All Topics in Chicago
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3: Browse for a topic, Click the orange request button, Fill out the contact form.Now the speaker will contact you in the next few days to coordinate details.
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Unintended Impact: One Athlete’s Journey from Concussions an Amateur Football to CTE Dementia
Jim Proebstle, Author
TOPIC CATEGORY: Miscellaneous
Tragic CTE Dementia Outcome from Concussions in Amateur Football Inspires a New Book: As an athlete, Dick was revered; yet, success turned traitor as the concussions received in high school and Big Ten (MSU) football led to a world of confusion, poor decision-making, and confinement defined by a wheelchair in a long-term care facility. In his multiple levels of impaired functioning, the opportunity for Dick to “get it”—life, that is—was over. He just didn’t know it. Dick was my brother. MORE >
Nobody will remember a backup college quarterback, but Dick’s story bridges the glamour of NFL football—its high-profile athletes and its $billion settlement for players with CTE dementia—and the millions of anonymous amateur football players who may suffer with the same concussion-induced devastation of CTE dementia. Unintended Impact covers the drama from childhood to adulthood, including numerous personal and business episodes that serve as warnings that something had been derailed. In 2015, with today’s focus on CTE, lack of knowledge is not acceptable. Yet in Dick’s life, lack of knowledge was just one of the underlying factors contributing to the heartbreak of his tragedy. How many other Dick Proebstles are there? -
On the Trail of the Ancient Ones
Terry Poppleton
TOPIC CATEGORY: Educational
Join Terry as he takes you on a journey to another place and another time. The place is the Four Corners region of the U.S. and the time is a thousand years ago. On this journey we will visit such storied places as Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Hovenweep. Discover how this remarkable culture flourished, changed, and survived in the challenging environment of the American Southwest. MORE >
During the presentation, he will answer the following questions:Who were the Anasazi “Ancient Ones”?
Why was their culture remarkable?
How did this culture change?
Why did they leave the Four Corners area?The presentation takes approximately 30-45 minutes. I will need a computer projector and screen.
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Get a Grip on Your Business
John McMahon, President, TractionLeadership, LLC
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Even the most successful entrepreneurs occasionally find running a business a challenge. They grapple with lack of control, profit, growth and people who don’t follow through. Hear John’s solutions.
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Moving Forward During Turbulent Times
Jay Kurtz, Chaplain, Chaplain in Action
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
I take folks on a journey during the conflict and chaos in their lives. It’s about giving - of yourself - for the greater good. It seems simple, but it takes a great deal of energy and engagement to achieve a framework of commitment, intra-personal awareness and personal sacrifice.
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Power of Stories for Business
Valerie Fuson, Author & Certified Speaking Coach, Empowered Speaking
TOPIC CATEGORY: Business
Whether you are a CEO, entrepreneur, sales professional or business expert, your story is the deciding factor of why people will do business with you. Valerie’s talk shows how to bring your stories to life to attract the ideal client and increase profits.
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In the Belly of the Blues
Terry Abrahamson, Author, In the Belly of the Blues
TOPIC CATEGORY: Entertainment
Terry’s talk is great for baby boomers, black studies groups and music lovers. He takes the audience back to the crossroads of musical history with tales and photos from his book, “In the Belly of the Blues,” of his days with musicians like the Rolling Stones, BB King and Howlin’ Wolf using rare music, video and hilarious first-person anecdotes. MORE >
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Success: Why Character Counts
Ted Williams III, Political Science Faculty, City Colleges of Chicago/WYCC PBS
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
Many factors lead to success, but none is more important than character. In an age where personal indiscretions consistently destroy the careers of leaders in all fields, commitment to character and integrity is crucial. Ted will discuss how this transformative trait may be the greatest secret to success.
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The Bible and the Ballot – A New Vision for Christian Political Engagement
Ted Williams III, Political Science Faculty, City Colleges of Chicago/WYCC PBS
TOPIC CATEGORY: Miscellaneous
Faith is an increasingly controversial topic in US politics. Can diverse faith and secular communities find common ground on our nation’s most pressing issues? Should faith remain personal or can people of faith contribute to US politics? Ted’s non-partisan and holistic conversation offers a new vision for faith-based civic engagement.
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Speaking with Confidence in any Situation
Suzanne M. Bracken, Managing Director, Ludicrous Theatre Company
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
This lively presentation will address the causes of fear associated with speaking when we are not comfortable doing so. Learn how to make those butterflies in your stomach "fly in formation," so you can get your point across in a confident and effective manner.
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Break Free: Create a Post-Career Life of Purpose and Passion
Jerilyn Willin, Principal, JWillin Consulting, Ltd.
TOPIC CATEGORY: Self-Improvement
Ten thousand Boomers retire every day and for most, there is not a rocking chair in sight! Instead of the end to an active life, retirement can be the start of a whole new journey. Investigate: 1.) the non-financial aspects of post-career life, 2.) Discover who you are apart from your work, 3.) Begin to map out what your significant life post-career will look like! MORE >