20 events - Sept 07

MINNESOTA, CANADA, NEW YORK, ILLINOIS - 15 DAYS, 20 SPEECHES

Greg Forbes Siegman is the real-life person upon whom The First Thirty by Jillip Naysinthe Paxson is based.

In the Fall of 2007, over the course of 16 days, Greg spoke at 20 events in Illinois, New York, and Canada. This part of the website features photos, feedback, information and links regarding the events in those three places, the people who were part of them -- and the unexpected twists and turns (and people) who unexpectedly crossed Greg's path along the way. (It shows the events chronologically - so it goes from Minnesota to Canada, then New York, then Illinois)

MINNESOTA

The adventure began with Greg flying to Canada (with a layover in Minnesota) The trip got off to a rough start when his hand accidentally got sliced in an escalator in the Minnesota airport. On the bright side, the paramedics were really nice - and the airport staffer who stayed with him throughout the process was a fascinating woman who spoke six languages and shared all kinds of amazing stories about her travels.

CANADA - DAY ONE

First thing in the morning, he keynoted an annual event for United Way of Thunder Bay. The event, which took place at Valhalla Inn, included a (super!) breakfast and remarks by a number of civic and business leaders in Thunder Bay such as the town's Mayor. There were 500 or so UWTB supporters in attendance at the event which marks the start of the organization's annual Campaign.

For more on Greg's Connections with Philanthropy, click Here

During his remarks, Greg reflected on the importance of making a difference in the world outside your window, how the donors in attendance could get others involved in giving back, and the lesser known (but equally important) roles we can play in the civic process -- citing, among others, the unique role played by one of his favorite historical figures, Joann Robinson

.

"...a fantastic kick off to [United Way of Thunder Bay's annual fundraising] campaign...it was so refreshing to hear Greg's enthusiasm and passion -- especially [for an event] so early in the morning. It was a pleasure working with him..." - With gratitude, Joanne Kembel (Executive Director) and Joanne Wolnik (Special Events Coordinator), United Way of Thunder Bay

Greg's appearance at the annual breakfast was sponsored by Scotiabank . Last year, the community-minded bank ordered copies of The First Thirty for local kids and sponsored an essay contest on the book for them.

Want to order copies of The First Thirty for students at a school or organization in your community? Email us at Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com

"Listening to Greg's words [at the United Way event], and seeing how simple actions can have grand results has impacted me more than you could ever imagine. As he talked about in his book and in his speech, we can change our world. We just need to start small, start with the world out side of our window, and not be set back by [others]. GenNext was started with the idea that we need a way to motiviate and mobilize the youth in our community and get them involved. Greg's [references to our program during his speech] helped. We have had more positive feedback than I had ever dreamed." - Gord McLean, GenNext

To inquire about booking Greg for an event for your school, company, organization, team or conference, email Events@GregForbes.com

Later that day, Greg guest lectured a class for undergraduate and graduate students at Lakehead University . He did his best to focus on issues like leadership, recognizing opportunities (and pursuing them), and a number of nonprofit-relevant lessons like the concept of 'leveraging philanthropy'.

For more on Connections with Colleges-Universities, click Here

That night, Greg hosted a dinner for twenty complete strangers at a local restaurant. The "Dinners with Strangers" have become a tradition on his speaking trips - with up to 40 people at a time joining him for dinner.

"It was a pleasure meeting Greg and all the fabulous folks who dined together...thank you to Greg for his inspiration and encouragement and also, for his courage to influence people to think differently." - Janet S

For more on the dinners, go to www.ShakingUpAmerica.com

CANADA - DAY TWO

The next day, Greg spoke at several assemblies for local students at St. Patrick's High School.

"I am a teacher at St. Pat's and attended Greg's talk with my grade eleven class....the extended metaphor [during the speech] was wonderful and how Greg maintained it throughout and then came full circle. Great!...strikes a balance between respect for the students and expectations for their respect in return. A winning combination..." - Marlene, high school teacher

"I thought the presentation today was inspiring to say the least and a huge eye opener... thank you!" - Sarah, high school student

For more on Connections with High Schools, click Here

That evening, he keynoted an event for the Thunder Bay Business Women's Network. The event took place at Travelodge Hotel Airlane. The co-sponsors included: Magic 99.9 FM, Travelodge Hotel Airlane, Quality Market, Job Connect, Framing & Art Centre, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Thunder Bay Art Gallery The event included an outstanding dinner and remarks by a number of TBBWN leaders.
In conjunction with the event, part of Greg's art collection (www.MySleeplessNights.com) was on display.

"His prepared topics were excellent and very relevant for the crowd. The artwork is beautiful..." - Heather S, Marketing Coordinator

Some people attended more than one event.

"I had the opportunity to listen to Greg speak at the United Way Campaign Kick-Off....After hearing him speak, I was compelled to also attend the Thunder Bay Business Women's Network dinner the next evening....I brought a friend to the [second event] and prefaced my invitation to her...with "I have never heard anyone speak in a way that is so relevant and inspiring"... After hearing Greg speak, viewing his artwork in conjunction with his speech, meeting him, and reading The First Thirty in the week that followed, I believe that he is one of the great social leaders of my generation...[he has] a message that is relevant to so many - social, civic, and business related - and on such a broad scale...[His book] The First Thirty also has lessons that are imperative on a broad social and business level. All business leaders should read The First Thirty and challenge themselves to think outside the traditional business model..." - Rachel L, Sales Manager

For more on Connections with F&B/Hotel/Tourism Industry, click Here

For more pictures from the TBBWN event, click here

CANADA - DAY THREE

The next morning, Greg spoke to Lakehead University's Men's Basketball Team. Instead of talking to them about how they can score more points or play better defense, he talked to them about the leadership and teamwork-related lessons that can be derived from a number of people and places that had nothing to do with athletics. He also talked to them about the importance of getting to know teammates off the court - as well as the importance of taking the time to get to know -- and be grateful for -- the people who support their team (such as the woman who cleans up their locker room).

"The guys really enjoyed Greg's words, thoughts and outlook on life. Coach Morrison has already made several references [to what Greg said]. What I can take away....more than anything is his dedication and professionalism towards 'doing what you do.'..." - Ryan, Team Captain

"I would just like to thank Greg again for coming and speaking to our team. I know most of the guys have not stopped talking about it , I think a lot of his mesages got through to a lot of guys and i know it sure did for me. Wanting to be the leader of this team only in my second year, he showed me many different ways to lead this team..." - Jamie

For more on Connections with Athletics, click Here

During the trip, Greg stayed at Travelodge Hotel Airlane - the same wonderful hotel where he stayed when he delivered several speeches in the area a year earlier.

This year, ironically, the hotel was hosting a large convention for firefighters.

To learn more about -- and take part in! -- Greg's efforts to support firefighters and other first responders, please check out www.ProjectThankYou.com
It's completely free to be part of.

NEW YORK - DAY ONE

After arriving back home, Greg unpacked just long enough to repack and head out the door a couple days later. He flew to New York - where he delivered seven speeches over a 48 hour period.

The New York-based events began with an event for new students on the St. John's University Queens campus. Greg was part of the Academic Lecture Series.

"It was a privilege to be a part of Greg's lecture today...I felt like I really got a lot out of what he spoke about, and I felt like a lot of it can be interpreted into other things besides school / learning / student-teacher relationships. Everything he said can be applied to any kind of relationship, with someone you work with or someone you're working for..." - Joseph, student, St. John's University

"I really enjoyed Greg's presentation as it was both engaging and inspiring. Being able to both relate to and draw in an audience is truly a gift he possesses, and it was wonderful to witness both his presentation and the response to it." - Linda, staff, St. John's University

From there, he went to do an event for senior citizens.

"It was a very nice event. A wonderful story..." - Syd, resident

For more on Connections with seniors, click Greg's Grandma

That night, Greg hosted a dinner for complete strangers at Latitude Bar in New York City. The "Dinners with Strangers" have become a tradition on his speaking trips - with up to 40 people at a time joining him for dinner.
For more on the dinners, visit www.ShakingUpAmerica.com

"Tommy and I...were thrilled to be included. I left feeling like I wanted to sit and talk for seven more hours...It was wonderful to meet so many new people..." -- Sara, New York

NEW YORK - DAY TWO

Early the next morning, Greg headed to Staten Island where he guest lectured a class for new students on the SI campus for St. John's University. In advance of the visit, the school had selected The First Thirty to be among their new student readings.

"Thanks to Greg for coming to our campus and fitting in a second day of lectures...My class still has not stopped talking about the lecture, and how amazing it was to meet Greg in person. His talks were very informative and engaging...I have really enjoyed using The First Thirty in my course..." - Rosette, The School of Education, St. John's

"It was so exciting meeting Greg today...He really inspired me with what he had to say. I can't wait to see the picture [from today] up on his website! Thank him for visiting our school!" -Lauren, student

"I love the way Greg thinks. I want him to come to our class every day. He made learning so interesting...from just that short time we had together today!!... I love that idea that he meets so many new people and invites them all to hang out together and go for dinner. That's very cool. I'm going to start doing that, too." - Jo-Jo, student

Following the event, Greg spoke at an event for faculty and administrative leaders on St. John's Staten Island campus.
"Greg's messages to both students and faculty/administrators were both on-point and refreshing...I’m so glad I’m using The First Thirty for my class. It will be that much more meaningful for them now that they’ve met Greg." - Denise, Dean, St. John's University

For more on Connections with Educators (and Future Educators), click Here

Afterwards, Greg headed over to a local school where he spoke at three assemblies for students ranging from 5th grade to 12th grade.

"Thanks so much to Greg for coming to the Academy yesterday. So many students are buzzing about his presentation!..." - Linda, Staten Island Academy

For more on Connections with Middle School and High School students, click Here and Here

At the airport, Greg went to get something to eat -- and ended up sitting down with two complete strangers for dinner.

ILLINOIS - DAY ONE

Greg came home for a couple days. Then, before you knew it, he was back out the door. This time, instead of flying, he drove about three hours to the next destination - Champaign, Illinois. (Thanks to the folks at 40 North who provided him all kinds of background materials about C-U before he came to town). Once he did arrive...over a 28 hour period, he delivered six speeches.

During the trip, Greg stayed at one of the Drury Hotels. This is a highly recommended set of family-owned and operated hotels.

For more on Greg's Connections with F&B/Hotel/Tourism Industry, click Here

The trip began with Greg speaking at an event for a senior community called Canterbury Ridge. In advance of the visit, Canterbury Ridge ordered copies of The First Thirty and posters based on the book for some staff and residents. For more on Greg's Connections with Grandparents (and those who work with seniors), click Here

That evening, Greg paid an impromptu visit to the local Barnes & Noble - exclusive carriers of The First Thirty in Champaign-Urbana. Want to get a copy of the book in the C-U area? Stop by the Barnes & Noble! To get a copy online, click here

Later that night, Greg joined some complete strangers for dinner. The "Dinners with Strangers" have become a tradition on his speaking trips - with up to 40 people at a time joining him for dinner. For this particular dinner, the attendees included a complete stranger who Greg helped with her groceries a month earlier in an entirely different city (who happened to move to Champaign a few days later), plus other people he had never met.

"I really enjoyed dinner... I've been telling everybody about it actually because it was so cool...Keep up the awesome work and keep in touch!" - Jenn, graduate assistant from Alabama

For more on the dinners, go to www.ShakingUpAmerica.com

ILLINOIS - DAY TWO

Greg began the day by having breakfast with some complete strangers (there was an open seat at their table in the restaurant so he decided to ask if he could sit with them instead of sitting by himself).

After breakfast, he went to The High School of Saint Thomas More, where he served as Scholar-in-Residence. In all, he spoke at four events at the school throughout the day. The talks focused mostly on community service, diversity and the ripple effect.

For more on his Connections with High Schools, click Here

"It was our pleasure having Greg here at STM.. I was in the library later this afternoon. There were a few students in there who had attended one of the sessions. When I said "What did you think'? They commented, "He was great". .. Thanks again." - Kay, The High School of Saint Thomas More

Later that day, Greg was a guest speaker at an event attended by both undergraduate and graduate students at University of Illinois.

"I really enjoyed Greg's presentation...It definitely was not like any other presentation [of this sort] I've ever been to. I enjoyed the anecdotes...I found them very intriguing and engaging. Greg is a very good story teller. I liked the exercise of extracting [career]-relevant lessons from life experiences because it gives a human-centric perspective to [your careeer], which is a nice change from the abstract processes that I normally learn about. It's given me a new way to think and reflect on my own life experiences. This was definitely the most memorable class [on this topic] I've ever been to." - Henry, student

In advance of the visit, copies of The First Thirty were ordered to give out to students.

"It was a pleasure attending Greg's speech. The presentation was not like a typical class [on this topic].. His style is somewhat unique in the way he draws analogies from personal life and applies them to [our future careeers]. It is a great way to understand what the concept is and how it can be applied." - Luis, graduate student from Mexico

"The speech was creative, engaging, dynamic, funny, and heart-felt! Greg catered to every style of learning...I especially liked [when he had us] interpret the drawing [of the stick figure man]! This morning I woke up thinking about all the other possibilities that it could have been. .." - Mark, student from Florida

For more on Connections with Colleges-Universities, click Here

Following the speech, Greg gathered up some more total strangers, and the group went for dinner. (By complete strangers, we mean that Greg knew none of them - and none of them knew each other, either. In fact, they were all different ages -- ranging from early 20s to mid 30s -- and from four different countries -- USA, Canada, Sweden and China. The group stayed for several hours explaining their different cultures and traditions to each other.)

The "Dinners with Strangers" have become a tradition on his speaking trips - with up to 40 people at a time joining him for dinner.

For more on the dinners, go to www.ShakingUpAmerica.com

ILLINOIS - DAY THREE

After the dinner ended, Greg made the long drive back home -- arriving in the middle of the night. But he did not have long to rest.
As an example of the 'leveraging philanthropy' model Greg frequently speaks about...his nonprofit organization, The 11-10-02 Foundation (www.ShakingUpAmerica.org), provided funds for the music and arts program at a grade school in his local community... on the condition that the students learn about civil rights figure Joann Robinson.
The Principal completely embraced the idea. After the children learned about Joann Robinson, the Principal and his staff had the students use the new art supplies provided by the grant to make murals celebrating Robinson's accomplishments in particular and civil rights in general. Then, the music program worked with the kids on all kinds of civil rights-related songs. They then held an assembly attended by hundreds of students, staff, families and guests to showcase the outstanding, inspiring, civil rights-related artistic and musical efforts.

In a case of perfect timing, the assembly was scheduled for the very morning Greg returned to town. So, with his luggage (literally) in tow, he attended the assembly on behalf of The 11-10-02 Foundation's Board and spoke briefly during the ceremony (about the importance of recognizing the 'Joann Robinsons' in our lives].

It was a fitting end to a hectic 16 days. After speaking to audiences all around North America about the importance of making a difference in the world outside their windows, Greg had the chance to get back to what he enjoyed doing most -- making a difference in the world outside his own :)

THE FIRST THIRTY ELEVATOR PROJECT

During these trips through Canada, New York and Illinois, Greg gave away a few special copies of The First Thirty as part of the ongoing "The First Thirty Elevator Project."

The story behind this project is a neat one. To read more about The First Thirty Elevator Project, click here.

During these September 2007 trips, as part of The First Thirty Elevator Project, Greg gave one copy to a staffer at the airport who got the paramedics when his hand got hurt in the escalator - and then kept him company, telling him all kinds of interesting stories about her travels. He gave another to a complete stranger who gave him a ride to one of the events and, along the way, shared all kinds of interesting stories about her family's personal history in the civil rights movement. He gave another to a stranger who helped him -- without being asked -- carry a large suitcase up a flight of stairs in the New York subway during rush hour. He gave another to a complete stranger who agreed to watch that same suitcase for thirty minutes while Greg ran to the other end of the airport to retrieve a small box he had forgotten.

Do you want to sponsor an expansion to The First Thirty Elevator Project? -- ordering copies of The First Thirty with the request that Greg give them to people who commit random acts of kindness for him and/or in his presence without knowing who he is. You can sponsor 1 copy or 5 copies or 50 or any other quantity of The First Thirty you wish. Upon request, we're happy to insert a note letting the recipients know who you are, or you can be anonymous.

The books are $10 apiece. If you or your company would like to do this, email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com

CROSSING OTHER PATHS

As always, Greg's trips were filled with all kinds of unexpected meetings and adventures. Here are pictures of some of the other memorable people and places who crossed his path coming and/or going from his visits to Illinois, New York and Canada - including the really nice airport employee and paramedic who were among those who treated him after his hand got sliced by an escalator at the airport in Minnesota!

In conjunction with the trips, there were a number of media appearances including a live interview on CBC radio in Canada, an article in the Chronicle Journal in Canada, and an interview with the school newspaper at St. John's University.

"I read "The First Thirty" on the plane ride to Palm Springs the night I met Greg [in the airport food court]. I LOVED IT...[my daughter and future author] Franchesca thought it was really neat I had an opportunity to meet Greg and she liked the fact he autographed her book too. I am hoping one day it will be HER autographing a book for him!..." - Cyndi, Minnesota

To order a copy of The First Thirty or A Place To Sit, click here

To order copies of the books, workbooks and/or posters for your students, staff, clients or donors, email Books@IdeaListEnterprises.com

To inquire about booking Greg for an event for your school, company, organization, team or conference, email Events@GregForbes.com

In the places referenced above, The First Thirty is available at different stores. In Minnesota, you may be able to purchase a copy of The First Thirty at Borders St. Paul, Borders Coon Rapids or the College of St. Catherine Bookstore. In New York, you may be able to purchase a copy of The First Thirty at Borders on Park Avenue, or speak to a manager at St. John's University Bookstore. In Champaign, Illinois, you can purchase a copy of The First Thirty at Barnes & Noble. In Chicago, you can purchase a copy of The First Thirty at Borders (150 N State, Michigan Avenue, Clark/Diversey, among others). In Canada (and others), you can always purchase one online by clicking here

Take me back to www.GregForbes.com (main site)

Take me back to www.TheFirstThirty.com (book site)

Take me back to www.MySleeplessNights.com (art site)

Take me back to www.ShakingUpAmerica.com (events site)

RIPPLE EFFECTS

A woman who attended the Dinner in Canada offered to volunteer her time to speak with a student who attended one of Greg's speeches there and expressed an interest in the woman's field (fighting addiction).

After reading The First Thirty, a businessperson in Canada who heard Greg speak ordered five additional copies to give out to others.

All kinds of nice notes have been received with feedback on The First Thirty from those who read the book as part of a class and/or purchased a copy during one of the trips. An excerpt from one of the notes: "The second half of the book was as fascinating as the first half. In literature, Greg would have been the hero in a quest story. No matter what the obstacles, the hero never veers from his course, at least not permanently. Set-backs, sure, but abandonment never, just determination and a firm belief that his dreams are reachable. There were times when I expected a pause, maybe second thoughts, but it was obvious that the goals he set were the goals he intended to reach....the little inserts [the thirty lessons] made perfect sense, both in and out of context. I can see students identifying with each one as I did. I think The First Thirty is a book to keep handy, just to read and re-discover that life is full of possibilities if we set our minds to it and take it a step (or a leap) at a time."

A woman who purchased The First Thirty during the trip sent in word that the book came to her at a perfect time. She indicated that a member of her family became very ill, and she ended up sitting with her at the hospital and reading the book to her out loud, a few pages at a time.

Some guys from the basketball team in Canada report that they have made a concerted effort to learn more about Jan (the lady who keeps their locker room clean).

A woman who attended the Dinner in New York offered to meet for lunch with a woman who had just moved to New York who Greg met while borrowing a computer.

One of the attendees at one of the events -- an MBA student from Mexico (Luis) -- wrote to Greg and asked if he and his wife (a ballerina named Lily) could come to Greg's town to meet with him. Greg happily accepted. The couple came to Chicago, and the two met with Greg and his friend to eat and play some pool at a really fun place called Seven Ten Lounge .

Greg then took the couple on a brief tour around the city. During the ride, Lily mentioned that her parents (who were also in town visiting from Mexico) were eating dinner in the area, too. It turned out her parents were eating at one of the nicest restaurants anywhere -- Charlie Trotter's -- and graciously insisted the three come join them as their guests for desserts. The five of them stayed well past midnight, as they told Greg (in Spanish) all about life in Guadalajara. (Personal note from Greg: Special thanks to my teachers who taught me Spanish so I could make the most of this opportunity, thanks to my new friends from Mexico, and thanks to Charlie Trotter's for lending me a dinner jacket since the visit was unplanned!)

For more on Connections with F&B industry, click here

For more on Connections with International events/people, click here

One of the people Greg happened to meet during the trip -- on an airplane coming home from one of the events -- booked Greg to speak at an event for his company five months later. Click here to see pics and feedback from that event.