01.12.2015 Interview with Steve Rizzo
Why have you chosen the title “The Attitude Adjuster?”
Actually, the title was given to me earlier in my career by an audience member. “Attitude is half the battle! Steve Rizzo could provide an entire seminar on attitude adjustments – I’d want my entire management team to attend. I got my money’s worth from this keynote!” Thus the name “Attitude Adjuster.”
How does humor factor into your talks?
Good question. I wish I had the answer. (Just Kidding.) I was a National Head-Line comedian for over 20 years with a list of TV credits to my name. So of course humor is a part of who I am. What I bring to the table as a speaker is my ability to engage the audience with laughter as I challenge them to SHIFT their focus and way of thinking to discover increased productivity, greater enthusiasm and new levels of success. Studies have shown that if people are having fun while they’re learning they will absorb more information. As one of my clients once said, “Never has my group learned so much and laughed so hard in one sitting. Thanks for the ride!”
What kind of feedback do you typically receive from clients after your key-notes and presentations?
Well…I don’t like to brag, but if you insist. Here are just a few recent comments.
“Steve Rizzo spoke for our audience of around 600 front line travel agents. He knocked it out of the park with a standing ovation! It was a pleasure to see countless attendees approach him to say thank you!”
Nichol Druckmiller, Manager-Business Development-American Express-Travel & Lifestyle Services
“Wow! Sales people are a tough crowd and you absolutely nailed it! I can’t thank you enough for the mix of humor, purpose and passion you brought to the conference. You have a talent of drawing in a crowd and reminding them what business and life are all about! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
Sherry Graziano, Business Project Manager, Vice President Sales, SunTrust
What type of client should hire you?
I believe what I have to offer is a perfect fit for almost every group. (No brag, just fact) Whether it’s Sales, Service, HealthCare, Education, or in any other business, using my “common sense success strategies” in the process will not only reduce stress, but improve morale, increase efficiency and help to embrace change. All of my programs are designed to take people to a better place in business and in life. In my view that’s the ultimate success.
How and why do you suggest people embrace change?
Regardless of the changes that taking place in business or in life, it is crucial to know that it’s not the change in and of itself that determines our fate, but rather it’s the thoughts we have about the change that really makes the difference. I often speak to groups on how to embrace change in the workplace.
Quite often the members pretty much have the same educational background, the same job description, and the same or similar responsibilities. Everyone is experiencing the changes that are taking place and yet I know for a fact that some, will move forward with enthusiasm and positive energy and enjoy themselves during the process. Others will merely go through the motions and complain along the way. And some will become emotionally paralyzed and unable to escape the grip of fear.
Why is it that some will move forward and become empowered as a result of the change; while others will have great difficulty to the point of feeling victimized? I’ll tell you why. It’s because of what each individual is thinking and saying to themselves. I show companies and organizations everywhere how to embrace change through the process of SHIFTING. In other words I show them how to SHIFT their way of thinking so they can enjoy the process of change and view it through the eyes of hope and optimism.