One December evening, with some of my closest friends, Joe Veneto, Marilyn Sherman, and Ford Saeks, I watched Frankie Moreno at his Christmas show at Myron’s Cabaret Jazz. As seasoned professional speakers, we were not simply entertained. We were reminded of something essential. True performers earn their success over decades, not moments. Frankie’s career began […]
Read More...No Overnight Success—A Reminder for Us All
Recently, I had the pleasure of speaking for the Florida Speakers Association. What a treat to discover their meeting was held at the fabulous Fort Lauderdale Improv! The venue itself inspired me to share one of my favorite stories and offer a suggestion every speaker can use. For those unfamiliar, Budd Friedman was the founder […]
Read More...Guaranteed this is the Best Way to Gain More Time: Say “No”
Let’s be honest—we all have too much to do. If you’re anything like me, there are times you feel overwhelmed just looking at your to-do list. My brilliant friend Ford Saeks often says, “Fripp gets more done in an hour than most people do in a day.” I appreciate the compliment. I only wish it […]
Read More...Wimborne: From Saxon Abbey to Vibrant Riverside Market Town
To continue the stories of my vacation! Origins & Saxon Glory I have often told my American friends, “You do not know what old is, unless you travel to England and Europe.” My brother Robert Fripp and I had fun visiting our home town of Wimborne. It was founded around 705 AD when St Cuthburga established a […]
Read More...Norfolk: A Vacation Destination Full of History, Charm, and Creative Fuel
Whenever I return to the UK, I explore somewhere new I have never visited, even after decades of back-and-forth trips across the Atlantic. This time, it was Norfolk, and what a delightfully surprising choice it was. One of my greatest pleasures is listening to thrillers on Audible. Recently, I’ve been captivated by J.M. Dalgliesh’s Hidden […]
Read More...Need a New Perspective, Fresh Ideas, and Inspiration for Your Next Speech?
Then perhaps you need to take a vacation? I am now one week into my three-week vacation in the UK. This isn’t just a holiday, it’s a meaningful pause, a reconnection with my roots, and a chance to enjoy quality time with some of my favorite people. My long-time friend and negotiation expert, Derek Arden, […]
Read More...Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster
Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster There are two primary ways to learn: on your own or from learned others. In my experience, the second option accelerates success and deepens insight. When I was a young hairstylist in England, my first mentors were senior stylists, coworkers, and generous bosses […]
Read More...Robert Fripp says “Never be afraid to let go of a good thing”
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...Want to Have the Title, Salary and Respect You Want? Learn this Vital Secret
Growing up, my very glamorous mother, Edith, gave me excellent advice: “Of course, the inner you is important. However, you have to dress up and look good to attract others. They will then discover how nice and smart you are and how valuable you can be to them.” This advice has never steered me wrong. Edith […]
Read More...
