Tim Irwin Ph.D.

Featured Keynote Programs

While being good at what we do is essential, more people fail because of some issue related to character. Many of the leaders studied by Dr. Irwin were ultimately fired not because of a lack of competence but rather a failure of character…not character in the sense of being dishonest and defrauding the organization. Rather, the absence of one or more of four dimensions of character is clearly tied to derailment: authenticity, self-management, humility, and courage. The full expression of the dark side of these qualities nearly always dooms us. Understanding and recognizing the warning signs is key for leaders to avoid their own cataclysmic derailment. During this keynote, Dr. Irwin will outline the warning signs and what can we do to avoid going off track.

Effective leaders must set direction, gain alignment among diverse constituencies, risk change, build high-performing teams, achieve results, go the extra mile and endure ungodly stress; however, a leader’s real job is to inspire exceptional performance on the part of followers. Why are most people far more passionate about some interest outside of work than their jobs? Many studies show that compensation drops fairly low on the list of top ten motivators, when an employee is fairly paid. So what ignites the fires of intrinsic motivation? This keynote gives the answer.

Many people, if asked, will say they want to be a person of disproportionate influence—to have that significance for which we all yearn. People who have disproportionate influence usually discover what provides significance and pursue it with abandon. Sometimes being a person of disproportionate influence involves simply a change in perspective, while in other cases, courageous decisions are required. So why don’t more people become a person of disproportionate influence? It often requires that we go against the gravitational pull of many around us in particular and our society in general. Ultimately, this is truly about leadership. During this keynote session Dr. Irwin will help you discover how to become a person of disproportionate influence and how to bring it out in others.