Lifetime Achievement

After working as an events coordinator for a show productions company and in sales and marketing for a printing company, Scott Friedman found his calling as a professional speaker 28 years ago. Along the way, he has served as president of the National Speakers Association and helped create meaningful organizations such as the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado, International Association of Speakers Bureaus/National Speakers Association Council, Global Speakers Summit and Together We Can Change the World.

“The work he is now doing in Asia is very impressive and is recognized by industry leaders as an incredible bridging of cultures,” says Gary Schirmacher, who nominated Friedman. “Scott is an accomplished author and has written books that help readers to bring humor into their professional and personal lives.”

As a motivational humorist, Friedman speaks more than 80 times a year, with 30 percent of his time spent in Asia and other global locations. Just back from a trip to Singapore, we caught him in Golden for a brief Q&A.

CO M+E: What motivates you to get up and do your job every day?
SF: Life is one long holiday for those who love their work. I love my work. I wake up every day with gratitude and passion to learn more. I love the opportunity to make a difference and collaborate with good people. Loving what you do makes all the difference in the world.

CO M+E: How did you get into the meetings and events industry?
SF: Cavett Robert, the founder of the National Speakers Association, encouraged me to become a speaker. Being a collaborator and connector, it seemed natural for me to plan events and meetings and bring like-minded people together.

CO M+E: What advice do you have for up-and-comers in the industry?
SF: Collaboration is the new competition. Look for ways to leverage your relationships. Always come from a place of what can I give not what I can get and your life will be filled with abundance.

Colorado Meetings & Events Magazine Spring 2014