Stephen O'Keefe
B.Com, LLB
BC, CANADAWhat I do:
There are two ways I can help you. A lot.
1. I help you be a world class leader by helping you be a world class listener. When you have outstanding listening skills, youi're able to understand the other person's perspective, connect with them, and influence them.
In this age of technological advances, if you're not listening, you're at a disadvantage. You'll have miscommunications, lost sales, internal conflicts and limited career mobility. Excellent listening skills will help future proof you.
2. I help organizations become more inclusive and diverse. When your organization is inclusive and diverse, your team members will thrive, and you'll benefit from numerous viewpoints in problem solving.
Why I do this:
1. I grew up with a hearing impairment and am shocked by how many people who can hear do not listen. Ironically, I've been able to use my listening skills as a competitive advantage in overcoming my hearing impairment. I've used it to run a national manufacturing business which supplied products to Fortune 500 companies, chairing non-profits, managing private investments, as well as pursuing hobbies such as stand up comedy. My TEDx talk on "How to Listen Better" was translated into 20 languages, and a documentary on my life appeared on PBS and CBC.
2. I also have experienced the flip side of the coin with inclusion and diversity, having being excluded and underestimated many times. I've unfortunately also seen it happen to others too many times; I've managed many multicultural teams and will do whatever it takes to create a workplace where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated.
My promise to you:
My talks are all customized for you. I will work my hardest to create a wonderful experience for your attendees. They will be inspired, entertained and informed.
What I do:
There are two ways I can help you. A lot.
1. I help you be a world class leader by helping you be a world class listener. When you have outstanding listening skills, youi're able to understand the other person's perspective, connect with them, and influence them.
In this age of technological advances, if you're not listening, you're at a disadvantage. You'll have miscommunications, lost sales, internal conflicts and limited career mobility. Excellent listening skills will help future proof you.
2. I help organizations become more inclusive and diverse. When your organization is inclusive and diverse, your team members will thrive, and you'll benefit from numerous viewpoints in problem solving.
Why I do this:
1. I grew up with a hearing impairment and am shocked by how many people who can hear do not listen. Ironically, I've been able to use my listening skills as a competitive advantage in overcoming my hearing impairment. I've used it to run a national manufacturing business which supplied products to Fortune 500 companies, chairing non-profits, managing private investments, as well as pursuing hobbies such as stand up comedy. My TEDx talk on "How to Listen Better" was translated into 20 languages, and a documentary on my life appeared on PBS and CBC.
2. I also have experienced the flip side of the coin with inclusion and diversity, having being excluded and underestimated many times. I've unfortunately also seen it happen to others too many times; I've managed many multicultural teams and will do whatever it takes to create a workplace where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated.
My promise to you:
My talks are all customized for you. I will work my hardest to create a wonderful experience for your attendees. They will be inspired, entertained and informed.
World Class Leadership Starts with Listening: How a Deaf Person Can Teach You to Listen Better
Ironically, although Stephen is deaf, he has a lot to share with you on how to be a world class listener. The auditory input is only a tiny piece of the puzzle.
Based on an expanded version of his inspiring and humorous TEDx talk, which has been translated into twenty languages, Stephen...
The Sound of Change: How to Turn Barriers into Opportunities
Stephen shares with you lessons and experiences which help you put your challenges into perspective, and provides you with tools to turn barriers into opportunities.
Drawing on his experiences in overcoming his hearing impairment where the doctors told Stephen's parents that he'd never be able to speak, growing a manufacturing business from near bankruptcy to a national presence, performing stand up comedy on national television, and doing a...
Why Prada Beats Speech Therapy: How to Stop Labelling and Biases
Labelling and biases cause conflict and create barriers to connecting with others. It also causes us to underestimate what others can do and inversely causes others to underestimate what we can do. In addition, it makes organizations less inclusive, which affects productivity and employee retention.
In this humorous and informative talk, Stephen will share with you his personal experiences of bias and labels as a deaf person. Based on current research, you'll master...
How to Make Your Organization Inclusive
Inclusion is critical for maximizing the potential of your organization's team members so that they buy into your organization's vision.
Stephen has first-hand experience with the process of inclusion and exclusion having grown up with a hearing impairment. He'll share with you how labelling, biases, cultural misunderstandings, and poor communication can lead to team members feeling excluded, and how to fix this. He also draws upon his experience as a lawyer, and managing a...
Best Strategies for Effective Communication with the Public
In this interactive and fun workshop, you will be able to communicate effectively with the public using non-verbal communication techniques, conflict de-escalation, and active listening.
This workshop is ideal for anyone who interacts with the public frequently, whether they're sales associates, customer service representatives, or government employees.
Effective communication with the public has numerous benefits such as increased sales,...
Intercultural Issues in Communication
This program is perfect for:
- Senior Management
- Organizations with multi-cultural teams
- Enhancing team work
- Corporations looking for a global business edge
The audience will leave with:
- A better understanding of nuances that culture plays in communication.
- Specific tips on appropriate body language and...
Certifications & Awards
