One of the many ways I’ve overextended myself this year is by agreeing to one more term on my local professional organization, IABC-BV. I’ve spent two years as treasurer, a year as webmaster, and now I’m serving a year as the professional development chairperson. My job was to put together a committee, and the committee put together a workshop for our members. I didn’t do such a good job putting together a lasting committee, but I did end up with a top-notch workshop.
The speaker was Ritch Davidson of Playfair Inc., and today’s post isn’t so much about the workshop itself as a recommendation for Ritch as a speaker should you need one. Ritch is the Senior Vice-Emporer of Playfair Inc., a group of consultants and speakers who help companies improve their bottom lines by promoting a fun workplace. Jobs can’t always be fun or easy, but Ritch and his colleagues show how to improve employee morale through small, inexpensive acts of caring and generosity.
Ritch was a real pro throughout the entire experience. He traveled practically one day to arrive late in the afternoon, had an hour and a half downtime at his hotel, then was dragged back out to dinner by some of the chapter’s board members. The next morning we got to the room where the workshop was being held to discover that the room immediately next to it was being renovated. On top of that, we weren’t able to produce a wireless microphone for him, so he had to compete with the sounds of saws, hammers, and drills using nothing but his own voice for three and a half hours. Then he got roughly a 15 minute break for luch, followed by another 45 minute discussion. Throughout it all, he kept his smile and his sense of humor intact. He was a real pro and never complained, despite the less than ideal conditions.
On top of all of that, he gave a great workshop that was well received by everyone who attended. We had fun and learned valuable tips on making our workplaces better. I highly recommend Ritch Davidson and Playfair the next time you’re looking for conference keynote speaker, a speaker for your company event, or the leader of a workshop.
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