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Stan Phelp's Blog

The Goldfish Chronicles

Sharing insights on customer experience, employee engagement, and brand strategy.

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Illustration of a globe with a microphone and the text "Global Speaking Fellow.

What are the Benefits of Hiring a Global Speaking Fellow?

In July of 2024, I became the 44th speaker in the World to receive the Global Speaking Fellow designation.

In response to the expanding international nature of the needs of global speaking members, international clients, and global audiences, the Global Speakers Federation in 2014 established the framework for a designation that recognizes professional speakers successfully presenting at a global level. This earned designation is called the Global Speaking Fellow.

Hiring a Global Speaking Fellow offers several key benefits. Here are five main advantages:

1. Global Perspective

A Global Speaking Fellow brings a deep understanding of diverse cultures, markets, and audiences. They can tailor their message to resonate across different regions, ensuring relevance and inclusivity in a global context.

2. Proven Expertise

Achieving the designation of Global Speaking Fellow indicates a high level of professionalism, extensive experience, and mastery in public speaking. This ensures that the speaker delivers exceptional value and credible insights.

3. Customization and Adaptability

With experience across various industries and countries, a Global Speaking Fellow is skilled at customizing content to address specific organizational challenges, goals, and cultural nuances, ensuring maximum audience engagement.

4. Engaging and Impactful Delivery

Global Speaking Fellows are recognized for their ability to captivate and inspire audiences through dynamic storytelling, innovative frameworks, and actionable takeaways, leaving a lasting impression.

5. Professional Standards and Reliability

As members of an elite group, Global Speaking Fellows adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards, ensuring a smooth collaboration, seamless execution, and an outstanding experience for both organizers and attendees.

These benefits make a Global Speaking Fellow a valuable asset for organizations seeking a world-class speaker who can engage, inspire, and deliver meaningful outcomes on a global scale.

Being recognized as a Global Speaking Fellow at the Global Speakers Summit in Bali, Indonesia

    If you’d like to begin a discussion about how I can help you with a virtual Keynote, Workshop, or Goldfish Tank program,  you can grab time on my schedule here, reach me by email at [email protected] or by text/phone at 1 919 360 4702.

    Read on...
    A man stands at a podium beside a screen displaying "Jeanne Robertson Award for Excellence" and a photo of Stan Phelps, CSP, labeled "2024 Award Winner." Audience members are seated.

    Honored to Receive the Jeanne Robertson Award for Excellence

    One of my favorite scenes in the movie “Christmas Story” is when the Dad is explaining to a neighbor about the leg lamp in the front window,

    “It’s a Major Award.”

    It wasn’t a leg lamp, nor was it made in Italy. It was much better. I was honored this past weekend to be the inaugural recipient of the NSA Carolinas Jeanne Robertson Award for Excellence.

    If you knew Jeanne, you know how important this is given her legacy in the speaking profession. It truly is a major award. If you don’t know Jeanne, check out the video below.

    The award is peer-nominated and voted on by members outside the chapter. It is given to a member who has, over the past year, embodied these four core attributes that defined Jeanne’s remarkable career:

    1. Staying Relevant – Continuously generating fresh, impactful material and engaging with current trends.

    2. Leading with Innovation – Employing savvy business strategies and embracing growth opportunities.

    3. Demonstrating Resilience – Turning setbacks into opportunities, similar to how Jeanne would harness a positive and humorous outlook to take on challenges.

    4. Staying Persistent – Exhibiting unwavering focus and dedication to achieve long-term goals.

    Huge thanks to Patrick Henry who provided a wonderful video about Jeanne and the award. And also to Jane Jenkins Herlong CSP, CPAE for her thoughtful presentation of the award.

    Kudos to fellow award winners from the weekend. My “Blue Goldfish 2.0” co-author Chuck Gallagher won Member of the Year and Sharon Delaney McCloud CDE® & William Mangum won Presidential Awards.

    Read on...
    Podcast episode cover with title "Standing Out in the Sea of Sameness" featuring Stan Phelps, TEDx speaker and author.

    Talking Pink Goldfish Strategy on the Minter Dialogue Podcast

    Does your brand stand out in the marketplace? Honored to be on Episode #565 of the Minter Dialogue Podcast.

    We talk about Pink Goldfish strategy and how it relates to branding, positioning, and marketing.

    A great hour-long conversation. Privileged to be a guest on Minter‘s podcast for the second time.

    Here are four takeaways from our conversation:

    1. Differentiation Through Experience: Differentiation in today’s competitive market is less about the products or services offered and more about how and why they are provided. This approach focuses on enhancing customer experiences.

    2. The Evolution of Business Focus: The transformational model of business shifts from mere profit-making to a more purpose-driven approach that prioritizes employee satisfaction as a route to customer happiness, ultimately leading to profitability.

    3. Embrace of Personal Symbols in Branding: We should embrace distinctive personal symbols that reflect one’s unique identity and philosophy. This practice of “micro-weirding” helps stand out and reinforces personal branding in professional settings.

    4. The Role of Imperfections: The concept of being “flaw-some.” Acknowledging and embracing one’s flaws or weaknesses can paradoxically become a strength, particularly in branding and customer relations. This ties back to the idea that authenticity and uniqueness can drive deeper engagement and loyalty.

    Read on...
    A person reading "Bold Kindness" by Cathy Thorpe next to an image of a pink couch.

    Bold Kindness Isn’t Just a Book, It’s a Manifesto For Compassionate Leadership

    It began with a couch. When Cathy Thorpe assumed the role of CEO in 2014, she encountered an unexpected symbol in her new office… a large pink couch.

    Rather than discarding it, she embraced it as a centerpiece of Nurse Next Door’s BOLD KIND culture and her leadership style. This pink couch represents comfort, the removal of barriers, and a commitment to vulnerability and openness in the workplace.

    Earlier this year Cathy published “Bold Kindness.” It is not just a book; it’s a manifesto calling for a revolution in how businesses are led.

    As CEO of Nurse Next Door, a company that’s been redefining home care since its inception in 2001, Thorpe has created a workplace that prioritizes compassion and engagement. Her book reveals an unsettling truth that only 20% of employees feel engaged in their workplaces. Cathy provides the recipe for leaders to create environments where employees are not just present but are enthusiastic, empowered, and connected.

    I’ve had the privilege of visiting their corporate offices in Vancouver, British Columbia, affectionately dubbed the “Heartquarters” back in 2017. I witnessed their daily morning huddle, a testament to a culture deeply obsessed with doing more for their clients and constantly seeking better ways to serve. This commitment to going above and beyond is also something I’ve highlighted in my previous writings about Nurse Next Door in “Purple Goldfish,” “Green Goldfish,” and “Pink Goldfish 2.0.”

    Thorpe’s “Bold Kindness” outlines how the pandemic magnified existing issues within the workplace, with employees demanding more meaning and a fear-free environment. Nurse Next Door’s philosophy of #BoldKindness —breaking norms and genuinely desiring to improve lives—serves as a model for all businesses aspiring to blend profitability with a positive impact.

    The book provides guidance for increasing employee engagement and rethinking leadership strategies. It promotes creating a place where people can be real and where work feels like a community. Thorpe’s call to action is for leaders everywhere to consider how their actions and workplace design can fundamentally enhance the human aspect of business.

    “Bold Kindness” is essential reading for any leader or future leader who aspires to cultivate a business that is not only successful but also caring. Thorpe’s insights provide a blueprint for fostering an environment where people look forward to coming to work every day, inspired by the possibility of making a difference in the lives of others. I highly recommend it.

    Read on...
    A person holding a book titled "I Respectfully Disagree," while seated in an office with framed certificates on the wall.

    BOOK REVIEW: “I REspectfully Disagree” by Justin Jones-Fosu

    In an era characterized by polarization, Justin Jones-Fosu’s new book, “I Respectfully Disagree” emerges as a crucial guide for navigating the treacherous waters of social, ideological, and work conflicts.

    The Berrett-Koehler published book (which launched on August 16th) is predicated on a startling reality. Approximately 25% of the global population is affected by serious conflicts, a testament to the profound divisions that cut across our social fabric. Justin argues compellingly that many have lost touch with the humanity of those who hold opposing views, often resorting to labels and generalizations that only serve to deepen divides.

    The book’s central thesis is a call to dismantle the walls of division and instead, construct bridges of understanding. Jones-Fosu positions the book as a compass in these turbulent times, guiding readers towards a more inclusive approach where respect does not necessitate agreement. True inclusion, he suggests, is about maintaining respect for one another amidst disagreement.

    One of the book’s most powerful messages is encapsulated in a quote from the late Anthony Bourdain:

    “I don’t have to agree with you to like or respect you.”

    – Anthony Bourdain

    “I Respectfully Disagree” introduces the concept of “Golden Respect,” which Jones-Fosu describes as a blend of courage and conviction. The book shares the story of Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl. Frankl emphasizes our ability to choose our responses in any situation—a powerful reminder of human agency.

    The goal of respectful disagreement is not changing opinions but rather understanding different perspectives and planting seeds for future dialogue. To facilitate this, the book introduces five pillars to navigate difficult conversations:

    1. Challenge Your Perspective – Encourages readers to adopt a new lens and embrace the humanity of those they disagree with.

    2. Be the Student – Advocates for a learning stance, where feedback is sought to deepen understanding.

    3. Cultivate Your Curiosity – Urges readers not to shut people out but to engage them with questions and an open mind.

    4. Seek the Gray – Calls for recognition of nuance and the embracing of ambiguity, stepping away from black-and-white thinking.

    5. Agree to Respect – Stresses the need for full acknowledgment of others’ viewpoints and working collaboratively towards mutual understanding.

    “I Respectfully Disagree – How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World” is more than a manual; it is a reflective journey that challenges each of us to reconsider how we interact with the world. It is about cultivating a mindset where every individual is valued, not despite, but through their differences.

    I highly recommend it. This book is particularly valuable for anyone looking to foster a culture of dialogue and understanding, whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or broader social interactions.

     Get your copy today https://www.amazon.com/Respectfully-Disagree-Difficult-Conversations-Divided/dp/152300651X

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    Split image: left side shows a person putting a phone in their jeans pocket, right side shows a glass and a bottle of wine. Text: "Free Bottle of Wine" with steps to receive it.

    Would you lock your phone in a box during dinner for a free bottle of wine?

    About 90% of customers at Al Condominio, a charming new Italian restaurant in Verona, are taking advantage of the unique offer.

    In an article in The Guardian, owner Angelo Lella shared the reasoning behind the strategy…

    “We wanted to open a restaurant that was different from the others… So we picked this format – customers can choose to renounce technology while enjoying a convivial moment together. Technology is becoming a problem – there is no need to look at your phone every five seconds, but for many people it is like a drug … This way they have an opportunity to put it aside and drink some good wine.”

    Angelo Lella

    This strategy is what David Rendall and I would call a “Pink Goldfish.” This approach champions defying norms and exploiting imperfections to create a unique business strategy. Al Condominio does this through two specific tactics: withholding and microweirding.

    Withholding: A Mobile-Free Zone
    Al Condominio’s strategy involves withholding—a tactic where businesses take something away that customers would expect to have. In this case, it’s the use of mobile phones during meals. Diners are encouraged to lock away their phones in special boxes in exchange for a free bottle of wine. This act of withholding not only reduces distractions but also enhances the dining experience, promoting richer, face-to-face interactions among diners.

    Microweirding: The Lockbox and Key
    The restaurant introduces an element of microweirding by adding a quirky twist to the phone-free experience. Diners lock their phones in a box and use the key to claim their bottle of wine. This small, distinctive touch not only stands out as an unusual practice but becomes a conversation starter among guests, creating a memorable experience that diners are likely to talk about long after their meal.

    Parallel Strategy: The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club
    A similar strategy is employed during The Masters Golf Tournament, where mobile phones are banned from the course during the four competitive rounds. This policy transforms the spectator experience. As noted by golf podcaster Rick Shiels, without phones, something magical happens: people actually start talking to one another. This environment fosters a sense of presence and community among the patrons, enhancing the overall experience of the event.

    Note: No free wine at The Masters. But you can grab an Egg Salad Sandwich or the famous Pimento Cheese Sandwich for just $1.50 a piece. Here are the concession prices for the 2024 Masters courtesy of USA Today:

    • Egg Salad: $1.50
    • Pimento Cheese: $1.50
    • Masters Club: $3
    • Chicken salad on Honey wheat: $3
    • Ham/cheese on rye: $3
    • Classic Chicken: $3
    • Domestic Beer: $6 (Up $1 compared to last year)
    • Import Beer: $6
    • Crow’s Nest: $6
    • Peach Ice Cream Sandwich: $3

    These prices are intentionally LOW. Former Augusta National chairman Clifford Roberts wrote in his 1976 book, “The Story of Augusta National Golf Club”:

    “We believe that one of the reasons the Masters is popular with patrons of the game is because they can obtain good food and drink at reasonable prices.”

    Conclusion
    Both Al Condominio and The Masters demonstrate the power of Pink Goldfish strategies: embracing what’s unique, even if it means breaking away from the norm, can create unforgettable experiences and draw people closer together.

    Read on...
    Man speaking into a microphone, three accompanying images show a large "NJ" sign at an airport, a busy office, and a view from an airplane window.

    Presentation Skills Workshop

    Honored to present recently in New Jersey. I did a half-day workshop on Presentation Skills in Secaucas with Quest Diagnostics.

    Trivia: Secaucas (which borders both The Meadowlands and Hoboken) means “place of snakes” in Algonquin.

    Here is an overview of the workshop:

    Becoming an effective communicator and creating engaging presentations is an essential business skill. According to famed playwright,

    “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

    -George Bernard Shaw

    This workshop focuses on how to improve communication fundamentals, with an emphasis on presentation skills. It has four main components:

    First, workshop participants will understand their role as communicators.

    Second, they’ll learn how to organize content and clarify their message for retention.

    Third, participants will learn about the importance of visuals. They learn how to leverage the picture superiority effect and put the power back into PowerPoint.

    Lastly, attendees will learn core presentational skills such as pausing, gesturing, tone, and a technique called S.T.O.P.

    Bonus: In the fourth hour of the workshop we also covered the CPR method for effective storytelling, the 10 keys to presenting in the virtual environment, and the S.I.L.V.E.R. presentation planning framework.

    Here’s what I love about the workshop experience… it is packed with hands-on exercises. Participants leave with actionable strategies and techniques to improve their confidence when communicating.

    I think it’s essential to invest in presentation skills for your team members. But don’t take my word for it. Warren Buffett believes you can improve your value by 50 percent just by learning communication skills–public speaking. He believes that mastering the art of public speaking is the single greatest career-boosting skill.

    Read on...
    Man standing in front of an ATM displaying a personalized welcome message with his name.

    Leveraging AI in customer experience represents a huge opportunity

    In the upcoming book, “Blue Goldfish 2.0,” Chuck Gallagher and I explore how AI can lead to more personalized, engaging, and efficient customer interactions.

    Looking at more than 400 case studies, we’ve uncovered 8 ways to utilize the transformative power of AI and data analytics into the fabric of customer experience. One of those ways is Personalization.

    Personalization is achieved by transforming vast datasets into meaningful, actionable insights that cater to individual customer preferences and behaviors. Our personalization chapter shares compelling examples of businesses harnessing AI to deliver tailored experiences.

    One of the core principles highlighted is the shift from one-size-fits-all marketing strategies to dynamic, responsive interactions that reflect an intimate knowledge of the customer journey. This shift is made possible by AI’s ability to analyze and interpret complex patterns in data, enabling companies to predict customer needs, recommend relevant products, and engage in more meaningful conversations.

    An example of this is Wells Fargo. Their approach to personalization is centered around their innovative use of ATMs. By implementing predictive analytics, Wells Fargo’s ATMs can adapt to the personal banking habits of their customers. The system analyzes past transactions to offer customized options on the ATM’s main screen.

    For instance, if a customer frequently withdraws a specific amount of cash or regularly deposits checks, these options become readily accessible, speeding up the transaction process and making banking more convenient.

    The genesis of this personalized ATM experience was Wells Fargo’s commitment to understanding and serving their customers more efficiently. This philosophy has led to a redesigned ATM interface that recognizes their preferences and behaviors.

    One practical application of this technology is the ATM’s ability to display customized, easy-access buttons for a customer’s most common transactions immediately after card insertion and PIN verification. This reduces transaction time and personalizes the customer’s interaction with the ATM, making each experience feel more intuitive and tailored to their banking habits.

    Our chapter on Personalization from “Blue Goldfish 2.0” examines the role of AI in crafting personalized customer experiences. The journey toward AI-driven personalization is not without its challenges. You have to find the balance between automation and human touch. While AI excels in processing and analyzing data at scale, the human element remains crucial in interpreting and applying these insights with empathy and creativity. But for those organizations willing to embrace this paradigm shift, the rewards promise to be transformative.

    Read on...
    Two robotic hands reaching towards each other, with a book titled "Blue Goldfish" on the right. Text reads "Top 7 Key Takeaways.

    7 Top TAkeaways from Blue Goldfish 2.0

    1. Leverage Technology for Personalization and Enhanced CX: Today’s businesses must use data and AI to understand and meet customer needs more effectively.

    2. The Importance of Differentiation: Just like goldfish can grow based on their environment and genetic makeup, businesses must differentiate themselves to grow in their market. This differentiation can be achieved through leveraging AI and data to create a unique customer experience.

    3. The Amazon Effect and Customer Expectations: Customer expectations have been transformed by companies like Amazon, highlighting the need for businesses to exceed these expectations by being more responsive, personalized, and anticipatory of customer needs.

    4. Relationship as a Foundation: Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers through understanding their needs and preferences is fundamental to business success in the digital age.

    5. Acts of Kindness and Lagniappe: Going the extra mile for customers by providing something extra or unexpected (lagniappe) can create goodwill, enhance customer loyalty, and stimulate positive word-of-mouth.

    6. Integration of Online and Offline Experiences: The book provides examples of how merging online data with offline interactions can create a seamless and highly personalized customer journey, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.

    7. The Role of AI in Business Growth: AI and data analytics are crucial tools for businesses to understand their customers better and act with greater agility, thus enabling personalized experiences at scale and fostering business growth.

    These takeaways highlight the book’s focus on deepening customer relationships, differentiating from competitors, and adapting to the heightened expectations of today’s consumers.

    Read on...
    A group of people stand on a large pie with a sign reading "Making the Pie Bigger." The quote reads, “Success is not about competition, it’s about building a bigger pie.”.

    The Spirit of Cavett

    Love this quote from National Speakers Association Founder Cavett Robert,

    “Success is not about competition, it’s about building a bigger pie.”

    A bit of background. Born in 1907, Cavett Robert gave his first professional speech in his late 50’s. In 1966, he got the desire to help other people become better speakers. He believed that there was always enough room in the profession for more. This would be an uphill battle since only 3% of organizations used outside professional speakers.

    But Cavett’s life motto was:

    “Don’t worry about how we divide up the pie, there is enough for everybody. Let’s just build a bigger pie!”

    In the words of Jim Mathis, “Most professions are so filled with competition, that this thinking isn’t rewarded, but to the speaking profession, this would help ignite an industry boom.”

    Cavett passed away in 1997, leaving a lasting legacy in everyone who has heard a professional speaker or trainer from the National Speakers Association. Cavett’s legacy lives on. Each NSA member embodies the attitude of helping each other. We call it “The Spirit of Cavett.”

    Happy Pie Day (3.14 or March 14th)

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    A simple illustration of a purple fish facing right on a plain background.

    I've had the pleasure of working with teams at:

    Hallmark logo featuring cursive text with a crown above the letter "k.
    Discover logo with the word "DISCOVER" in black and an orange circle representing the letter "O" on a gray background.
    Hyundai logo featuring a stylized "H" in an oval above the word "HYUNDAI" in bold, uppercase letters.
    IKEA logo in bold black letters on a white oval background, set against a dark rectangle.
    Square logo with a grey square icon and the word "Square" in grey text.
    ExxonMobil logo in gray text on a dark background.
    IHOP logo with the letters "IHOP" in uppercase, and a curved line below resembling a smile.
    The image shows the Red Hat logo featuring a stylized red fedora hat alongside the text "Red Hat.
    Logo of American Family Insurance, featuring stylized text under a roofline design.
    Logo of Boston Scientific with the tagline "Advancing science for life™" below it.
    Cardinal Health logo featuring stylized bird wings above the company name in dark gray.
    Citrix logo with black text on a transparent background.
    A gray logo with the word "kenvue" next to a stylized "K" shape.
    Stylized Liberty Tax Service logo featuring the Statue of Liberty's crown alongside the company name.
    MetLife logo with a stylized "M" icon on the left and the text "MetLife" on the right, all in grayscale.
    SAS logo featuring the letters "sas" in lowercase with a stylized "S" design to the left.
    Logo of UnitedHealthcare with icon resembling a shield on the left and the company name written in a serif font on the right.
    Logo of United Way featuring stylized hand, person, and rainbow circle.
    Xerox logo with grey text and a stylized sphere featuring white intersecting lines.
    Sherwin-Williams logo featuring an inverted paint can pouring paint over a globe, with the company name in capital letters to the right.
    Logo reading "Window World" in black script on a gray background.
    American Century Investments logo featuring a stylized tree and text.
    Microsoft logo with four colored squares forming a larger square on the left and the word "Microsoft" in gray text on the right.
    Nintendo logo with black text inside a rounded rectangle.
    The image shows the Volvo logo, a circle with an arrow pointing diagonally upwards to the right and the word "Volvo" written across the center.
    Canon logo in black font on a transparent background.
    CAT logo featuring bold black letters with a white and gray triangular shape underneath.
    Black and white Dairy Queen logo with the letters "DQ" inside a tilted oval shape.
    Fidelity Investments logo featuring a stylized sunburst design above the company name.
    IBM logo in bold, gray letters with horizontal lines cutting through each letter.
    Intel logo in black and white with the company name in lowercase letters encircled by an oval.
    Logo of the National Association of Realtors, featuring a stylized "R" symbol and the organization's full name in bold letters.
    TEDx logo in bold, uppercase black letters on a white background.
    Logo of Choice Hotels featuring a stylized letter "C" composed of geometric shapes above the text "Choice Hotels.
    Logo with the letters "E" and "O," and a circular shape resembling a clock or gauge with a needle pointing right. Three small stars are above the image.
    Genworth Financial logo featuring a circular pattern of triangles with the company name underneath.
    Black and white Johnson & Johnson logo with stylized cursive lettering.
    Target logo with a red bullseye above the word "TARGET" in capital letters.
    UPS logo in grayscale, featuring the letters "ups" inside a shield design.
    Black ESPN logo on a transparent background.
    Black and white GSK logo with bold, stylized letters on a transparent background.
    MLS logo in black and white, featuring a diagonal stripe across a shield with three stars and the letters "MLS" at the top left.
    Three purple fish silhouettes swimming to the right on a dark background.

    Find Your Best-Match Program

    With over 18 possible keynote speaking presentations, workshops, and GOLDFISH TANK programs available to meet your ever-evolving needs, I’ve created this 2-minute, 6-question quiz to help you understand which program is best for you and your audience.

    Take the Quiz

    Meet Your Presenter

    Through keynote speaking presentations, hands-on workshops, and GOLDFISH TANK programs, I empower you to power loyalty and growth.

    Hi, I’m Stan Phelps. I work with organizations that want to increase loyalty, drive sales, and promote positive word-of-mouth by creating differentiated experiences.

    As an author, keynote speaker, and workshop facilitator, my in-person and virtual programs stand out in a sea of sameness because I model my own message of differentiated experience (DX).

    I leverage my unique collection of more than 5,500 case studies on customer, employee, and brand experience to engage audiences with practical ideas that inspire action.

    More About Stan
    A person wearing glasses and a gray quarter-zip sweater stands outdoors in front of a building with a triangular glass roof at dusk.

    Every time we do business together, Something amazing happens in the world!

    Through my partner B1G1, each program gives back to create global IMPACT

    Two students in blue uniforms smile while washing their hands at an outdoor tap.

    When we complete a GOLDFISH TANK, we give 1001 days of clean water to school children

    Collage of three images: a person washing hands, a child drawing with colored pencils, and a group of people sitting outdoors with some raising their hands.

    When we complete a GLOBAL engagement, we give 365 days of clean water access in Peru, 120 days of learning aids in Malaysia, and 50 days of business training for women in Malawi

    Hand placing a brick on a surface with text: "One Book = One Brick" and an Amazon logo.

    When someone downloads a GOLDFISH eBook, we give one brick toward building school facilities in Cambodia

    Incredible at activating and engaging an audience

    "Stan is incredible at activating and engaging an audience, and he continues to leave a memorable impact through his framework. With his captivating delivery and unique insights, Stan undoubtedly sets a new standard for dynamic and inspiring presentations!"

    President, NC State AMA

    Incredible at activating and engaging an audience

    "Thanks so much for the pointed insight and thought-provoking messages you provided to our dealer network about employee engagement. The feedback from our dealer business owners regarding your video was very positive, with many citing specific ideas you provided to address employee retainment and recruiting…a major challenge that has impacted small business since the Pandemic."

    SVP, Dealer Division, Ricoh

    Quite impactful

    "It was great to have Stan speak to our team on two sides of the world. Considering all the different brand examples he has studied, it was quite impactful to hear him discuss how different brands find ways to stand out. I'm sure our teams had good food for thought as we brainstorm about how to deliver a six-star experience to our own customers."

    CEO, PrizePicks

    His delivery and engagement of the audience were outstanding

    "Stan Phelps made a virtual Toronto stop as part of the cross North America book tour featuring his book with co-author David Rendall, Pink Goldfish. Not only was his message intriguing: his delivery and engagement of the audience were outstanding too. Both during the event and after, with heated comments in the chat and later on social media. Here is one of them: "So refreshing to hear insights from Stan Phelps and David Rendall about Pink Goldfish and how brands should avoid being normal." Stan is an absolutely F.L.A.W.S.O.M.E. speaker - one who not only tells you how to stand out in a crowd - he shows you how he does it!"

    President, AMA Toronto

    Our attendees were impressed and spoke about it long after the event

    "It was an absolute pleasure to work with Stan he is a very inspiring presenter. Thoughtful to his audience he delivered an outstanding, thought-provoking session to more than 50 leaders [at Tesco]. Our attendees were impressed and spoke about it long after the event - the power of what he shared that stuck out for me was his keynote speech packed full of insightful global examples enabling our audience to apply to the everyday. Would highly recommend."

    Managing Director, havas helia

    The meeting and presentation by Stan was one of the highlights of the year for my member base

    "Made contact with Stan after hearing about the great presentations he had made for other Peer Advisory Groups. Stan presented at our biggest event of the year in 2023 for our all-member meeting. The meeting and presentation by Stan was one of the highlights of the year for my member base. Stan does not disappoint, highly recommend his workshops."

    President / Owner, Renaissance Executive Forums – Inland Empire

    His content, rich in practical and transformative ideas, resonated deeply, sparking not just interest but actionable inspiration

    "Stan Phelps' keynote at the Malaysia Leadership Summit was a masterclass in engagement and insight, captivating the audience with his dynamic presence and profound wisdom. His content, rich in practical and transformative ideas, resonated deeply, sparking not just interest but actionable inspiration. Phelps' unique ability to blend storytelling with data-driven insights turned his session into a memorable experience, leaving attendees enlightened and empowered to make a positive change. His approach exemplifies the power of innovative thinking in leadership and organizational growth."

    Founder, Leadernomics

    I highly recommend having Stan discuss with your team his insights on employee and customer engagement

    "Stan joined us at our annual leadership conference, and the Purple & Green Goldfish presentation was very engaging. He brought great energy to a day full of data and procedures. Our team took away many points and perspectives from Stan's presentation and even incorporated some into a check-in process for new hires. I highly recommend having Stan discuss with your team his insights on employee and customer engagement; it was extremely valuable to all who attended."

    Marketing Manager, Sunstates Security

    The interactivity, relevance, and content was exactly what we were looking for

    "Thank you so much for an engaging workshop, Stan! The interactivity, relevance, and content was exactly what we were looking for. The NYC team had wonderful immediate feedback and were already talking through some practical applications."

    Global Enablement Lead, Trip Advisor

    Stan connected with our audience in a great way and everyone left excited about the message and really appreciated us inviting Stan to speak

    "Stan connected with our audience in a great way and everyone left excited about the message and really appreciated us inviting Stan to speak. The pre-meeting with Stan and his preparation made the difference in how he connected with us. Definitely would have him back and would highly recommend him to anyone."

    Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Presbyterian Healthcare Services

    Our team enjoyed the training so much, we are planning to do the same one with another group of associates in the coming months

    "Stan conducted a virtual customer journey mapping workshop for members of my team with varying experience levels and knowledge on the topic. His presentation was relevant, engaging and entertaining! It is not an easy task to keep a large group’s attention for a three hour virtual training, but Stan managed to do so with great content, energy and interactive breakout sessions. Our team enjoyed the training so much, we are planning to do the same one with another group of associates in the coming months. I would definitely recommend Stan as a training instructor / speaker in the future!"

    Senior Manager, Digital Marketing & Communications, Dealer Tire

    We loved the presentation so much that we brought it back to our internal team and are now all reading the Gray Goldfish book

    "We booked Stan for an internal company conference. Stan was extremely responsive and accommodating to all our clients' requests. He was engaging and insightful when discussing how to successfully lead every generation. We loved the presentation so much that we brought it back to our internal team and are now all reading the Gray Goldfish book. The client was very pleased and we have also already booked him for another event. I would highly recommend bringing Stan in as your conference speaker."

    Meeting Coordinator, Designing Events
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    Stan Phelps, CSP® is a keynote speaker and workshop leader who helps brands stand out, engage teams, and drive lasting impact through innovation.

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    A badge with the eSpeakers logo reads "Virtual Master Presenter" on a purple and blue shield.
    A globe with a microphone wrapped around it, next to the text "Global Speaking Fellow.

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