Jimmy's experience as a proven leader shines through in his presentations. I have had the privilege of hearing Jimmy twice and I was able to take away from each talk. I would hear him again. Our employees can be quoted as saying, 'home run' and " excellent speaker and he delivered a great message ' Jimmy adapted his presentation to our business in a creative way. I am not sure how we top Jimmy's presentation at next years company-wide meeting without inviting him back!
Jimmy Blackmon
Leadership Consultant and Among the Most Combat-Experienced Leaders of the Modern Era
Fee Range
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Jimmy Blackmon
Biography
Jimmy Blackmon is among the most combat experienced leaders of the modern era. He has led high risk missions all over the world including serving as the air mission commander on the operation that netted #2 and #3 in the famous Iraqi deck of cards. Amazingly, Jimmy also served as the aviation commander during the battles in which four Medals of Honor were earned in Afghanistan - in the very valleys where the attacks of 9-11 were planned and rehearsed. Having achieved impressive results, Jimmy understands how to navigate the complexities of the 21st Century. His ability to develop an organizational strategy, build living systems and processes that enable organizations to thrive with speed and agility in the modern era, and build cohesive teams driven by vision and purpose are unparalleled. Jimmy's natural storytelling ability bring his experiences alive. From funny, behind the scenes soldier stories to high stakes crisis management in combat, Jimmy shares colorful experiences that are sure to both educate and entertain your audience, but Jimmy is far more than a proven leader and entertaining speaker. Jimmy is an IBO World Champion in archery. He made a U.S. Armed Forces World Cross Country Team and has run a 2:33 marathon. Jimmy will motivate your team to define success, set goals, and maximize their own personal potential. As a keynote speaker or providing an in-depth developmental seminar, Jimmy can help make a difference in your organization. Jimmy holds a Bachelors of Arts in History from North Georgia College, a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College in Washington D.C. He is Airborne, Ranger, and Air Assault qualified. Jimmy has earned the Combat Action Badge and is a Master Army Aviator. Some of his awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, four Bronze Star Medals, and four Air Medals. He was also the 2017 Vistage Breakout Speaker of the Year. Jimmy is the author of PALE HORSE - Hunting Terrorists and Commanding Heroes with the 101st Airborne Division, and COWBOYS OVER IRAQ: Leadership from the Saddle. Jimmy concluded his military service in the J5 - Plans and Policy Division on the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C. where he led a select team of Department of Defense strategists as they developed plans, policy, and strategic posture for our nation's most complex global problems
Jimmy Blackmon
Featured Keynote Programs
Vision, Culture, Climate, and the Leadership that Binds Them
In the summer of 2008, Jimmy traveled to Afghanistan to visit the Army aviation unit that he his unit would be replacing six months later. While there Jimmy witnessed a battle in which twenty-seven soldiers were wounded and nine were tragically killed. A Medal of Honor was earned. As a leader observing the battle, Jimmy felt the weightand responsibility of leadership like never before. Despite having served two years in Iraq, he had not seen attacks of that complexity. He kept asking himself over and over, “Are my soldiers prepared for this? Have I done everything possible to train them well enough?”
Over the next few days, Jimmy realized that in order to succeed he must transform the culture within his organization to one of trust and empowerment. In a naturally hierarchal Army culture, Jimmy went about creating an environment where all ideas were welcomed regardless of the rank, position. Jimmy set about empowering his people to use initiative to collectively solve their tactical problems. The results were remarkable. Jimmy’s air cavalry task force swept almost every Army award that year, but not because Jimmy Blackmon did anything extraordinary. He simply shaped an environment in which his soldiers could maximize their own personal potential.
Through the colorful, engaging storytelling ability that Jimmy is known for, he shares practical, pragmatic methods for casting an organizational vision, shaping culture, and setting a climate that is conducive to success. Vision alone isn't enough. Jimmy explains how leaders must employ a systematic approach to gain the trust and buy-in of their employees in order to reach their goals and fulfill their mission.
Clients will leave this presentation with a clear understand of the importance of an empowering culture and positive work climate.
Leading in a Complex World
In this presentation Jimmy describes the transition from an Industrial Age organization to a 21st Century model. Through powerful images Jimmy paints a clear picture of companies that failed to understand that the modern era demands new organizational characteristics. In a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous 21st Century, companies must build speed, agility, trust, empowerment, and a clear understanding of the disrupters in their business space.
Leadership for the 21st Century
In this presentation, Jimmy shows the power of inspiration that only comes when leaders genuinely connect with those they lead.
Management is about systems and processes. Leadership is about inspiring human beings. Both are vitally important to the success of any organization. Through practical examination, Jimmy demonstrates the necessity of both.
In his formative years, Jimmy was told that leadership is lonely business, but he never bought into that idea. A leader that does not connect with those they lead will be followed half-heartedly because of position and title. An inspiring leader that develops genuine relationships with those they lead will be followed because they inspire human accomplishment. Are your employees compliant or committed? Jimmy will show you how to achieve commitment.
Jimmy Blackmon
Featured Books
Cowboys Over Iraq
by Jimmy Blackmon
Pale Horse
by Jimmy Blackmon
Southern Roots
by Jimmy Blackmon
Jimmy Blackmon
Featured Reviews
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