Following are the areas that Joan can and will focus her speeches. Working with Joan to target the theme or title will prove to be effective.Joan's keynote address, More Than Meets The Eye, is a surefire attention grabber as Joan draws parallels between her own story and the challenges which face organizations. The very nature of today's business environment means the possibilities of merger, reorganization, or economic turndown are constantly on the horizon, and organizations must absorb such events with a minimum of disruption. As Joan puts it, "Life is full of irreversible opportunities, and you have a choice to see them as assets or obstacles." Urging audiences to "play the hand you're dealt," Joan helps organizations see corporate challenges from a new perspective. Many of us are going through changes, both personally and professionally. It is an on-going process. Joan’s life has been filled with change. Her talk will take you through another perspective of coping with, and hearing an insight into dealing with change in a positive productive way. This industry is simply a ‘natural fit’ for Joan to speak to. Due to the loss of a spouse, Joan can share her personal experience in knowing what the people of this business can do for everyone, young and old alike. Life insurance enabled Joan to put a roof over her daughter’s head, and eventually, put her through college. Having been a widow, single mom, a business woman, a wife, disabled and trying to do it all…. Joan will target her women’s conferences and meetings with thought provoking insights into ‘pulling up your boots straps’ and getting on with it….. and all with a smile. The vast world of the financial industry is filled with hope and confusion. Without the help of those in this field, Joan would not be where she is today. Take a look into how she turned to a professional advisor to guide her in an important time of making decisions about her financial future. Joan grew up as a preacher’s daughter, and has only known the support of her faith throughout all of her life. This inspirational theme will touch every listener with all of her poignant stories. As a blind person, organizational skills are essential. Helping her audience to re-evaluate how they organize their lives will have the audience looking at the possible changes needed to become more efficient. Throughout all of Joan’s talks the humor is woven in a natural and true to life way. Her capability to take the participants deep into the message of her life, and then to bring them into the laughter and humor of the moment, always makes the presentation a wonderful experience! Having been a teacher of the blind, Joan relates to the never ending importance of teaching our children. Her insight into the world of the blind child changed immediately upon the loss of her own sight. Our need to understand each child sitting at that desk truly becomes the challenge. Illness and good health are issues that we all must deal with day to day. The hope is always to be able to cope and be healthy. The medical world is filled with uncertainty and hope through research. While Joan was hospitalized much was learned from her, … and by her. These vignettes will touch your heart. “The bottom line is… We simply do not do life alone.”
This is a phrase that Joan will use in her talk. Throughout the journey of her story, she had many by her side, including her family. The foundation of a family is essential to pull through the tough times. COMMUNICATION Each and every one of us communicates in all facets of our lives. The variety of ways in which we communicate are vast. In the world of the visually impaired and blind, communication is one of the most important foundations in functioning, working and living productively. Joan will share her insights into a new perspective of communication. Her breakout session, 'Come to Your Senses’, also encompasses a light hearted, interactive session, helping the participants to use ALL of their senses to communicate effectively.
In Joan's breakout session, Joan introduces groups to the world of heightened perception; a world where all the senses come into play. Audience members are invited to take a step beyond their normal frame of reference and experience, for just a few moments, a new level of communication, teamwork and observation. This fun, thought-provoking and insightful exercise provides participants with a new set of skills they can immediately put to work in both their business and personal lives. Please note that this session is most effective for groups of 100 or less in a classroom setting. | 
