It is a common practice among independent business consultants to keep their clients and projects confidential. This both protects the client from unwanted intrusions and keeps them off the radar of other consultants. Dr. Alan Weiss, author of the bestseller, Million Dollar Consultant (almost 25 years ago and still popular in the 5th edition), had a different idea. He knew the industry well and saw the need for consultants to learn, share and grow by association. Therefore, he founded the Society for the Advancement of Consulting, SAC.

A few years ago, I joined the SAC and learned a lot from those who had blazed the trail. I found the resources, webinars, and the networking events from SAC first class. These independent consultants established high standards and performed quality work. I was delighted to be among them and learn from them. Therefore, I was especially honored when I received the award from Consulting Society, SAC.

This award was named in memory of Corrie Shanahan a much respected SAC member who passed away earlier this year. I had earlier read her book, Do It, Mean It, Be It, and looked forward to meeting her in person in April at the Million Dollar Consulting® Convention.

Unfortunately, that did not happen. Later on, I found out from Alan and others that my work reminds them of Corrie. When I got home, I read her book again, feeling her spirit and inspiration. 

I am grateful that Corrie meant it, did it and lived it fully. Even though I didn’t get a chance to speak with her, I have learned through her words, and treasure that connection.

What will you do?

The original practitioners of value-based consulting, SAC continues to deliver high value programs. Members are invited to special programs and events, and also receive early-bird discounts on programs including those presented by Dr. Alan Weiss. There is also access to “Alan’s Forum” and his value-based community. Are you interested to take your consulting to the next level?

To learn more about SAC, click here.

To apply for your membership, click here.

To see the press release for the award, click here.

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Each presenter was given up to 2 minutes to pitch an idea; not give the actual Talk. Seasoned TEDx organizers, curators, and producers, provided feedback and suggestions to those who pitched their ideas in a blunt and honest Shark Tank Style.

See the full gallery of photos here.

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Almost everybody is talking about how complex everything has gotten in business and life.

What are you doing about it?

There is lots advice out there. Much of it is misleading or simply wrong.

On the other hand, talented individuals and teams, in coming up with strategies to solve problems in their fields, have unexpectedly created ways to deal with complexity.

For example, the Silicon Valley start-up strategy of “Fail fast, fail often.” It was created to deal with the need for rapid development cycles and scarce resources in a changing market. This strategy also addresses the uncertainty and volatility of complexity by making many small ‘bets’ on the future or ‘experiments’ if you are scientifically-minded.

As it turns out, it has obvious applications in other fields.

There are a wide variety of examples around us if you know where to look.

In the upcoming meeting of the Complexity Network Chicago on Dec 21 at Willis Tower, together with Charles W. Faulkner, my co-founder, we will look at advice and activities across the spectrum of fields from self-help, software developer to scientific discoveries, pointing out successful strategies for dealing with complexity that is hiding in plain sight.

In the spirit of this holiday season, we will offer those present presents: Personal and professional applications to complexity. How small acts can make a big difference.

Let’s exchange the gifts of our insights into complexity with each other and make our wishes for 2018 realities.

If you are in Chicago, please join us for another lively conversation. Space is limited. Reserve your seat now. Must pre-register for the building security. ComplexityNetworkChicago.Eventbrite.com

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Holiday Greetings,

Here are some timely events in December. Are you in?

Dec 6 American Women: Galvanizing for our Future – Next

Dec 7 Opening Reception at Lake Forest Gallery

Dec 15 Pitch Party – Pitch Idea for a TED Talk
Do you or do you know anyone who has an idea worth spreading?
ChicagoViewMasters.EventBrite.com

Dec 21 Complexity Network Chicago
Get ready to face the complexity of 2018

Must register now for building security. Will I see you before the snow comes?

PS. To set up a short call, please reach out
ConferenceCall.AmySegami.com 

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Greetings in Autumn . . .

Earlier this year, I applied for a TED Residency and was honored to be one of the finalists. Although I was not selected for this season, I would like to share my journey and new ideas with you.

During the process, I discovered that the insights and strategies of Painting On Water are applicable to dealing with the unexpecTED complexity of life. Please join me on selected dates for an informal discussion at Complexity Network Chicago. I would enjoy seeing you before the snow arrives.

Save Some Dates Below is a list of the public events that I will participate in.

Oct 6, 2017 Complexity Network Chicago at Willis Tower

Share insights and strategies to deal with Complexity in your career and life. Must pre-register at ComplexityNetworkChicago.Eventbrite.com. Scroll down that page for details.

Oct 13, 2017 Lake Forest Gallery Reception

Meet local artists, including Amy Lee Segami, and mingle with contemporary art collectors. Sign up for a complimentary guest pass, TheGalleryLakeForest.Eventbrite.com

Oct 20, 2017 Meet The Alliance Network with those who enhance human potential. The core group is composed of members from 9 associations. Must pre-register at  MeetTheAlliance.EventBrite.com. Scroll down that page for details.

Oct 26, 2017 Tammy Reed Tran, Chair of Executive Women at Metropolitan Club is hosting American Women: Galvanizing for our Future – Empowerment From a Local, National and Global Lens. Yours truly is one of the panelists. Sign up now for your complimentary guest pass, http://bit.ly/2y9IHTB

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Early Spring Greetings,

As you may recall, I founded TEDxIIT for my Alma Mater Illinois Institute of Technology. TEDxIIT is now the longest running independently organized TED Event in Chicagoland. Each year the event is sold out and live streams worldwide. TEDxIIT.com

As reminder, the deadline for the TEDxIIT 2017 call for speakers nomination is this Sunday, Feb 26.

If you are interested in speaking or nominating someone to speak at TEDxIIT, see all details in the link to the TEDxIIT 2017 Speaker Nomination Form, http://bit.ly/txi17speakernom

If you are unable to find anyone affiliated with IIT, your nominator can enter my name in the Additional Information space toward the end of the form. No self nomination.
Save the Dates

April 8 TEDxIIT
If you are interested in attending in person and receiving updates, click here to join the TEDxIIT mailing list.
TEDxIIT 2017 Speaker Nomination Form
http://bit.ly/txi17speakernom

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Amy Segami’s Painting on Water workshop is an innovative way to gain personal insights into leadership and life. We have featured Amy in two of our recent leadership sessions, and her unique style and medium have been successful in expanding the participants’ understanding of themselves and their leadership style.

As an organizer of leadership training sessions, I appreciate Amy’s willingness to tailor her workshop to meet the culture and needs of the organization. The resulting outcome is a “masterpiece”!

John Kolmer, GPHR, Manager – Global Leadership Development at Dow Chemical

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I have heard Amy Segami deliver keynotes and train business and education groups in different parts of the world. She is able to customize her content to meet the needs of people of very diverse cultures. Her story is unique, different and her creativity multi-facetted — she is able to reach both the mind and heart of her audiences and creates a smooth flow between thinking and feeling. There is a special kind of sensitivity connected to her presentations which makes the experience very authentic. She varies her style of presentation and moves from serious contemplation to humor and fun — capturing the attention of the audience throughout. I will recommend Amy without hesitation.

Dr. Kobus Neethling, expert on whole brain thinking and creative behavior, President, South African Creativity Conference and author of more than 90 books

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When the speech is over, the audience remembers her message because they’ve not only heard the impossible, they’ve seen it.

– National Speakers Association Magazine

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Kimberly Cutchall, President and CEO of Accendo International describes the Painting On Water by Amy Segami as a business tool to engage business leaders.

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