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About
JOHN SWEENEY has been changing human behavior within the biggest businesses in the world for over 25+ years, delivering keynotes and workshops to more than 130 of the Fortune 500. He has shared the stage with Deepak Chopra, Betty White, Steve Ballmer, Mark Zuckerberg, and George H.W. Bush. A quote from his book appeared on millions of Starbucks cups. And his alter-ego “Jiggly Boy” has become a worldwide phenomenon.
In addition to owning the longest-running comedy theater in the U.S. for 25 years, his background includes dairy farming, commercial real estate sales, serial entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and more than 30 years of professional comedy. John is truly unique in his ability to inspire and activate audiences and consistently earns standing ovations and 10/10 survey results.
The Brave New Workshop Comedy Theatre is the longest-running theater of its kind. Dudley Riggs, who started the theatre in 1958, was heralded as one of the originators of the art of improvisational comedy. John Sweeney and his wife Jenni purchased the institution in 1997 and ran it for 25 years. Throughout his tenure as owner and steward, John Sweeney and his team put all the principles of the ToDo program to work.
What ToDo looks like in the world of Theatre:
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Achieved 12x revenue growth and grew from 4 to 100+ employees
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Became Disney Cruise Lines’ first-ever outside entertainment partner
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Launched Keynote Speaking and Training Company
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Grew School of Improvisation to over 1500 students per year
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Renovated the historic Palace Theatre in Saint Paul to produce a second show
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Purchased an historic theatre in the heart of Minneapolis for the company
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Hosted, pro bono, more than 250 community and nonprofit organizations
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Made and donated 325,000 sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness
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Entertained one million guests, sparking laughter AND thought-provoking discussion
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Transferred brand and venue to Hennepin Theatre Trust to steward the next 60+ years of satire!
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Video Clips
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Topics
The Action Advantage: Mastering Sales Through Practice and the ToDo Framework
In the high-stakes world of sales, hesitation can be the enemy of success. To truly excel, sales professionals need more than just knowledge—they need the ability to take decisive, confident action. My keynote, The Action Advantage: Mastering Sales Through Practice and the ToDo Framework is designed to equip your sales team with the habits of action that will set them apart from the competition.
Drawing from my deep understanding of the art form of improvisation and my extensive experience in growing businesses and sales teams, this keynote doesn’t just offer theory—it delivers a proven process rooted in real-world practice. I’ll show your team how to harness the power of the ToDo framework to transform their approach to the sales process, making them more effective, more agile, and more successful.
Timeline of Urgency:
In sales, speed is critical. But how do you instill a sense of urgency that drives results? I’ll teach your team how to create and maintain momentum at every stage of the sales process.
By setting clear, non-negotiable deadlines, salespeople will learn to move with purpose, ensuring they’re always one step ahead of the competition. This segment emphasizes the importance of timing and teaches actionable strategies to help your team close deals faster.
Obligation to Others:
Sales isn’t a solo endeavor—it’s about collaboration, trust, and delivering value. I’ll help your salespeople see the bigger picture, understanding how their actions affect clients, colleagues, and the company as a whole. By fostering a mindset of accountability and service, your team will be more motivated to act decisively, knowing that their success supports the success of others. This part of the speech connects individual actions to the broader goals of the team and organization.
Don’t Be Perfect:
Perfectionism can be a sales killer, leading to missed opportunities and stalled progress. I’ll show your team how to break free from the fear of imperfection, encouraging them to take risks, learn from their experiences, and keep moving forward. Drawing from my background in improvisation, I’ll share how embracing imperfection and staying adaptable can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and greater success in the sales process.
One Step at a Time:
Big goals can feel overwhelming, especially in the fast-paced world of sales. But with the right approach, even the most ambitious targets can be achieved. I’ll guide your team through breaking down large objectives into manageable steps, helping them focus on what they can do today to move closer to closing the deal. This approach, grounded in consistent practice and real-world application, builds confidence and momentum, ensuring long-term success.
The Power of Practice:
At the heart of this keynote is the understanding that action-oriented behaviors don’t just happen—they’re cultivated through practice. Just as in improvisation, where quick thinking and adaptability come from constant rehearsal, in sales, the ability to act decisively is developed through repeated, intentional practice. I’ll share practical exercises and routines that your team can incorporate into their daily workflow to reinforce these habits of action.
Why This Keynote is Different:
This keynote is different because it’s not just about motivation—it’s about transformation. I bring a unique blend of insights from the world of improvisation and business growth, offering your sales team a fresh perspective on how to excel in the sales process. The ToDo framework I present is more than a concept; it’s a practical tool that your team can start using immediately to enhance their performance. By the end of this session, your salespeople won’t just be inspired—they’ll be equipped with the skills, mindset, and practice routines they need to take decisive action, close more deals, and drive your business forward.
If you’re looking to give your sales team the edge they need to succeed, The Action Advantage is the keynote that will get them there. Let’s unlock their potential together.