While I was still in college, my wife-to-be asked me what I wanted to do. “I think I want to be a professional speaker.” I had attended conferences, I had seen speakers and I thought I could do that too.  But it took me several years to figure out how one does that and what exactly I was going to talk about.

I have a BA in Psychology, a BA in Sociology and a MA in counseling and I spent the first part of my career working with adolescents and adults in a variety of mental health settings.  I eventually migrated into training and was a Learning and Development Consultant in a large healthcare organization for six years. There I developed, delivered, and managed a management education series for both new/emerging leaders and seasoned leaders.

I thought I may have the chops to become a professional speaker and trainer but I needed some assurances and affirmation.

I knew enough about positive illusion to know that just because I thought I was pretty good, didn’t mean others did.  People are always nice. There were a handful after every training that would give me compliments, but if I was going to make a major life change I needed more proof.

So, I decided that I would not share my ambitions to become a professional speaker with anyone in my circle.

I wondered if I would have anyone tell me unsolicited (key word) that I was good enough to do this professionally.  I had a number in my head and lo and behold, that threshold was eclipsed.

In 2006, I created my speaking company called Life IQ.  Fast forward to today and I’ve worked with 30 Fortune 500 companies and have spoken in all 50 states...

NEIL IHDE

Hello, I'm

Husband, Dad, Racquetball Enthusiast, Pianist, INTJ