2. About Dr. John Izzo
Dr. John Izzo is a leading business leadership expert, a bestselling author, and a
community leader. He consults and advises some of the most admired companies in
the world, teaches at major universities, conducts leading edge research on workplace
values, and has spoken to more than one million people across the globe from Brazil to
Russia, from New York to London.
His client organizations range from high tech to high touch, hotels to hospitals, and
Dr. John Izzo is one of government agencies to entrepreneurial start-ups.
the most thought provok-
John has devoted his life and career to showing leaders how to create workplaces that
ing speakers in the world
bring out the best in people and discover more purpose and fulfillment in life and work.
and he works hard to
For over twenty years he has conducted pioneering work on employee engagement and
get to know the unique helped leaders create exceptional corporate cultures.
needs of each and every
client. He is the author of five books. In his first, Awakening Corporate Soul, John identifies
four paths to more engagement at work. In Values Shift: Recruiting, Retaining and
Engaging the Multigenerational Workforce, he identifies six major shifts in work values
and creates a blueprint for the 21st century workforce and provides practical ideas on
how to win over employees. His book, The Five Secrets You Must Discover before
You Die, was the basis for a five hour Biography and PBS Television series in which John
interviewed 250 people from the age of 60 – 106 asking them to reflect back on what they
had learned about life. This bestseller was named the best self-help book of 2008 by the
Independent Book Publishers Association.
Izzo’s latest book, Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes
Everything offers inspiration and practical advice on how ordinary people can
step up and make a difference in work, family, community or the world. Filled
with moving stories of how ordinary people accomplished extraordinary feats the
book challenges each of us to step up and create change. He shows how leaders
can create a workplace where people will choose to step up.
Prior to establishing his own firm, Izzo was a senior organizational development
consultant for Kaiser Permanente and Vice President of The Einstein Consulting
Group, an international customer service consultancy. He holds a Masters degree in
psychology and a Ph.D. in organizational communication.
Leaders say that John Izzo brings the unique combination of practical ideas and high-
level “big picture” thinking to their organizations. He inspires people to greater vision,
challenges them with new insights, and leaves them with practical strategies to create
the organization of the future. Above all, he ignites the spark in all of us to live a more
authentic and purposeful life—an uncommon life where lasting legacy is balanced with
every day fulfillment.
3. Dr. John Izzo Speech Topics
Stepping Up Changes Everything
Based on his new book, Stepping Up: How Taking Responsibility Changes
Everything, Dr. Izzo explains how being accountable can radically transform any
company, career or business. Being 100% responsible helps teams, leaders, and
professionals act like owners and less like victims. This results in positive change and
greater personal satisfaction in work and at life.
Whether it’s improving your company, enhancing customer engagement, managing your
career, fostering relationships, or even changing the world—each one of us can become
a powerful change agent.
Filled with inspiring stories of individuals who stepped up and made things better such as:
• How a small group of employees got together and transformed service and
morale at a large hospital
• How a leader took a dying business unit within a large telecommunications
company and got employees to create a “cash cow” for her company
• How one front line manager pushed for a new product with her perseverance
producing one of the most profitable products of our generation
• How a homeless alcoholic spurred a recycling revolution and created a business
that has employed hundreds of street people
• How a small group of people stepped up and transformed one of the worst slums
in the world into a thriving community.
The overarching theme of this keynote is “change begins in this room, it begins with me,
and it begins now.”
• Be challenged to step up and take more initiative and responsibility
• Get inspired about the power of individuals to create change inside organizations
and in communities
• Discover how 100% responsibility can make your career and life more successful
and rewarding
• Learn how to create a culture where people will step up and take initiative
Leading for Excellence & Engagement
A culture of high engagement with a focus on excellence is a key driver of business
success. Studies show that organizations with high levels of employee engagement are
significantly more profitable, have much higher customer loyalty, higher productivity, and
better reputations with customers than those with moderate engagement.
Dr. John Izzo has spent a lifetime researching what separates truly passionate engaged
teams and leaders from the rest of the pack. Based on his groundbreaking work in his
bestselling books Awakening Corporate Soul and Values Shift, Izzo reveals
4. the secrets of how to win and engage the emerging workforce while leading your team to
take their performance to the next level.
• Learn the four keys to creating a high engagement team and see why some
leaders consistently get high levels of commitment from people
• Discover why some companies and teams continue to achieve higher levels of
service, quality and innovation
• Gain practical ideas on how leaders create engaged teams which can be
implemented immediately
• Improve your retention while gaining passionate commitment that will thrill your customers
• Discover why the best leaders and workplaces are tough and caring
• Learn how to consistently drive improvement and take your organization to the next level
Branding from the Inside Out: Engaged Associates Drive Your Brand
Engaged associates are your best brand strategy. A great logo, a savvy tagline and
advertising campaigns are necessary, but none of it matters unless you deliver impeccable
and memorable customer service. The intrinsic value that makes your company shine
heads above your competition relies on one thing—relationships. Who you hire, how they
are treated, whether they are engaged or not, and whether they believe in the services and
products they sell, has everything to do with how the world sees your brand!
Dr. Izzo shares the secrets of getting your people highly engaged—how to get them
aligned with your values, more focused on the customer, and how to create a climate
where they act like owners.
• Discover why brand power is more than a company logo or corporate colors
• Learn the key values of the new workforce, the emerging values of consumers
and how leaders and companies must respond
• Gain impactful ideas about how leaders can get their people to believe
passionately in their brand, live the values in daily interactions, while creating a
brand that customers will connect to emotionally
Stepping Up Your Game in Work & Life
Why do some people keep growing and going to the next level in terms of business
success and personal fulfillment? Stepping up means taking the personal initiative to set
higher goals, seek feedback and to continually move to the next level. In this keynote, Dr.
Izzo will inspire you to make a bigger difference for your clients, connect more deeply with
those you serve, and reveal the secrets to life-long success. Based on twenty years of
researching and coaching successful professionals, Izzo shows how to keep taking your
“game” to a new level not only in work but in your personal life as well.
• Discover the keys to ongoing personal growth and development
• Know how to stoke the fire of passion and enthusiasm in your work and life
• Find out how to keep raising the bar on personal skill and influence
• Learn how to seek and use feedback to supercharge your career and business
• Discover the secrets of people who get better year after year
5. The Five Secrets You Must Discover before You Die
Powerful keynote based on Dr. John Izzo’s Biography/PBS Channel TV Series and book,
The Five Secrets You Must Discover before You Die. This international bestseller is
published in sixteen languages and was named the best self-help book of 2008 by the
Independent Publishers Association.
Dr. Izzo interviewed over 200 people from the age of 60 – 106 and asked them to
reflect back on their lives and discovered five main secrets to a purposeful, successful
and fulfilling life. With a combined 18,000 years of life, there was a common thread
for everyone: “I am the wisest person I know.” From poets to truck drivers and CEOs
to Holocaust survivors, you will hear the stories of ordinary people who achieved
extraordinary happiness.
• Be inspired by what really matters in your life
• Be challenged to reach for your dreams
• Learn the secret disciplines of happy people
• Discover the keys to lasting happiness before it’s too late
The Green Advantage: How to Build Sustainability into Your Culture
Going green is the emerging paradigm and many companies and organizations are
implementing changes to become more sustainable. Doing so not only enhances brand image,
but attracts more customers and quality employees whose values are increasingly “green.”
By rooting the idea into your company culture and empowering everyone to take initiative,
sustainability becomes a practice and not merely a buzz word. Dr. Izzo shares examples
of how other companies developed a “green advantage” and explains the how to avoid
the pitfalls of being accused of “green washing.”
• Understand why sustainability matters to society
• Discover how consumers and employees are changing in terms of sustainability
expectations
• Get the bottom line benefits of going green
• Learn valuable lessons from what other companies have done
• Discover the keys to driving sustainability throughout the culture
• Find out how to keep from being accused of “green washing”
• Inspire everyone to take your efforts seriously
6. Testimonials
AAOHN
“You did an excellent job, Thank you for your inspiring and thought provoking program we
are already planning next year and our attendees want you back!”
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES
“John Izzo is one of our favorite thinkers”
CANADIAN HEALTH ASSOCIATION
“…your expertise in healthcare management issues were valued and stimulating.”
CBBA
“Dr. John Izzo’s message on stepping up resonates with every level in an organization.
It inspires each of us to do more, be better and make a bigger difference. His session
delivered motivation in real world terms that makes you want to go out and take 100%
responsibility. Well done and well delivered!“
COCA COLA
“Dr. Izzo was motivating, please have him back! “ He gave us things we can do to change
our workplace immediately”
DOMINOS PIZZA
“John Izzo’s program was both humorous and full of great ideas. A fine combination to
open our annual manager’s conference”
DUKE ENERGY
“Thank you for your insight and wisdom John, your program was so inspiring and
motivating. Our work with you is far from over.”
DYNAMIC MUTUAL FUNDS
“Our best speaker yet! Dr. Izzo delivered a compelling message that really resonated well
with our audience. John has a way of connecting with people through real life stories and
experiences; making them reflect on their own life & work situations. After hearing his
message, you want and believe you can make a difference, you want to push yourself to
the next level. Tones of takeaways; I would highly recommend him!”
FAIRMONT HOTEL SOUTHHAMPTON
“We went from 38th out of 40 hotels in service to number 3! John Izzo was a key part of
this service excellence change effort and we highly recommend him!”
HP
“Powerful and fun, thank you for showing us the power we have to shape change.”
IBM
“For the second time you have commanded the attention of our managers. You know
your stuff Dr. Izzo and it was a sincere pleasure to work with you again!”
7. KAISER PERMANENTE
“Workforce issues in healthcare are diverse, and hearing John Izzo’s today was THE
most timely information I could have received. He is ahead of the curve and hopefully
healthcare will strive to catch up!”
McDONALDS
“We worked with John at our National Owner/Operator conference. Our Owners were
inspired and left with the desire to put into action many of John’s ideas. John’s ability to share
his knowledge through story telling left us all wanting more. Over the years, we have heard
many speakers and John is by far one of the most impactful we have seen. His messages hit
the mark perfectly. The session was described by all as an ‘out of the park homerun”.
REMAX
“Real estate is a competitive and often soul-less business thank you for reminding me to live
my values and honor my life’s purpose, I can’t tell you how timely your message was for me”
SHELL
“Exceptional!”
TD BANK
“Motivating!” Real examples were appreciated.” “He is the best presenter.”
TELUS
“John is a truly inspiring speaker, whose candid approach and story-telling capability
reinforced key messages with the audience. He did a great job of challenging our current
thinking, forcing us to look at our own culture and the role each of us plays in making the
desired transformation. I have no doubt that John’s contribution to our leadership forums
at TELUS has had a profound impact on evolving our culture.”
THE CENTER FOR ORGANIZATION EFFECTIVENESS
“Your office staff were so knowledgeable and helpful, it made my our conference planning
that much easier!”
UMPQUA BANK
“Izzo’s brand of optimism is energizing and sorely needed in these times!”
VERIZON
“You inspired us to appreciate each other and you gave us so much food for thought!
WALMART
“Dr John Izzo’s presentation was stimulating, thought provoking and entertaining
all at the same time. We were truly amazed how Dr Izzo was able to incorporate our
company’s values and core beliefs into his presentation. We felt like he had been a 20
year member of the team. Very well done, Sir!
8. Partial Client List
• Agrium • Ledcor
• AES • Liquor Board of Ontario
• AETNA • Mackenzie Financial
• American Association of Occupational Nurses • Manulife Financial
• American Express • Marriott Hotels
• Association of Legal Administrators • Mayo Clinic
• Applebees • McDonald’s
• Astra Zeneca • Mosaic
• AT&T • Motion Picture Association
• Bank of Montreal • National Federation of Independent Businesses
• Bayer Healthcare • National Managed Healthcare Congress
• BC Hydro • Northrop Grumman
• Burger King • Ontario Police Services
• Canadian Critical Care Nurses Association • People Report
• Centura Health • Produce Marketing Association
• Charles Schwab • Providence Health
• CIBC • REMAX
• City of Calgary • Rogers
• Coca Cola • Scotia Bank
• Conoco Phillips • Shell Oil
• Devon Energy • SHRM
• Dow Chemical • Stanford Medical Center
• Duke Energy • Sun Microsystems
• Dynamic Mutual Funds • Sun Life Financial
• Enbridge • TD Bank
• Fairmont Hotels • TD Industries
• General Electric • TELUS
• General Motors • Texas School Association
• Georgia Power • The 13th Annual World Business Congress
• Great West Life • The Department of National Defence
• Health Desk Institute • The US Navy
• Hewlett Packard • The Vancouver Grizzlies National Basketball Team
• Human Resources Association • Tim Hortons
• Humana • TransCanada
• IBM • Trillium Health Care
• IMAX Corporation • Trinity Health System
• Imperial Oil • Verizon
• INC 500 Leadership Conference • Westjet
• Intercontinental Hotels • Xerox
• Kaiser Permanente • YEO
• KB Homes • York Communications
• Kimberly Clark • YPO
• KPMG
9. Dr. John Izzo Books
Stepping Up By Dr. John Izzo
Stepping Up offers inspiration and practical advice to anyone who wants to bring about
positive change in any area —work, family, community, or the world. Filled with moving real-
life stories of ordinary people who saw problems in the world and decided to step up and do
something about them.
“Insightful and inspired! John Izzo’s Stepping Up reveals how all of us can create positive
change in life and work.” — Marshall Goldsmith, world renowned executive coach and author
of the New York Times best sellers, MOJO and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die By Dr. John Izzo
If you want to know the secret to a happy life, ask someone who has lived one. Based on 235
interviews with people between 60 – 160. From a town barber to to Holocaust survivors, from
aboriginal chiefs to CEO’s, these people had over 18,000 years of life experience. This book
will make you laugh, bring you to tears and inspire you to discover what matters long before
you die.
“Like a profound conversation that lasts deep into the night, this book will captivate readers
in search of purpose and a meaningful life.” — Richard Leider, author of The Power of
Purpose and coauthor of Repacking Your Bags and Claiming Your Place at the Tribal Fire.
Values Shift: Recruiting, Retaining and Engaging the Inter-Generational
Workforce By John Izzo and Pam Withers
Praise for this title is rampant, originally published in 2000 by Prentice-Hall, this book was ahead
of its time! Values Shift is in its 10th printing and making serious statements about the status of our
corporate culture. Post Enron, WorldCom and of course post the 2008 financial collapse, North
Americans are taking a good hard look at the reasons why they work for the companies they do!
Awakening Corporate Soul: Creating high Performance/High Fulfillment at
Work (the Companion Workbook) By John Izzo, Ph.D., Eric Klein and Marian Baker
“Awakening Corporate Soul” established John Izzo as a pioneer on the modern workplace. It
is a groundbreaking book that identifies four paths to creating a highly engaged workplace that
could inspire passionate commitment. The book was first published in 1995 and was based on
3,000 interviews asking people to identify their most engaged times at work. The book is an
international bestseller and offers practical, hard hitting advice on how to create a workplace
where people will give their very best. These four paths to engagement at work (Self, Craft,
Community and Contribution) are as relevant today as when the book was first published.
Awakening Corporate Soul: Four Paths To Unleash the Power of People at
Work By John Izzo, Ph.D. & Eric Klein
Awakening Corporate Soul: Four Paths To Unleash the Power of People at Work is a 235
page book that makes the business case for “Corporate Soul” as a strategy that can re-
inspire commitment in an uncertain workforce and create competitive advantage in a high
pressure global economy.
