Kyle and Team on the Summit of My Kilimanjaro

Twelve years ago, a co-worker tried to talk me out of climbing a mountain because there was a section of trail he was quite familiar with, that he couldn’t see me being able to navigate through. I knew back then as I know now, that by the time I reached that section of trail, I’d be seeing with a very different set of eyes than the ones he’d used the countless times he’d passed by.

I’ve had lots of people over the years tell me they’d love to climb Kilimanjaro, but that they didn’t think they could do it. My response is always the same.
1/ Decide to go. Make the commitment.
2/ Prepare. Put yourself in the best possible position for success.
3/ Enjoy it. Don’t turn it into a huge ordeal (see #2).

After all, if I could do it with no legs…
Well, the bar just got raised some.
Quadruple amputee and author of No Excuses Kyle Maynard just did it with no arms, or legs...

Now, I have to point out that Kyle’s is an awesome achievement, but that’s not why I’m writing this now.

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, and have been making excuses?
Does Kilimanjaro seem just a little more achievable now that Kyle and I have done it?

Do you see your project now with a new set of eyes?

PS
I had the opportunity to interview Kyle before he left for Africa for my Solution Revolution project.
You can check out a snapshot of our interview HERE.

Trust me; you could be badder.
And I’ve got just the place for you to learn.
This Thursday and Friday (26th & 27th January), my friend JBT is hosting the first, the inaugural Badass Conference.

Here’s the blurb; you decide if it’s for you; or not…

“Imagine living a life with absolutely no excuses. No reasons for not being your best. No more bullshit.”

I’m in. In fact, I’m speaking.
On Friday.
At 3.40pm (Eastern Time).

Click on this link to The Badass Conference for details on how to join me.

Ps
To give you a sense of just how badass this event is going to be; guest speakers include:
Seth Godin
Julien Smith
Leo Babauta
Jonathan Fields
Brian Clark

Things have been busy around here in preparation for the February launch of my new project; The Solution Revolution. Part training course; part Inner circle, I’ll be interviewing leading experts and thought leaders on Solution Focused Change; bringing their expertise and insight to you.

Be sure to sign up HERE to gain access to VIP Beta testing, early bird discounting and some cool giveaways

I’m really excited today to let you know that my interview with Ishita Gupta for Fearless Magazine is now online!
You can read all about how I manage my own relationship with fear HERE.

is coming.
Soon.

Just because its summer doesn’t mean we stop learning, does it? Of course not. I learnt more about barbequing last summer than I thought possible (I’m Australian, remember), but I digress…

I have a couple of opportunities I want you to know about; both revolving around sharing my message of transformation and growth in times of adversity and uncertainty.

OPTION ONE: THE WEBINAR OR LIVE VIDEO.
I have lots of slots open this summer for a one hour webinar or live video stream. This is typically the most cost effective way of hiring me. I say typically because I’ve never yet done what’s coming up in option TWO. There is more information HERE. Contact Us to make a booking.

OPTION TWO: TWO FOR ONE TORONTO
Here’s the deal. I’m coming through Toronto on July 25th (Monday). If you can get another company to book me to speak on that day, you’ll both get me for half my regular fee. The advantage of having me there in person is a more dynamic experience, as I’m able to feed of the audience’s energy more. That, and I’m happy to meet folks, sign books, and generally be part of your event. Contact Us for more details on this, but be quick. It’s just one day and likely won’t happen again. Topics available are HERE, Contact Us to discuss something you don’t see; we may be able to do it.

OPTION THREE: THREE FOR HALF- ANYWHERE
Now that I’ve said that, let’s throw in a third option for you; one previously unavailable to individual businesses. Same deal as above, you get me for 50% off, but you’ll need to find TWO other companies to book me.

This is not limited to Toronto; we’re talking any city, anywhere. If you think you can pull it off in separate cities that are in the same region, Contact US. We may be able to make that happen.

And, the three events can be spread over two days.

You get the same value you’d get bringing me in yourself, for 50% off through shared pricing.

This one’s good until the end of 2011. The events can take place after that, but the booking needs to be made before the end of the year.

PS
About the webinar. While webinars don’t typically have the same energy, I’ve discovered something I didn’t expect to find and that’s that during Q&A, people are more likely to ask questions they might not have because of the seemed anonymity. It’s just so much easier to ask a question online. That, and people find it really fun.

PPS
I’ve got some BIG changes coming up in 2012, one of which is a significant fee increases. And I do mean SIGNIFICANT. If you’ve been thinking about bring me in to speak, we should talk. Again, you can Contact US here.

Thanks again.
I hope to see you over the summer, either virtually or in person.

Warren

Exciting News!
I’ve been invited to speak at The Moth as part of The Seventh Annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature on April 30. The topic: “What went wrong”…

Yeah, I think I can speak to that…

I’ll be sharing the stage with the likes of, among others: Salman Rushdie, Malcolm Gladwell and Laurie Anderson.
Really, really looking forward to this!

If you live in New York, or nearby; I’d love to see you there!

Here’s the intro from Salman:

It was fellow amputee climber Mal Daly who first called ma a “Badass”, and I have to admit, I kind of liked it. I’m happy to announce today though that I’m now “certified”!
My buddy Johnny B Truant has just launched the awesome Badass Project and I’m psyched to let you know the interview we did recently is now LIVE, right HERE!

Check it out, and don’t forget to sign up so you don’t miss upcoming badassery. Enjoy!

Now, please don’t think I’m giving you the hard sell here, but I do want to let you know that the early bird deadline for the December 14th webinar finishes tonight (Friday 26th Nov) at midnight. Come midnight; the price goes from $27 to $47.

Details are:

• Challenge of Change Webinar
• 6pm- 7pm Pacific Time (North America)
• Tuesday 14th December (1pm Eastern Time in Australia, on Wednesday 15th December)
• Click HERE to convert to your time zone)
• Presentation will go for 1 hour and includes Q & A
• Login instructions will be sent to you 1 week prior to the event.

Here are some of the outcomes you can expect from attending the webinar:

• The ability to recognize and breakthrough mental barriers to change
• Tools to turn change and challenge into catalysts for both business and personal growth
• A powerful shift in thinking that will put challenges into perspective
• A mindset that seeks solutions and opportunities

Click HERE to reserve your seat
ps
I’ll be giving away some prizes from Outdoor Research during the event; don’t miss out.

Ok, I’m excited.
For years folks have been asking me “When are you going to come to my town?”, or “When are you doing a presentation that’s open to the public?”, or, “When are you doing a presentation back in Australia?” The answer to all those questions is still “I don’t know”. The good news though is that if you ask me “When can I come to one of your presentations? The answer is December 14th!

Yep, on December 14th, for the first time I’ll be doing my “Challenge of Change” presentation virtually, meaning if you have a computer (or know someone that does) you get to come!

If that’s all you need to know, click HERE

Here’s the deal: We’ll all be meeting in my virtual meeting room, aka “The Change Room”. We’ll make some time for questions and make it as interactive as possible. If it turns out on the day that you can’t make it; don’t despair. I’ll be posting it online after the event so you’ll be able to access the session anyway.

The Details:
• We’ll be starting promptly at 6pm PT/ 9pm ET on Tuesday 14th December 2010.
• We will be online for approximately 1 hour including Q & A.
• No software download will be required on your end; though it’s suggested you have access to hi-speed internet rather than dial up.
• Early Bird price of CA$27 applies until Midnight (PT) November 26th, when the cost goes up to $47.
• Your entry price includes access to the downloadable session made available following the event.
• Login instructions will be emailed 7 days prior to the event.

Remember, the price goes up November 26, so don’t delay.

Reserve your seat by clicking HERE