Good morning, Jim
I wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a superb job you did in your keynote address to our employees (on Veterans’ Day). I have heard nothing but great comments about you – how engaging you were, what a great message you presented, etc. Absolutely truly great and worthwhile entertainment! I look forward to your follow ups and truly hope I get an opportunity to see you again.
As well, I send out my compliments to Barbara on the “front end” of our journey. It is always a pleasure dealing with people like yourselves.
May God bless you both!
Karen Gillenwaters Assistant Vice President-Human ResourcesTexas Gulf Bank
(O) 979 297-7211
(F) 979 297-8290
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Dear Jim,
I sincerely thank you for the job you did for us at our recent strategic planning retreat. Your leadership I believe helped us hone a vision, with concise ser of goals and objectives that we can accomplish. You skillfully engaged every attendee regardless of experience, skill level or attitude. Our staff is energized and excited about our future.
Your commitment to work with us going forward will be the lift needed when we encounter thoses inevitable obstacles.
Thanks again for your professional treatment of our staff.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Russell Shannon President & CEO National Bank of Andrews
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Leadership in Troubling Times was a common theme in the banking industry this year. So when it came time for our annual CEO Symposium, we needed a keynote speaker who could deliver a strong message and motivate Ohio banking industry leaders that better times are to come.
Jim Bearden was our answer. He set the stage for the event and delivered an important message to our executive bankers. Yes, it has been a challenging time; yes, there are challenges ahead; but it is time to “Get Over It. And Get On With It.” His enthusiastic delivery and ability to share through personal experiences made a huge impact, evident as he received our highest speaker ranking.
Not only was he a great opener for our event; but he and his staff were pleasant and made coordination efforts easy. If you are looking for a high-energy speaker whose stories have a message, we would highly recommend Jim for your event.
Stacy L. Schindler | Manager, Professional Schools & Conferences | Ohio Bankers League | 4249 Easton Way Suite 150 Columbus, OH 43219 | 614.340.7608 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 614.340.7608 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 614.340.7608 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
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The actual product, Mr. Bearden's presentation, was much more than I could have expected. His preplanning for the presentation included several personal discussions with Mickey Faulconer and me, probing us of specific goals and objectives for the engagement. From these discussions and his past experiences, he developed handouts for the meeting that were very well thought and were excellent guides for his message. Some other observations are: Jim's presentation was engaging. From the very beginning Jim was able to involve the audience utilizing humorous stories and soliciting personal responses to questions he asked. The presentation was informative. Again using his
personal life experiences and the pre delivery research, the presentation laid out in simple terms immediately useful information for all facets of a persons life, business and personal both. The presentation was substantive. All of the details presented, if utilized by the attendees will make Legend Bank function more effectively and more efficiently. The presentation was customized. Through his pre-delivery research Jim was able to customize his ideas and thoughts to the specific needs of Legend Bank. The presentation was enhanced by Jim's personal interaction with the attendees. Throughout the two days and the two separate meetings, Jim spent time, one on one personallyinteracting with just about every attendee, making his thoughts and comment personal, greatly enhancing the probability that the content of his message will be utilized.
In summary, I would personally recommend Jim Bearden with out hesitation to any group, large or small. The value of his presentation far exceeds the cost. If you should have any questions for me I would be glad to hear from you.
Jim WoodallCEO
Legend Bank-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I knew from the onset that you were a going to be a great choice to speak at this conference. You were a true professional from start to finish. You took the time to research your audience and you came prepared to deliver. Well, your preparation paid off because your inspiring words reached every set of ears in the audience. Not only were your lessons powerful, but the examples you used from your own life brought everything together. I think we all left the room with a little more spring in our step ready to continue our "relentless search for better ways". It was a great way to start what turned out to be a very successful conference. I will definitely keep you in mind when planning future educational events and would not hesitate to recommend you to a colleague or friend here at the ABA or at another organization.
Matt BrownState Assn DivisionAmerican Bankers Association--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Great speaker", "the best speaker we've had yet" - these are just a few of the comments and feedback we have received from our associates after Jim spoke at our annual meeting on February 2, 2008. The Fidelity Bank Annual Meeting is an eagerly anticipated event by all of the bank associates and there is always a buzz about who are speaker will beyear after year.
I knew from the moment I met Jim in person that the associates were going to enjoy his presentation. With only sixty minutes to present, Jim captured our associates within the first few sentences. Motivating, engaging and entertaining all in a very short time period. Jim is a fantastic story teller, with humorous anecdotes and meaningful morals to his stories.
We are so grateful to have met Jim and to have him participate in our annual meeting. Any organization would greatly benefit from hearing Jim and his story of "happily ever afier's, just don't happen." It doesn't matter what industry you're from or how many
associates in the organization, Jim will deliver his powerful and relevant message with charm, humor and passion.
Jennifer L. Mastrapasqua Vice President, Marketing Director
Fidelity Bank
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Jim had both the education and practical experience to be an effective speaker but it is his personal engagement that makes his message impacting. His own story 1/3 boys, some beer ... and a cop", left our team roaring with laughter while instilling the philosophy of effectively dealing with change and setbacks as well as maintaining a positive perspective.
Through 12 weeks of e-mailed leadership tips, Jim continues to share his insights about personal and professional development.
Thank you Jim for providing our Wells Fargo Business Bankers the ability to "play to win in a changing world"!
Mark Curry
Community Bank President, Wells Fargo