Richard Avdoian is a human resource expert who speaks professionally to associations and corporate clients in the areas of teamwork, leadership and employee development.

Avdoian's credentials for employee development and teamwork expertise rank him among the top speakers in the United States and form the foundation for his ability to deliver excellent material. He has worked as a trainer and consultant with clients in over forty different industries.

Avdoian is a nationally recognized speaker who offers keynote speeches, seminars and workshops, executive and personal coaching and consulting services. He combines book smarts and street smarts to deliver high-energy, fast-paced innovative programs.

Drawing on his 22 years in private practice as a psychotherapist, Richard founded the Illinois Men's Institute and Voyager Experience to challenge and inspire individuals to achieve a healthier balance in life and work. He formed TeamWork By Design, a consulting firm in 1995.

He received his B.A. degree in sociology and minority studies and a master degree in counseling from Niagara University, New York. He also earned a master degree in social work from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri.

In July, 2002 he received the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association, the highest earned level of excellence attainable in the industry and a distinction representing the top members of the profession.

Richard is a high-energy speaker who informs, entertains and inspires. He always provides take-home value through carefully customized presentations. His versatility is matched in full by the flexibility and preparation he brings to each assignment.

• Rise to the Occasion - Excelling as First Time Manager/Supervisor : Get the critical skills and techniques you need to make all the difference to your success in becoming a truly exceptional leader. In this program, Richard will help you identify and build on your unique strengthens and talents to develop a confident leadership style.
  
  
• How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service : Customer service affects all aspects of business and is the responsibility of all employees. Every person in an organization, even those not typically thought of as customer service personnel, has the responsibility and to make a positive impression and impact on customer satisfaction, relations and increased profitability.
  
  
• Enhancing Your Personal Dynamics Strengthens Your People Skills : Gain essential skills for understanding, relating and working productively with all types of people...even the most resistant. Strong team dynamics, cooperation, collaboration and people skills are the foundation of today's most innovative, profitable and successful organizations.
  
  
• From Burned Out to Set on Fire - Reclaiming Your Passion : Burnout is an increasing threat to our mental and physical health. There are increasing expectations and demands from employers, families and friends to be, accomplish and own more and more. Successfully identifying and balancing work, family, social life and finances are key factors in coping with these challenges.
  
  
• Life in the Fast Lane - Balancing Work, Home and Relationships : Stress is an inevitable fact of life and everyone experiences some degree of stress whether they acknowledge it or not. Chronic stress may be manifested in back pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, decreased work productivity, substance abuse and contribute to severe medical illnesses. Positive reactions to stress can include excitement, challenges and can strengthen our defenses and stimulate us to greater productivity. The program will take a look at what stress is, what causes it, how you can recognize signs of normal stress, and how you can effectively manage the stress in your life.
  
  
• Celebrating Yourself - Explore, Risk and Live : Discover how to define success in your life and how to get it. Learn to bring more abundance and prosperity to your life. Discover the power of words and emotions and use your truth to overcome limiting decisions. Provide the skills and tools to be a more effective and happier person at work and in your personal life. Create a spiritual self, one who nurtures your emotional and spiritual growth, and increase self-esteem.
  
  
• The Show is Over - Living an Authentic Life : Living an authentic life is important because when we truly live life authentically, we feel great, look great, we are effective and productive and we respond to others in healthy and positive ways. Exploring both your "Bigness" and "Smallness," increasing your productivity, and finding joy in living are the focus of this program.