Biography
“I graduated from the school of hard knocks. The solutions I offer are for the real-world. They are straightforward, common-sense ideas that will work in your life.”
My Background
I was born the son of hard-working Polish immigrants who came to the U.S. with not much more than the clothes on their back. My father worked hard in a foundry to bring the American dream to his family. I didn’t start talking until I was three years old. By that time, my parents were ready to take me to a specialist. Ironically, here I am now, a professional speaker. Because I needed to assimilate the Polish and American cultures simultaneously, my childhood gave me a unique perspective and appreciation of the diversity of America, as well as some of the challenges that come along with it.
After earning a Masters Degree in Education from Wayne State University and a Masters Degree in Public Health from University of Michigan, I began my real education, in the school of hard knocks. My early “speaking” career began as a teacher and football coach at Wayne State University. This is where I learned how to motivate and inspire. I also found out that people learn more when they’re having fun, so humor became an integral part of my communication style. I have my personal reasons too. Let’s face it, life is just a lot easier with a smile on your face and a hearty belly laugh.
I enjoyed my success at Wayne State. I even won a football championship, but after a number of years I was eager to find another growth opportunity. I found it in the healthcare industry. I directed programs at hospitals including the Wellness Initiative for 10,000 employees at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
A “Solutions” Speaker
I continued to fine-tune my leadership skills until I took the ultimate leadership role, President of Potential Unlimited, a company I founded and still run. Today, I travel all over the country to speak to audiences of all sizes and interests. I also run workshops that offer one-on-one skills development in a number of topics essential to the success of individuals and businesses today.
I like to think of myself as a “solutions” speaker because even though I pride myself on keeping my audience entertained, my primary goal is to help people achieve success by providing them with solutions for their own unique challenges. The fact that I use comedy and even magic tricks during my speeches is simply the teacher in me doing whatever it takes to bring the message home.
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