How Making a Difference Evolved ...

In 1993, I was Executive Officer of a Naval Aviation Squadron out of Jacksonville, Florida.  One day a sailor asked for some financial advice.  I asked some basic financial questions and within 5 minutes had an audience of 20 begging for more information.  I saw a tremendous need to produce a seminar on financial management.  I realized...a person is a liability in the workplace if creditors are beating down their door ...plus money is the number one cause for marital discord. 

I started the seminar internally but soon became so popular I was speaking to several squadrons in the Jacksonville area.  My work was noticed in Washington DC which led to a position on the Navy Mutual Aid Association's (Military Life Insurance)  Board of Directors.  I was eventually asked by the Secretary of the Navy's Office to launch the Navy's Financial Management Program on C-span live in the Pentagon.

In 1998 I served as an Executive Assistant to a Presidential Cabinet Member, the Secretary of Defense, William Cohen.  I had several incredible experiences traveling the world with him and some life changing personal events. I was also selected by the Navy to command their largest squadron of over 1200 sailors.  I knew I had a wonderful opportunity to impact all those lives.  I decided to modify my financial seminar to "life management" with the intent to promote self-worth and cultivate happiness in an increasingly stressful and "me oriented" society.  I titled it "Make it a wonderful life" by making a difference.
 


"When people are asked what has made life rich, more than 90% of the respondents used one word: relationships ... friends, spouses, and children."
Phil Callaway
 

"Andy really seems to understand the life issues that we all face and we deeply appreciate him helping us as we strive to balance our work and personal lives."

Maribel Hernandez, Chief Administrative Officer, JAA.

 

The experience of witnessing the seductive nature of power and money in the DC area inspired me to begin to teach the concept of "altruistic egoism."  It simply means when doing something for the good of others it actually improves your own life.  Stephen Covey said it best when he mentioned that "the world is not me and mine but thee and thine."

The seminar had an amazing affect on my staff.  Within 6 months we had a complete reversal in squadron performance...from 240 training events behind to 60 ahead.  People were happy, motivated and felt a sense self worth.  I knew I had something special ... a gift of being able to change lives for the better.

I have since retired from the Navy and have seen the same affect on my civilian audiences throughout the Northeast Florida area as a guest speaker.  Especially since 9/11, I feel so many Americans are in need of healing.   They need to feel good about life again.

Due to numerous requests I am now offering the seminar for a nominal fee.  To attest to my passion for helping others, I will donate a significant portion of my honorariums to a local charitable cause or organization.  The seminar length can be tailored to the demographics of any audience...it appeals to all.  The time frame can range from 20 minutes to 2 hours ... covering workplace conduct, financial management and the most popular  "life management"  with emphasis on finding peace and happiness. 

Making A Difference is a  motivating, interactive experience.  Contact me today for more information or to check available dates.
 

Andy Andersen, Motivational Speaker    (904) 287-7587    andy@andyandersen.net