Discover Your Genius

By Michael Mahoney | December 10, 2008

How to Think Like History’s Ten Most Revolutionary Minds

Audience: Leaders, managers, professionals, and employees working in teams
Competencies: Manage change, develop creative thinking skills, cultivate emotional intelligence, promote “learning organization”


Program formats: Keynote speech, half-day to two-day workshop

In this compelling, multi-media presentation you will have the opportunity to get to know ten of the most amazing people who have ever lived. Each of these extraordinary individuals embodies a special “Genius” characteristic that you will be invited to integrate into your daily life and apply to your most important organizational challenges. Each genius will be introduced through specially commissioned original watercolor portraits and a brief biography illustrating the role of the key principle in his or her life and work. You will then explore how that principle can and does relate to you and your organization.

The full Genius “Dream Team” includes:

  • Plato (circa 428 – 348 BC): “Deepening your love of wisdom”
  • Filippo Brunelleschi (1377 – 1446): “Expanding your perspective”
  • Christopher Columbus (1451 – 1506): “Going perpendicular: Strengthening your optimism, vision and courage”
  • Nicholas Copernicus (1473 – 1543): “Re-organizing your vision of the world”
  • Queen Elizabeth I (1533 – 1603): “Wielding your power with balance and effectiveness”
  • William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616): “Cultivating your emotional intelligence
  • Thomas Jefferson (1743 – 1826): “Celebrating your freedom in the pursuit of happiness”
  • Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882): “Developing your power of observation and cultivating an open mind”
  • Mahatma Gandhi (1869 – 1948): “Applying the principles of spiritual genius to harmonize spirit, mind and body”
  • Albert Einstein (1875 – 1955): “Unleashing your imagination and ‘combinatory play”

The “Genius Modules” are easily customized to focus on your most important concerns. A recent program for a global construction management group, for example, emphasized the life of Filippo Brunelleschi, the world’s first design-builder; while a program for a computer sales force emphasized Columbus’ optimism and Shakespeare’s “Emotional Intelligence.”

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