What NATO Taught Me About Being a Great Conference Speaker

What NATO Taught Me About Being a Great Conference Speaker

conference speaker

Not long ago, I found myself standing on a stage I never imagined I’d reach—the NATO Summit.

Yes, NATO.
The same organization where world leaders discuss security, global unity, and building strong alliances.
And there I was… speaking about building a country from scratch—and what that teaches us about building businesses, organizations, and teams.

Wild? Maybe.
But that’s exactly the journey that makes me the kind of conference speaker who brings more than just motivation—I bring real-world lessons you can use immediately.

From Goal Setting to Global Stages

If you told me years ago that I’d co-found a country (the satirical nation of Slowjamastan, by the way), deliver keynote speeches around the world, and speak on the importance of retention and engagement, I probably would’ve laughed.

But everything changed when I started setting serious goals.

I learned early on that goal setting isn’t just making a wish list.
It’s like building a navigation system for your life and business. You don’t always know the exact roads you’ll take, but you trust that if you follow the map, you’ll get there.

Goal by goal, step by step, I went from dreaming on my sister’s couch…
…to hosting radio shows…
…to becoming a national trivia show host…
…to standing on stages as a professional conference speaker helping companies build better businesses and stronger cultures.

And yes, even to founding a country.


The Power of Asking (And Why It Changes Everything)

One of the biggest lessons I’ve ever learned—and one I always share with my audiences—is the Power of Asking.

When we launched Slowjamastan, nothing was guaranteed. We didn’t have millions of dollars, international connections, or a blueprint for success.
We simply asked.

Asked for partnerships.
We asked for help.
We asked people to believe in something bigger than themselves—and they did.

The same goes for business.
The businesses that ask the right questions—How can we serve better? What do our employees really need? How can we turn customers into raving fans?—are the businesses that thrive.

Every successful client I work with has one thing in common: They dare to ask.
And they dare to listen to the answers.


Why Retention Is More Important Than Ever

One topic I speak about often—and one that gets nods from CEOs and HR leaders alike—is retention.

In today’s world, companies aren’t just fighting for customers.
They’re fighting for employees.
For loyalty.
For attention.

The companies that win aren’t just offering bigger paychecks or shinier perks.
They’re building cultures where people feel valued, heard, and connected—the same way we built Slowjamastan into a worldwide community.

Whether I’m speaking about customer retention or employee retention, the message is clear:
👉 Retention isn’t about selling harder—it’s about caring deeper.

And trivia, interactive experiences, personal communication—all the tools I use—are proven methods to build that retention without ever feeling forced.


Why You Need a Conference Speaker Who Has Lived These Lessons

When you hire a conference speaker for your event, you’re not just hiring a voice.
You’re bringing in someone to set the tone for transformation.

You need someone who can:

  • Speak about goal setting not just as theory, but as real life navigation

  • Inspire teams with the power of asking and daring to dream bigger

  • Deliver proven retention strategies that apply immediately

  • Share real-world, unforgettable stories (like building a country and speaking at NATO!)

And you need it delivered with energy, engagement, and a touch of humor that brings your audience in and keeps them thinking long after the event ends.

That’s what I bring to every stage.
Whether it’s a corporate summit, a leadership retreat, or an international conference, I show up with the kind of stories, strategies, and spark that create unforgettable moments—and real results.


Ready to Transform Your Next Event?

If you’re looking for a conference speaker who doesn’t just talk about success—but lives it, teaches it, and brings it to life for your audience—then let’s connect.

🎤 Book me for your next conference and let’s build something unforgettable—together.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.