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A Journey in Building and Leading Teams
As a keynote speaker, Gareth is animated, humourous and poignant. Using the latest in computerized audio-visual equipment, he delivers an exciting and dramatic account of his role in the Antarctic expedition, "In the Footsteps of Scott". Gareth and two team members became the first in history to walk 900 miles to the South Pole unsupported.
Against a backdrop of stunning imagery, Gareth's dynamic keynote takes you on an incredible journey, re-living the expedition's incredible "highs" as well as it's most bitter moments. His honesty will touch you; his hardships will mirror some of your own; and his ability to learn and grow from his amazing experience will inspire you.
Motivational...Yet Educational!
Gareth's keynote is not a typical "Just Do It!" style of presentation - with limited ties to business or your organization. As a professional organizational improvement consultant, Gareth combines his unique knowledge of leadership and team development to provide an entertaining and awe-inspiring story full of insight and valuable learnings.
Gareth focuses directly on the human aspects of the Antarctic trek, and what it takes to accomplish great things in an environment of challenge, change and risk. He takes a hard look at the real conflicts that seemed insurmountable in building cohesive teams.
The "Footsteps of Scott" expedition was a journey during which the team members learned more than just how to conquer the physical challenges of the harsh Antarctic; they learned what it takes to work as a team and build on their collective intelligence in reaching for their goal. Ultimately they learned the importance of common direction, common goals and common process in realizing organizational success.
More than an adventure, this expedition was a $4.5 Million enterprise! It required many years of meticulous planning and fundraising. As well, Gareth spent two years in near isolation in the Antarctic. As an enterprise it faced diverse challenges - not unlike the challenges faced by many organizations. Its success required vision, and transforming the vision into reality. It also required leadership, financing, marketing, decision-making and the ability to remain flexible while confronting change. Most importantly, it required teamwork.
Recognizing the Importance of a Team
The expedition's strength and the ability to survive lay in a shared vision and a diversity of skills. Gareth's presentation provides unique insight into the essence and value of true teamwork. He encourages the audience to reflect on their own behaviors and tendencies as they strive for business success.
Some key areas of focus are:
- The difficulties of bringing together unique skills and talents to significantly enhance the productivity of the group
- Understanding your own strengths and role in team
- Looking beyond perceptions of others' actions and behaviours and understanding intentions
- Task and process
- The process leader
- The concepts of shared direction, aligned systems and empowered people
- Balancing planning and the courage to risk
Relating to Specific Issues
in YOUR Organization
Gareth does not deliver a generic or "canned" presentation. Prior to delivering a keynote presentation, Gareth performs a comprehensive assessment identifying issues and challenges faced by the client. This extra step is crucial to developing a relevant and effective presentation with real learnings and real links back to the workplace.
Presentation Timing and Specifications
Gareth's keynotes are delivered using a high-powered LCD projector and professional multimedia software. Each presentation is in vivid full colour and incorporates over 150 stunning images taken during the expedition. They are designed for effective viewing by audiences of almost any size and can normally fit comfortably within time slots of 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours.
Combining Keynote Presentations with Interactive Seminars!
Increase the impact and lasting value of Gareth's presentation by combining it with a 1 1/2 hour to full-day interactive workshop/seminar. As a professional organizational improvement consultant, Gareth will work closely with your organization - assessing its needs, challenges and opportunities. An initiative is then custom-designed specific to your organization's requirements. Gareth has many theme areas that he has combined with his keynote presentations.
For More Information...
If you are interested in scheduling a keynote presentation by Gareth Wood, please fill out the convenient Keynote Questionnaire online to help initiate the process.
If you would simply like additional information or a corporate package from Gareth Wood Associates, visit the Contact Information section of this site.
We have also compiled some information to assist you in choosing the right keynote speaker. Visit the Speaker Selection Help Page. |
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Interested? Fill Out the
Keynote Online Questionnaire
Other Information:
· "In the Footsteps of Scott"
· Introduction to Antarctica
Also Check Out:
· Partial Client List
· How to Select a Speaker
 
Scenes from the
audio-video presentation:
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