Motivational Speaker Magic Maker

My Magic Maker™ motivational speaking program geared toward youth organizations has "appeared!" What is a Magic Maker™?

"Anyone who makes a difference in someone's life is a Magic Maker™. As Magic Makers™, our job is to help kids overcome obstacles, embrace challenges and help foster their Magic, whatever that is. Life experience builds street smarts and common sense, skills that make the kids we work with shine if we help. Helping them discover their Magic in life, along with an attitude that challenges are essential, gives them purpose and identity." 

Revisit some ideas shared by Magician Rich Ferguson, hear his story and see how his observations may make a big impact on the Magic in your life and the kids we work with.

As a successful magician and individual that has a story that surprises people, the direction of this program came together naturally. Magic Maker™ has a wonderful framework around the Magic of life, attitude, discovery, intelligence and how important our jobs are when supporting with each other and the youth we try to help. I share my story of survival and insight on how I believe we can work to open doors for kids who have doors shut in their faces unnecessarily. 

If you break down what anyone really wants, it's purpose and identity. I explore ways to stop getting in the way of this process.

This 1.5-2 hour motivational program or keynote presentation is geared toward organizations that work with teens and kids in protective care, social services, at-risk academies and similar. However, the overall message can be presented to kids directly or people of all walks of life. It's all about embracing challenge and finding your Magic. Too often, the way society forces kids to deal with challenges or "issues" make them feel even more disconnected, ashamed or frustrated. As an expert observer and "survivor", I want to share how this can be different.  Challenges can be awesome and fuel opportunities if we let them.

Part of the program focuses on how we can shift our behavior to get amazing results. We can LOOK for opportunities in any situation to help someone explore their magic. In this example below, maybe realizing this child has rhythm and might be expressing a love for music would lead to something that would give him purpose and identity if harnessed correctly. 

Another section focused on an important question: "What is Smarts?" From identifying the power to knowing how to adapt, keen observation and having common sense, we quickly see what a gift it is to be challenged while growing up.

A very fun section of the program is seeing celebrity faces and guessing what they have in common. This following slide, although revealed here, will still surprise you when you see it. There are several sections like this which make the point that we know famous people for what they have driven to accomplish and not "problems" that they may have had earlier in life. It's a choice. Let problems define you and hold you back... or let them be the fuel for greatness. I share my formula.

Of course, as an entertainer, I add a lot of humor and magic to make it a memorable and fun experience. A lot of focus is on common sense and awareness due to the fact that kids that go through a lot have more life experience and smarts than they are given credit for. They are the most observant people in the world in many cases.   We also discuss learning, street smarts and my secret formula to connect with kids and each other.

Magic Maker™ is available for at-risk youth groups, social services, academies, schools and any organizations that want to make a difference in kids and the world around them through shifting stigmas and being positive.  I was lucky enough to make my struggles drive me in a positive direction and accomplish amazing goals. I want to share this secret.

For more information about booking me as a speaker, visit my official site.

Prior to adding motivational speaking with a touch of magic into high gear, I was involved with other organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Social Services and Dream for Kids helping the best I could in intimate and mentoring programs.

Here's a clip from a recent fundraiser and auction for Big Brothers Big Sisters where my "little" surprised me with being one of the speakers!



As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Motivational Speaker for At Risk Youth

My motivational speaking program for "at risk" youth has been years in the making. I'm so excited to have a full length program that truly connects with kids. The "Rich: Real & Radical" presentation is broken down here so you can understand the value it may have for your school, academy or "at risk" youth group. Keep in mind that I'm available nationally and the program is best suited for teens or preteens.

The motivational speaking program starts off with me demonstrating some magic effects using nothing more than common sense and observation - which is a main topic in the program. Then the kids guess truths and false about me. The results are surprising enough to keep kids engaged the rest of the program. I share openly my unique childhood struggles and difficulties making it to success.  We quickly turn the direction to "us" as a group.

Opening slide as kids takes seats

A main focus on the program is Overcoming Obstacles and inspiring kids to realize that they have a gift with street smarts that will allow them to do anything they set their mind to. The program is built upon a psychological NLP timeline. This engages kids with powerful and funny slides about common sense, smarts, goals, focus, negativity, distractions, stress, attitude, complaining, excuses, being present and much more. The psychological structure hooks kids from every situation, gets them to agree with or absorb everything they hear and see... Then they get hit with truths about themselves they accept which they would normally be defensive about. The gloves are off and the truths of reality reveal themselves. Trust, rapport and common ground is established early on and kids absorb my message because it is real to them without being lectured to. I believe struggle has given us the best tools in life to adapt, be observant and be fast on our toes. Quit frankly, as a magician and mentalist who know exactly what they are going through, I've "tricked" them into seeing the truth and possibilities. They leave motivated, inspired and believed in.

...Then they learn how they are was SMARTER than "other" kids...

I stay personally connected to them throughout

Popular culture and sports are used to make points

The home-run record holders also have the most STRIKEOUTS with 1,500!

Making a strong point about holding onto stress

One of my favorite sections used famous faces that you'd be shocked struggled in school or did not go to college, were social outcasts growing up, were abused and suffered growing up or were homeless as young adults. In addition, some celebrity friends are used to show how we can not judge a book by its cover and how complaining doesn't accomplish anything.

During full length programs, we talk about "statistics" and how we are only a statistic or products of our surrounding if we chose to be.  The pressure from statistics and social labels on kids who are struggling will be lifted.

Statistics are not about you but about everyone in general

Another fun and engaging section uses dozens of funny images to make points about common sense, observation, "smarts", possibilities and more. This takes the pressure off looking at ourselves for a moment until they are hooked and ready for some more "naked truths". A fun section about comparing yourself to others is a hit. Along the way, magic is used as analogies for paying attention and making decisions.

When the focus is turned back to us, they are ready for some tough love and more likely accept messages about balance, community, attitude and peer pressure. I do not focus on sex, drug, social misconduct and peer pressure. I believe it is a mistake to drill kids about pressures or problems they are well aware of. I, instead, focus on empowering them with the tools to make better and smarter common sense decisions for themselves.

In the end, they hopefully walk out "HUNGRY" for life. "Staying Hungry" is one of the main points and ties into several other sections. Many well known CEO's, celebrities and sports figured have been homeless, broke and hungry. They've overcome great odds and have stayed hungry and nothing stops them from achieving their goals - They also do not complain about their past. A shift in understanding the gift people who have struggled have is a subtle undertone to the entire program. Personally, I'd not trade "street smarts" for anything. It's an empowering message.  To finalize, the gloves come completely off and I'm an open book for real questions.

Helping kids see the light of a better life starts with someone who has been there but doesn't let struggles in the past define them, but lets struggles become the fuel for greater things. Please share this with groups you know of and I'd be honored to be their motivational speaker. Visit my official website about booking an appearance.

--
As always, please consider bringing me in for your next exclusive private party or corporate event! Hiring "The Ice Breaker" to interact with your special guests makes your event unique, fun and memorable!

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN

Power of 10 Event - Entertainment and Motivation

The entire gang from Power of 10 Event. If you have not heard of this, you WILL! Power of 10 Event presents motivation and messages for kids through an amazing show filled with all sorts of amazing people, athletes, speakers and motivational leaders. Check out http://www.Powerof10event.com

I've had the honor to connect with these wonderful leaders in changing lives and even got to perform magic at their first show for a few VIP's. Kids, families, schools and business partners were all thrilled by their presentation. I hope you get a chance to get your local school district to bring them.

Jeremy Bates, directly to my left.
As Creative Director of the Power of 10 Event, Jeremy's innovation and creativity spearhead this dream team of visionaries. Jeremy is the owner of Revolution Speak, which is founded on his personal principle of HOPE: Helping Other People Everyday.

Jim Rippey, checkered shirt.
Jim Rippey not only does the impossible, he redefines it. As a snowboarder, he invented at least one new trick, the Rippey Flip, and designed his own bestselling snowboard with Burton. Jim also was the first to complete a backflip on a snowmobile.

Team Tempest
A four man team dedicated to applying the power and force of a storm to their passion for freerunning. Tempest was set to pursue the dream of making a mark in the freerunning world, by adding style, creativity, and dedicated focus to the sport.

Blair Rusin, tank top.
Blair is an amazing artist, musician and ardent snowboarder who combines his love for life with his love of art. He was born in New York, studied art in Italy, and can usually be found in the air- over a slope of snow.

Last, but not least, the founder, Jim Richardson seen directly to my right.

From music, magic, dance, life stories, art and much more, there is something for everyone! Here's wishing Power of 10 Event much success.

Thanks for sharing the magic! E-mail Rich! Official Website Local: 805-234-7469 National: 877-RICH-FUN