Every month on the 7th day we post a new edition of “7 on 7,” where Jeff Jacobson will ask 7 questions of one of JJA’s speakers. We are proud to feature Dr. Mark DeVolder today. He is a Top 5 Ranked Speaker who is best known as “The Change Specialist.” Check out his profile by clicking here.
Not everyone is scared of change. Some people thrive on change and some are paralysed by change. For those who are paralyzed by change, it is often the transitions that are most difficult for them. They are frightened by the unknown future and don’t understand how they can navigate to the new beginning.
Perhaps I spoke too soon! Even though I am the type of person who thrives during change, I think it’s probably too cavalier to say that I love change. Embracing change has not been easy for me. In fact, it’s been extremely difficult and demanding work. To embrace change, I’ve had to learn to risk, to reinvent myself and even make myself vulnerable. But the results of adapting to change is priceless- creativity, innovation and new opportunities.
In 2004, President Bush announced that the Space Shuttle Program would be retired in 2010. As a result, over 7000 scientists and engineers lost their jobs on Florida’s Space Coast. Imagine what it’s like to go from being one of the top scientists in the world to being unemployed. Welcome to the world of change!
I offered guidance and hope through the difficult transition, as well as providing tools to help them become change ready and seize opportunities.
It has been a privilege to work with some of the top companies in the world, industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies; I’ve also spoken for many smaller companies and associations. It also strikes me that the issues are usually the same, no matter the size of the organization.
Yes, I have spoken to audiences from Bogota to Dubai, from Singapore to Barcelona and from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur, and many more. My topics of change and engagement are extremely relevant all around the world.
Sometimes, my presentations are simultaneously translated. When this happens I have to allow for a 3-4 second delay. It can be unnerving to tell a joke and wait for the response. (To ensure, success, I always prepare and collaborate with the translator.) Last week, I spoke in Barcelona to 600 delegates from the Middle East. This time, my presentation wasn’t translated, but everyone in audience spoke English as their second or third language. To ensure that the audience caught my message, I customized the presentation with their industry and culture in mind. In fact, I do this for all my presentations.
Now that’s a difficult choice. Usually what makes the engagement memorable is not only working with the company, but being part of their conference activities. For instance, last year I spoke in Monte Carlo for a multinational company. After my presentation, we were all treated to a surprise private concert by Enrique Iglesias.
Last week, after speaking at the Boeringer Ingheim Sales Conference in Spain, the client took us all to the Barcelona soccer game!
Currently, I’m negotiating with an African client regarding a conference in Nairobi, Kenya. I would love to visit Africa and do a safari.
Some of the changes that is difficult me are related to technology. I will continue to adapt, evolve and take wise risks, so that I am able to respond to new challenges and opportunities.
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