In The News

Best-selling author Erica Dhawan’s recent article on BigThink.com discusses how connectional intelligence can improve big-picture thinking and create opportunities for success. She breaks down connectional intelligence into what she calls the five C's: curiosity, combination, courage, community and combustion—traits organizations should focus on improving to build stronger problem-solving skills. Using case studies from Colgate and Frito Lay, Dhawan shows that genius ideas don't always come from the top down and that networked problem-solving can create million-dollar opportunities.

The Washington Post recently highlighted 10 leadership books to watch for in the new year and APB speaker David Epstein’s new book made the list. In Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World, set to release May 28th, Epstein presents a compelling examination of the most effective path to success. Drawing from research on the world’s top performers, from professional athletes to Nobel laureates, he found that early specialization is the exception, not the rule. 

Calling the inspiring new movie based on his life “powerful,” The Today Show’s Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin welcomed childhood abuse survivor and pioneering human resources executive Steve Pemberton to the show. Against a backdrop of clips from the film, which is based on his best-selling memoir of the same name, Pemberton shared highlights of his life story growing up in foster care, overcoming adversity and turning tragedy into triumph. 

We’re honored that two of our most inspiring APB exclusive speakers have been invited to appear on the Main Stage at PCMA Convening Leaders. Steve Pemberton and Nadya Okamoto share their inspiring stories of grit and resilience, proving that life experiences can uniquely position all of us to change the world for the better. The pair will be interviewed by Main Stage facilitator Holly Ransom.

Nic Sheff’s heartbreaking and inspiring struggle with substance use disorder is the story of Beautiful Boy, now a major motion picture starring Timothée Chalamet as Nic and Steve Carell as his father, David. Chalamet, an up and coming actor, has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his genuine performance of Sheff. The film chronicles the heartbreaking and hopeful experience of survival, relapse and recovery in a family over many years.  

Citing a growing list of clients in Europe, Asia and the Middle East and the advantages of an office based at the crossroads of these key markets, APB founder and CEO Robert P. Walker has announced the establishment of an international partnership based in Istanbul, Turkey. The new office, to be headed by Managing Director Ahmet Turhaner, will focus on marketing APB’s large roster of speakers to clients based in those regions. “Ahmet is the perfect person for the job,” said Walker. “All of us are so pleased to welcome him to the APB family.”

Recently, APB speaker Kim Campbell and her children hosted the first annual Glen Campbell Memorial Celebrity Golf Outing in honor of the late musician. Held at the beautiful Arizona Biltmore Golf Club, the Outing raised money to help fund research for studies on the effects music has on brain health. Celebrities, friends of Glen and the Campbell family, and donors attended the event to celebrate Campbell’s life and love for golf. 

The New Yorker published an article titled “How Extreme Weather is Shrinking the Planet,” discussing ways climate change is rapidly destroying the environment. As fires recently destroyed several areas of California, many were forced to evacuate, buildings collapsed, and the death tolls and missing persons reports continue to rise. The article indicates that we are on a path to self-destruction unless we make swift change through new kinds of activism. This has drawn reactions from APB speakers on the economic and business impact of climate change. 

The holidays, especially Thanksgiving, are a time to reflect on the past year and be thankful for all that has happened—the good and the bad. APB speaker Samantha Harris is a champion at making the best of any situation. After being diagnosed with breast cancer, she still managed to find the positives in each day. Dubbed the "unstoppable optimist," she empowers audiences to take control of their health and live their best lives possible.

December 1st kicks off AIDS Awareness Month with World AIDS Day. APB’s wide array of speakers can help you and your audience get educated on the topic, destigmatize HIV/AIDS and create an open dialogue. Here are some of our most sought-after voices on the subject: