12 March 2008
Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE is located on the southern side of Brisbane and has ten campuses and employs approximately 1000 staff in various capacities.
On the 12 March 2008, the institute held its annual Staff Conference and approximately 700 staff attended. The theme of our conference was “We’re better together” and Bruce Sullivan was engaged as one of the Key Note Presenters.
The fact that Bruce was invited back to the staff conference this year is a clear testament of his ability to entertain and to motivate his audience. From the point of his introduction until the last applause faded, he delivered a high-energy and highly motivational presentation. Bruce was able to make an immediate connection with the staff and maintained this connect throughout his presentation.
Not only is Bruce an energetic presenter and entertainer, but part of his appeal is through his generosity and willingness to share his personal triumphs as well as his personal disappointments. This sharing is particularly relevant when he describes endings and beginnings. The audience was further connected to Bruce through an immediate empathy when he was describing highly personal challenges and disappointments.
While Bruce’s messages are simple, he delivers these in a powerful and thought-provoking manner. I am confident that every person in that audience was touched, to some degree, by his presentation. Some feedback that I have received from staff was that Bruce had a profound effect on them and their whole outlook has changed because of the persuasion and commitment that he engendered. He was able to skilfully weave the theme of our conference into his presentation. His messages were more powerful because they were relevant to our staff.
Our staff conference was made that much more special through his involvement and his presentation. His presentation contained pathos, humour and self-disclosure (among other things) and there was something in it for everyone. His high-energy and enthusiasm was contagious with the staff leaving that part of the conference feeling positive, up-lifted and motivated.
The success of the conference was largely due to his energy and positive anticipation that he shared with the audience. It is almost that a successful conference or event is synonymous with having Bruce Sullivan on the programme. Should the opportunity arise, we would certainly look to engage Bruce again for future events within the institute.