Since I am a “professional speaker,” the first thing people always ask me is, “So Justin, what do you speak about?”
Excellent question. Let’s start with what I don’t speak about.
It is common to view a speaker or consultant as someone who will come in and “fix” or “change” things. Nice idea, but I find this approach is an illusion. It really doesn’t work. People do not “fix” and they do not “change.” They do, however, heal and grow.
It is possible to achieve much on your own through perseverance. At the same time, it can be very helpful to have someone with a different perspective support that process, and counter the relentless forces of what I like to call “cultural inbreeding.”
What holds most people back (myself included) is not a lack of intelligence or expertise. The issue is almost always an issue of past trauma. Fear, trust violations, oppression legacies . . . these are not mechanical issues; if they were, we could fix them instantly.
I have led an unusual life. I played in the Boston Pops (where I worked with some of the greatest conductors who ever lived), and my plays are performed all over the world. Yay for me. But as a guest speaker or consultant, the real value is in the healing experience I have to share.
So yes, I am a story teller, yes, I am a very funny guy, yes, I am an “expert” on numerous topics. But it’s not about me. It’s about perceiving where the audience is at, and expediting the next step of personal or organizational transformation. Change, even necessary and obviously needed change, is hard. But, having gone from a farm in Ohio to the stage of Symphony Hall, I can relate.
SO . . .
For your next conference, meeting, arts festival, or professional development event, my perspective on life might be just the thing. Let’s talk. Please feel free to call me at 781-330-8143, or email justinlocke1@gmail.com.
