My brother, the legendary guitarist Robert Fripp, wisely says, “Never be afraid to let go of a good thing.” Celebrating GGBC: A Gem of San Francisco History Since its founding in 1946, the Golden Gate Breakfast Club (GGBC) has been a vibrant part of San Francisco’s history. It was born post-World War II, when communities […]
Read More...Your First Thirty Seconds: Arouse Interest in Your Subject
Imagine you have just thirty seconds to transform a room of strangers into a captivated audience that will hold on to your every word. This is your moment to make a powerful first impression in any presentation—whether it’s a high-stakes sales presentation to win a training contract, an educational seminar, or a keynote speech to […]
Read More...Hollywood Movie Stars Show Us Lessons in Kindness and Authenticity
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward…as I remember them. Navigating the glittering world of Hollywood, it’s easy to be dazzled by the spotlight. Yet, some stars shine brightly on and off the screen, teaching us invaluable life lessons. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward were such luminaries, exemplifying kindness, authenticity, and the importance of setting one’s values. […]
Read More...This is the Perfect Time to Rewrite the Screenplay of Your Life
Lessons from Hollywood (The first in a series) Sir Michael Caine, a fellow Brit and iconic movie star, spoke a profound truth: “To be a movie star, you must invent yourself.” This statement echoes through the halls of Hollywood and beyond, demonstrated by legendary figures like Cher, Madonna, and Cary Grant. They crafted personas that […]
Read More...How to Earn Business from Influential People (Without Selling to Them)
As I transitioned from cutting the hair of ambitious professionals and the movers and shakers in San Francisco’s Financial District, I always asked about their business. Their advice helped me, and many stories gave me great content for my earlier presentations on Getting, Keeping and Deserving Your Customers. Here is one example from long before […]
Read More...From Styling Hair to Shaping Words: What’s Your Origin Story
My journey into professional speaking and coaching began in an unlikely setting — a bustling salon on the island of Jersey in the Channel Islands. At 18, I worked with experienced stylists from the West End of London, masters of their craft who could whip up hairstyles I had never seen before. However, they thought […]
Read More...Want to Deliver an Unforgettable Presentation? Research Your Favorite Phrases
When you deliver a speech, do you research your favorite frequently-used phrases? One of my clients was preparing a keynote and wanted to use the phrase ‘burning the midnight oil.’ I asked, “Do you know where that comes from?” Together, we discovered it dates back to when oil lamps were used, perfectly illustrating the dedication […]
Read More...Want to Know How To Sound Intelligent, Powerful, Polished, Articulate and Confident?
Ambitious professionals like you must sound intelligent, powerful, polished, articulate, and confident during business presentations, interactions with senior management, and networking in your professional community. Consider these focused strategies: How to Sound Intelligent Pace Your Speech: Speak more slowly to allow yourself time to select the most appropriate vocabulary. This pacing gives the impression of […]
Read More...We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day
Reflections on My Sermon at Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, San Francisco. Recently, I had the honour of delivering a sermon at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church titled; We Can Be Heroes for More than One Day. Inspired by presentations I’ve delivered with my brother, Robert Fripp, who played on David Bowie’s Heroes, this was an experience I’ll […]
Read More...Elevate Your Language and Stand Out in Every Conversation
On most Sundays, you will find me sipping coffee and watching my favorite news shows. I enjoy listening to intelligent and educated experts share their perspectives on the state of the world. As an executive speech coach, I find these programs an endless source of inspiration—and, occasionally, frustration. One recurring irritant? The phrase I hear […]
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