Tom Baker

Change is guaranteed except when standing in front of a vending machine. How we deal with change ultimately determines our success... producing either strength and self-improvement or worry leading to a downward spiral. Not changing, usually due to pride or stubbornness, results in career death. Change can be painful... it forces us to reevaluate our priorities... it tells us that our direction needs adjusting, it begs us to search for different opportunities. Desiring comfort means resistance to change. If we prepare for changing situations instead of becoming bitter and closed minded because of change, we can allow new opportunities to us take higher... reaching for success instead of pushing it further away. Tom's business nearly fell to pieces until he learned that he needed to change... everything. Tom’s presentation is a powerful display of how resisting change spells disaster and embracing change is the shortest path to success.

Harness worry with lessons learned from his dog. Tom lost 30 pounds from excessive worrying because his business was failing. Lay-offs, chest deep in debt and IRS troubles, he fell into a pit of depression, his wife tried but couldn’t reach him. Somehow the family rescue mutt, Mango, broke through. After watching and learning why this dog is so happy all the time, Tom speaks about how to embrace worry and live a more productive and focused life. Worry is simply fear of things that may happen that we don't believe that we can handle. Learn how to live for the moment instead of in regret or in fear of the future... and how struggle and change can grow us and not throw us.

Directing a TV production involves leading many unrelated talents toward a common goal. Being the central driving force between clients or a network, actors and technicians takes leadership and finesse. Tom speaks about how clear focus, unshakable confidence, yoga-like flexibility, relentless drive, smart delegation and a willingness to learn is the path to realizing the goal.