Business Problems Solved Podcast You Can Do It Too – With Richard McCann
Today Lee talks to Richard McCann, one of business, and life’s great survivors, who’s overcome horrifying personal tragedy to raise himself up to the top. In the wake of tragedy, Richard discovered a resilience he never knew possible, and recognises his path back as the making of himself.
In this very special episode, Richard discusses his incredible story, his outlook, his vision, how to overcome your fears, and his top presentation tips!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- In the wake of his mother’s death, who was killed at the hands of the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, Richard found himself falling into a spiral of depression and self-abuse.
- Pulling himself out of this dark beginning began in earnest when he emerged from prison in 1997 and fought past suicidal feelings in order to write his story so far. This started him on the road to prosperity and success.
- Repetition is the best tutor. Your brain learns through experience. The more you do anything, the more you learn that it’s nothing to be scared of. This is how Richard became such a successful speaker.
- A motivational speaker is someone who can tell a story in such a way that it inspires the listener to apply the key lessons to their own lives, and to feel improvement in some way.
- If you knew your time was limited, what would you do with it? We only have so much time here, and yet we waste days so often. We should treat each day with care.
- The key areas of public speaking are:
- Eye Contact - Make your audience feel as though you are speaking to them personally. Meet their eyes for a few seconds.
- Vocal Variety - Raise your voice, slow it down, add speed and variety. It keeps the passion alive in the content.
- Storytelling – People need stories in order to remain engaged. It ensures that the listener uses their imagination.
BEST MOMENTS
‘I love Mondays!’
‘When you join all those turning points together, it makes a massive difference in your life’
‘If you’re scared of spiders then keep holding them. You soon learn that there’s nothing to be scared of’
‘Everyone has a story’
’So what!’
‘He got comfortable with being uncomfortable’
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Business Problems Solved Podcast
ABOUT THE GUEST
Richard McCann is one of the UK’s leading inspirational speakers, having now delivered over 2500 presentations globally. He’s a multi-award-winning speaker as well as a Times no.1 bestselling author.
His ‘You Can Do It’ keynote presentation centres on the fact that no matter how difficult life gets, there is a way through it, and no matter how serious the challenge becomes, anything is possible with the right mindset. It’s a talk that everyone can take something from, whether or not they are experiencing change, adversity or just the pressures of living day to day.
Richard was born into poverty, listed on the "At Risk" register and then lost his mother when he was just five years old. That led to a brief placement in a children's home until he went to live with his estranged and often violent father. After leaving school with no qualifications, low self-esteem and little confidence, he joined the army. When that didn't turn out well and he was kicked out, he turned to drugs before finally reaching rock bottom, a failed suicide pact with his sister.
Richard’s turnaround has been remarkable, but whilst sharing his story, Richard inspires audience members to look at their own lives in a different way. He allows them to put their own challenges into perspective and understand their own potential inside.
Richards websites:
http://www.richardmccann.co.uk
ABOUT THE HOST
For the last 15 years, I have been a multi-sector internal or external business improvement consultant, building the improved capability of individuals, teams and businesses.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my two young children Jack & India. I also enjoy listening to and reading business & personal development material.
Lee Houghton is “THE Business Problem Solver”, a Management Consultant, CX Specialist and Keynote Speaker.
CONTACT METHOD
You can contact Lee Houghton on 07813342194