James Mapes is the founder of Quantum Leap Thinking, creator of The Transformational Coach, expert on the psychology of “applied imagination,” best- selling author, highly acclaimed business speaker, consultant, seminar leader and personal excellence coach. For over 30 years, James has been an ardent student of human behavior and dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations identify and break through barriers to reach their goals and achieve success. He encourages people to be open to new ways of thinking, and his goal is to help everyone make the “quantum leap” toward more creative, productive and confident lives. For both businesses and individuals, his message promotes an innovative, powerful way of thinking and provides a new-found mastery over their imagination and perceptions so that, in his words, “the invisible becomes visible and the impossible becomes possible.” The results have been nothing short of extraordinary, creating key breakthroughs in both organizational and personal excellence.

 James Mapes’ success as a speaker and highly regarded authority on the imagination, creative thinking, communication, managing change, organizational problem-solving, successful teamwork and coaching is due to his early training as an actor and experience as a theatrical producer. In 1969, he graduated from California State University with a Master of Arts degree in theater and speech. He then worked in repertory theater, off-Broadway and directed two of his own theater companies, amassing dozens of television and movie credits. As a performer, he developed a unique stage presence with a special talent for connecting with his audience. Mapes’ work has earned him appearances on CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America and Fox Family Channel, among other media outlets.

 As a recognized business speaker and performance coach, James has spoken to hundreds of public and private companies in more than 70 countries. His clients include financial institutions, software companies, the military, the healthcare industry, financial institutions, training and development divisions of large corporations and major non-profit organizations. Companies, associations, universities and business schools including – IBM Corporate, U.S. Coast Guard, Lockheed Martin and The Princeton Center for Leadership Training – have quoted Mapes in training manuals and textbooks.

 James Mapes personal goal of living an exceptional life is reflected in both his business activities as well as his recreational pursuits, which range from scuba-diving, ballooning, racecar driving, Kempo Karate, and world travel, to an avid interest in reading. His two highly regarded books are Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner’s Guide to the Mind and The Workbook: The Magic of Quantum Leap Thinking. His new book The Elephant and the Rider: Living an Exceptional Life is scheduled for publication in 2012.

 James Mapes presentations are personal, interactive and humorous. Above all, he creates results and makes a lasting difference in the energy level, commitment and productivity of each individual in his audience.

Imagine That! 

Success literally depends on how people use their imagination.  Exceptional individuals in all walks of life have the capability to think creatively and open up new opportunities for innovation.  These are the individuals who have mastered the skill of visualizing a dynamic and successful future and then creating what they envision with optimism and hope. Einstein’s words have never ringed truer, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a preview of life’s coming attractions.”

James Mapes, the leading authority on the psychology of “applied imagination,” demonstrates that success can be achieved by a clear understanding and application of the mind.  James skillfully stretches people’s perceptions to see new possibilities and experience how their own imagination works.  He guides his audience to understand that the powerful mental pictures we all carry around with us impact the opportunities we see and are the force which shapes how we thrive in challenging times.

Based on his successful signature program and best-selling book, Quantum Leap Thinking, James Mapes has created this new, engaging, practical, interactive and entertaining program, James captures and holds the audience’s attention with a compelling series of stories, demonstrations and video clips that leave no doubt that – “you can achieve what you imagine.”  Participants will experience applying their own imagination to craft a personal “vision” that instills passion and motivation in – all areas of life.  The audience will leave this thought-provoking, fascinating and inspiring journey learning:

 How to apply their imagination to successfully achieve goals.

 How to craft a compelling, emotional, realistic and persuasive future vision.

 How to recognize and break through limiting fears.

 How to use core values to unlock motivation.

 How to take risks.

 How to manage change for growth. 

Program Length: 45 minutes – 90 minutes 

 True Leadership  

What is leadership–really? The business world is awash with leadership philosophies, how-to books and training institutes that can leave even the savvy manager perplexed as to exactly how to encourage employees to develop their own leadership style. It is important to push aside the clutter and get back to a fundamental understanding of what “true” leadership traits are essential for success. The adage “leaders are born, not made” is questionable, as it takes hard work to craft a leadership style that works for each individual. 

In this provocative, confrontational, lively and interactive presentation, renowned performance coach and best-selling author James Mapes incorporates his legendary humor, movie clips and an array of audience exercises to reveal:

 The five core traits of all great leaders.

 Why morality, a nice disposition and power do not necessarily make a great leader.

 A road map for participants to enhance their personal leadership style and permanently transform it.

 How to craft an emotionally charged, clear and realistic future vision to motivate.

Program Length: 60 – 90 minutes