Leadership Matters September 2014

Author of ‘The Energy Bus’ out to neutralize ‘energy vampires’

By Michael Chamness IASA Director of Communications

Here’s a quick trivia question: What do the Atlanta Falcons, the Campbell Soup Company, Southwest Airlines and the IASA have in common? Answer: All have an interest in what Jon Gordon has to say about leadership. Gordon, a best-selling author and acclaimed speaker, will be one of the headliners at the upcoming IASA Annual Conference. His presentation titled “The Power of Positive Leadership” will focus on how and why positive leaders make a greater impact and how to “weed the negativity that sabotages far too many organizations and schools,” and how to “neutralize energy vampires.” Back to the trivia question, Gordon’s book “The Energy Bus” – on the Wall Street Journal’s best-seller list numerous times since 2007 – initially was written for businesses, but it has resonated with a more diverse audience, including educators, and became required reading for the National Football League’s Falcons. It also almost never got published. “During the most challenging time in my life, when everything seemed like it was falling apart, I asked what I was born to do, and writing and speaking kept coming to me,” Gordon said. “The idea for ‘The Energy Bus’ came to me several years later on a walk and I wrote the book in three and a half weeks. It was rejected by more than 30 publishers. “I initially wrote it for businesses, but it seems to have had a far greater impact in the world of education and sports. I love getting emails from principals and teachers that have transformed their school and classrooms with the message in the adult version and children’s version.” Gordon comes highly recommended as a speaker. Consider these testimonials:

“Jon Gordon’s presentation on ‘The Energy Bus’ to our U.S. sales organization was top notch. He quickly engaged the group with his high energy style…” --Douglas R. Conant, President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company “ Jon’s presentation was regarded by many as the best of our conference. ‘Super,’ ‘Inspiring,’ ‘Great ideas,’ ‘Phenomenal,’ Wonderful uplifting presentation’…and similar comments dominated our attendee evaluations.” --Ernie Mannino, Associate Executive Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals

Thursday, October 9 9:15 - 11 a.m. Second General Session The Energy Bus: Drive Your School District with Optimism, Passion, and Purpose

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