing us in the right direction. For as much as we plan, most of us, due to circumstances, find ourselves flying blindly into the future at some point in our lives. It is important to get back on the path to our goals, but at the same time recognize, in setback, there are valuable opportunities to grow and learn. In this program, Nelson shines a bright light on how setbacks and obstacles are often opportunities in disguise -- that can help you get even closer to your goals. Sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous, but always motivational – it’s a gutsy message about perseverance that will make you think. A great program for staff meetings, college and high school students, to name a few.
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Inside the Mind of a Kid with Learning Problems
Nelson Lauver was “one of those kids” -- learning problems, behavioral problems, truancy issues, etc. He was the kid that no one could imagine would ever succeed in life – and certainly, the kid no teachers wanted in their classrooms. It wasn’t discovered until age 29 that Nelson Lauver was severely dyslexic. In this program Nelson boils down into simple human terms his powerful insight into what it’s like to be a kid with serious learning and behavioral problems. His engaging story depicts, in full detail, the amazing lengths he went to, to be the “bad” kid, so as to avoid being labeled the “dumb” kid. With a refreshing, humorous approach, Nelson connects, inspires, and motivates. He will have every attendee reevaluating his/her relationship with the most challenging students. Nelson encourages educators to “reach down into your gut" and find more – more patience, more perseverance…more of what it was, that made "you decide to be a teacher". Optional Q and A session after is a blast.
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It’s never too late to succeed.
Nelson Lauver finished dead last (104 out of 104) in his high school class. In 1981, he walked across the stage of his high school auditorium and was handed a diploma he struggled to read. At best, his literacy skills were that of a second grader. His young adult years could best be described as a train wreck Then at age 29, he did something nobody expected. He set out on a course of self improvement. He stopped making excuses, swallowed his pride and entered a vocational rehabilitation program. Intense struggle, burning desire and a never give up attitude enabled him to achieve his goals and change his life. Nelson not only inspires those facing challenging transitions, he also motivates those who have dedicated their lives to vocational rehabilitation, coaching, directing and counseling others to create their own success stories.
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The Value of the Human Being
This program was tailor made for professional care givers who often find themselves dealing with burn-out, frustration and doubts -- about themselves and the indispensible work they do. When we peel back the layers of hierarchy, titles and job descriptions, the simple fact remains – people are people. They need to feel good about themselves and their abilities in order to succeed personally and professionally. This program instills not only self-confidence but self-reliance. It is a program that inspires people to find the courage to grow and become more – more caring, more resilient, and more capable than they ever thought possible.
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Unconventional Minds, Unprecedented Success
Not everyone marches to the beat of the same drum. It is often those with unconventional minds who are responsible for some of the greatest successes in history. Time and again, Nelson’s own story and philosophy have helped troubled youth to realize their own gifts and potential – and the benefits of refining and channeling raw talent into clear and legitimate goals. This is a must see program for youth at the crossroads, correctional educators, and those trying to reach “at risk” youth and young adults.
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Teambuilding – What’s your Beef?
What gets your goat? What’s your pet peeve? What really just ticks you off? -- and why? An outrageously funny and liberating good time, What’s Your Beef may be the most enjoyable and talked about teambuilding or break-out session you’ve ever had. Nelson sets the rules, selects teams, gives them 60 seconds to choose a leader – and then the fun begins. Everybody gets to (and WANTS TO) speak their mind. Teams win points based upon the passion with which their members articulate a “beef” – and the passion with which the team supports the “beefer.” Opposing teams win points for making effective counterpoints. What’s your Beef will build team skills, open lines of communication, dissolve organizational barriers, help people find their voice – and entertain!
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