Communications and Public Speaking CoP

Title of Speech:

LIFE Balance

Speech Abstract:

This speech is one in a series in DOD’s Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) made available to National Guard, Reserve & Family Members going through the Deployment Cycle. I learned early on that my job was to help them focus on Deployment being what they do, yet not who they are. I help them focus on transferable Life Skills. Thus the sessions facilitated during YRRP events have both specific and general targets based on whether the group is deploying or returning from deployment. The Finding Balance class is general in that self-evaluation is important as these young men and women whose lives get interrupted must continue to remain positive and contributing members of society.

Life balance, particularly work-life balance, is crucial for overall well-being, as it helps manage stress, improve mental and physical health, and increase productivity. A healthy balance allows for adequate time for personal life, including hobbies, relationships, and self-care, contributing to greater happiness and fulfillment. The session is not conducted as a Military function and will transfer well as applied to Project Managers. In fact it’s title will unfold to creatively show LIFE as Lessons Intended For Everyone.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify opportunities to bring more balance to specific areas of your life.

2. Set goals for addressing areas of your life that require more attention.

3. Help others ‘spin the wheel.’

Speaker  / Bio:  Sporty King

Sporty King, The Master of Listening, works with Military and Family Members who want to become better Listeners so they can become better Citizens, Employees, Parents and Siblings… by sharing his Humor, Corporate and Life experiences that inspire you to ENJOY your personal & professional success.

Sporty professes that

1. there are no bottom-line results without Top Line consideration (How I feel affects other people!)
2. success is about confidence and listening
3. and how people feel about themselves affects their ability to listen.

An expert on personal success, the impact of words on our lives, and turning negatives into positives, he is the author of 8 books of inspirational poetry and positive affirmations.

Title of Speech:

How Purpose helps you make better Decisions

Speech Abstract:

Picasso said: Your purpose in life is to find your gift and share it with the world.  I say: Your purpose in life is to find the one thing that makes you uniquely remarkable (your gift) and share it with the world.

• Your purpose is the ONE thing that makes you uniquely remarkable.
• Its components are your beliefs, wants and talents – YOU!
• When you make decisions that are aligned with your purpose, your choices are aligned with your beliefs, wants and talents.
• When you make decisions that are aligned with your beliefs, wants and talents, you are more confident that those choices are aligned with YOU!

Learning Objectives:

• • A definition of purpose that is both simple and logical.
  • Criteria for a good Purpose Statement.
  • Why/how your purpose articulated in 7 words or less makes you more powerful.
  • How to use your purpose to make better decisions about your life, decisions that are more aligned with your beliefs, wants and talents.

Speaker  / Bio:  Ian Chamandy 

Over the last 20 years, I have helped more than 400 organizations define their purpose and become uniquely remarkable through my proprietary Blueprint process. "Blueprinting" defines an organization's purpose – in 7 words or less – and uses it to design how it will operate and communicate. I adapted this process for individuals so they can create a personal Blueprint for a happy, productive, self-directed and purpose-driven life.

I am also an author, speaker and coach, as well as a contributor to a nationally broadcast TV station. I co-wrote the book "Why should I choose you: Answering the most important question in business in 7 words or less", published by HarperCollins.

Speech Title:   Become and Remain a “Relevant” Project Manager

Speech Abstract:

This presentation is about taking your career to the next level," focuses on the critical importance of becoming and remaining a "Relevant Project Manager." It defines relevance as having demonstrable significance, being appropriate to current circumstances, and being highly valued in one's profession. The session outlines a comprehensive framework for achieving this relevance, categorized into three key areas: Technology & Business, Soft Skills, and Community. Participants will learn practical strategies for staying current with industry tools and trends, developing essential soft skills such as effective communication (including understanding various styles and non-verbal cues), influential leadership, strategic personal branding, and power networking. The presentation emphasizes that a relevant project manager is one whom others depend on for expertise, leadership, and support, ultimately leading to career security and continuous value.

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and articulate the importance of "relevance" for career advancement and security in project management.
2. Apply strategies for continuous professional development in technology, business acumen, and industry trends to maintain relevance.
3. Cultivate essential soft skills including effective communication, influential leadership, personal branding, and strategic networking to enhance professional impact and value.

Keynote Speaker:  Me'chelle Degree

Speaker Bio:

Me'chelle Degree, is the Blueprint Leadership Strategist and CEO of 3rd Degree Solutions. Her successful career has taken her around the world speaking in the US, Europe, Africa and Latin America offering compelling and exciting life changing platform opportunities to speak before thousands. She empowers them with "Blueprint Leadership Strategies" to take significant next steps in their careers and personal development. As an Amazon Number 1 Best Selling Author, an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified Coach, John Maxwell certified Speaker, and Trainer; Me’chelle mastered the art of strategic leadership and developed the "Blueprint Leadership" Series of Workshops. She has worked with Corporations, Entrepreneurs, Government, Women in Transition, College Students and Faith-based Institutions.

Me’chelle currently serves as a Federal Civilian Customer Program Manager for Cisco US Public Sector. With over 30 years of extensive program management experience and certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and Scrum Master, she brings a wealth of expertise to delivering profitable, long-lasting solutions. Drawing on her background in organizational leadership consulting, Me’chelle is recognized by clients as an action-oriented, innovative problem solver. Her ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration enables her to drive teams forward effectively. Me’chelle has successfully managed both domestic and international projects, forming strategic partnerships between business groups and external clients. 

She is a graduate of UNC Greensboro with a degree in Information Systems and Operation Management. Get ready to gain insights from a true expert on how to stay relevant as a PM.