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The Programs
Bacon’s insights hit home across industries and audiences—from fresh recruits to seasoned executives. His most requested topics are listed below, but don’t expect an off-the-shelf talk. He mixes, matches, and fine-tunes every element to give your people exactly what they need—and more than they expect.
Let Them Lead
Based on Bacon’s experience leading the Ann Arbor Huron hockey team from the school’s worst to best in three years (despite being the worst player in school history – and he can prove that!), all captured in his book, Let Them Lead: Unexpected Lessons in Leadership from America’s Worst High School Hockey Team. This is a fun presentation, and surprisingly moving, full of practical lessons that leaders of all kinds can use the next day, and deeper philosophies they can employ the rest of their careers to motivate their teams to work harder, work together, and take responsibility for their own success.
Hire Better, Fire Less
In this popular presentation, John describes how the best companies – from Zingerman’s famed deli to the Michigan football team to Walgreens – spend a lot more time, effort and thought hiring their people, and much less dealing with mediocre performers, and firing them. John lays out a practical guide – supported by fascinating stories – for searching, interviewing, “auditioning,” and ultimately hiring the right people.
Storytelling For Leaders
A unique storytelling workshop designed to help you navigate the challenges of leading today through the power of storytelling. Storytelling for Leaders presents a repeatable framework to help you communicate the perfect message in person, via Zoom, or in any group format. In the workshop, we explore how to choose the right message, how to get your structure down and how to deliver that in the perfect message. (Best for groups of 20 or fewer)
The Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership
John draws lessons from a variety of sources,his own experiences, and his best-selling book, Bo’s Lasting Lessons: The Legendary Coach Teaches the Timeless Fundamentals of Leadership, which Warren Buffett himself endorsed. John tells stories to underscore how great leaders listen, communicate, and make decisions. In this fast-moving and fun speech, John gives specific, direct advice leaders can use the next day. Bo Schembechler impersonation guaranteed.
How to Create Creativity – and Manage It
Every company today must innovate to stay ahead of the pack. But how do you open the floodgates for creativity – and still make sure the trains run on time? John explains how some of our best organizations do it, and conducts several fun, fast-moving exercises of his own creation to make lasting points – points the participants can put to use immediately to be more creative, without losing the discipline necessary to be effective.
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Bacon Clips
Speaking Reel Intro
GMA The Real Ted Lasso
Michigan Tech Commencement
TEDxUofM
Clients
What People Are Saying
“I wanted to let you know your evaluation score was a 4.9 out of 5.0 —the highest of all the events! And with all of the compliments I got from alumni – including the written comments, too — I couldn’t have been more pleased. You are a wonderful speaker, and it was a pleasure to work with you.”
Cynthia Silveri, University of Michigan Executive MBA
“Looking at your evaluations, I have to ask: Did you pay these people off when I wasn’t looking? They’re the best I’ve ever seen.”
Andy Dolich, President, NBA Memphis Grizzlies
“John exceeded Nissan’s expectations, and his sessions received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from attendees. John took the time to get to know Nissan’s organization and culture before developing his material and hosting sessions. John runs his session with an infectious energy that is both fun and motivational. His mix of anecdotes and activities keep participants engaged as he draws on his own experiences to give strategies for leadership and creativity that can apply to both business and personal relationships. We look forward to a continued relationship with John to help our organization grow and strengthen!”
Dan Shea, Nissan North America
“I would highly recommend John Bacon and his ‘Selling through Stories’ workshop. It was very impactful for our sales teams, and they walked away with sales stories at the end of the workshop they could use day one.”
Bryant Kolle, Vice President Hagerty Insurance (classic cars), President and Chairman of the Board, Private Risk Management Association
“John was the keynote speaker at our Partner Summit and absolutely stole the show. The energy and real-life stories he shared with the group captivated the audience. Almost every attendee left with pages of notes from his interactive presentation, as he provided relatable and practical guidance for everyone in the room, regardless of industry or company size.”
Steve Newmark, President, RFK Racing
“We hired John to do a keynote for 350+ Domino’s managers. His ‘Let Them Lead’ story is a great example of what today’s leaders need. John’s ability to draw parallels from the book to the audience, and what they face, is magical. He met with the group the night before and wove conversations into the message seamlessly. He also took time to sign books and made every interaction personal. A true professional!”
Sam Fauser, Domino’s Pizza
“A text I just received this evening: ‘Best. Leadership. Training. Ever. John U. Bacon was amazing. I’m not going to be able to sleep tonight! Thank you for bringing him in!!!’ I was with all our sales leaders this evening and ALL feedback has been just like this!”
Ron Alvesteffer, President and CEO, ServiceExpress
“Thirty days later and our leadership team is still talking about it. We can’t wait for September when John comes back and speaks to the entire company!”
Steve Bytnar, CEO, EnviroTech
“The team is still buzzing from the weekend and your presentation. So much so that I am starting to hear “water all the plants” on a daily basis. You really resonated with this group. Looking forward to connecting in the future.”
Scott Marcus, Orangetheory Fitness
“I wanted to thank you for bringing in John Bacon to speak to us. I enjoyed his seminar, and more than that immediately found practical use. I was planning on having a difficult discussion with one of my staff with the focus on the policies that were not being followed. After the seminar I instead presented with the team idea, and how when one is not pulling their weight, the team can no longer rely on them. Instead of making it easier I made it harder, and saw an immediate ‘rededication’ to step up and support the team. Timing couldn’t have been better… so thank you!”
Rick Walsh, Jacobs Engineering
“I wanted to send you a note of most sincere and enthusiastic gratitude for everything you did for us during your visit. To say I have heard a chorus of rave reviews ever since Wednesday night would be a gross understatement. From “your best lectureship ever” to “he hit it out of the park,” “touchdown” and “total home run,” I have been showered with positive calls, emails, and getting stopped by staff in the halls to tell me they were inspired, touched and re-energized by your remarks. We all felt very special and very privileged to be there…Again, from my heart, thank you!”
James Fahner, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
“Undoubtedly John Bacon was the best speaker we’ve ever had.”
Glenn Johnson, Founder and CEO, Insight Global