"The Spark Plug" is a motivational / inspirational keynote speaker
and author who jump-starts meetings, boosts morale and promotes
teamwork. He delivers dynamic, uplifting, inspirational, motivational keynote presentations around the
world and continues to be the speaker of choice for many Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, leadership conferences, women's groups, and sales meetings. His insightful presentations are filled with personal stories as well as 21st century leadership strategies.
He is often heralded as the highlight of the corporate meeting or conference. When your group needs an inspirational keynote speaker who can speak passionately and informatively about motivation, leadership, or diversity, call "The Spark Plug!"
How Dr. Wayne Dyer Saved My Life
Most people who know me also know that I’m very energetic. My outgoing personality has helped me in the sales arena, which has been my playground for most of my life.
I started by selling magazines door-to-door when I was in junior high school. For two years in a row I finished in the number one spot. I won all sorts of prizes and trips. Whether I was selling pots and pans from the trunk of my car or shoes in the sporting goods industry, I was always number one. But as I got older, my obsession with being number one began to take its toll on me.
When I started selling health club memberships in Atlanta, Georgia, one of my bosses called me into her office and said, “Spark Plug, you’re a really good salesman and you have tons of potential. But I need you to listen to this audio album by Dr. Wayne Dyer. It has helped me tremendously and, perhaps, you might find it beneficial, also.”
I had already been listening to high-energy speakers like Zig Ziglar, Tony Robbins and Joel Weldon. When I popped Dr. Dyer’s tape into my player, I heard a very different voice. Rather than high-energy, he came across as casual and nonchalant. Then he asked a question I thought was the most ridiculous question of all time to ask a salesperson like me. It was: “Do you really have to be number one?”
I immediately ejected the tape and put in another high-energy motivational tape. I said to myself, “Who in the heck was that guy, asking such an absurd question, ‘Do I really have to be number one.’ You’re doggone right I do! I’m in sales. I have to beat them all. I must finish at the top! What was my boss thinking? This guy certainly can’t help me stay number one.”
At the time I didn’t realize that my attitude was killing me.
As the saying goes, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Several weeks later, after a few temporary setbacks and long periods of being stressed out, my attitude began to change. I had been running around trying to remain the top guy - competing with someone else. I was tired and frustrated. So I said to myself, “Let me give this slow talking Dr. Dyer another listen to.”
This time I was ready to listen to what he had to say - and I felt as if he was really speaking to me. I started listening to Dr. Dyer every day until his words became a part of my total being. Dr. Dyer encouraged me to do the best I could and then let the chips fall where they may. I discovered that I didn’t have to compete with my fellow salespeople in order to bring out the best in me. All I really had to do was give everything I had to give and not worry about the others. And you know what, I still came out number one.
Things began to change. I started to notice the beauty of nature, little babies, stars in the sky, and everything else that I hadn’t been noticing. I had always been too focused on working – on being number one. I hadn’t learned the value of balance – of working and enjoying life, too. Had I not really listened to Dr. Dyer on that hot summer day, I don’t where I’d be right now.
I don’t work harder than everyone else anymore - I work smarter.
I still believe in being number one though - as long as it’s being number one in my family’s life.
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