Desi Williamson

Biography

Desi Williamson beat the odds. Despite growing up in a world surrounded by poverty, drugs, and violence, he overcame a myriad of obstacles to realize his dreams of becoming a successful businessman, professional speaker, and author. The former scholar-athlete at the University of Minnesota transforms 25 years of sales, sales/management and marketing experience into high content programs that deliver results. He's been on the front line, building multi-million dollar businesses, managing multi-million dollar budgets, and developing the potential in people for powerhouse companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Rain Bird Sprinkler Mfgr., PepsiCo, and Cadbury-Schweppes. He also owns a successful real estate investment company. Desi began his career with Johnson & Johnson where he was second in the country in total sales production, he then dedicated 7 years to wholesale distribution with Rain Bird where he built a business from $800,000 in sales to more than $10 million during his tenure. He continued his business building success with Pepsi-Cola Company where he managed a franchise-bottling network generating more than $85 million dollars in sales. He was, subsequently, promoted to a general sales manager capacity where he lead an organization of 250 employees consisting of both union and exempt employees generating $75 million dollars in business. Before starting full-time in his speaking career, Desi spent his final 2.5 years as an executive with Cadbury Schweppes where he was responsible for generating more than $1,000,000 in new business, and directing a $35 million dollar business. Although Desi had achieved success in the business arena, there was something more compelling that he wanted to do with his life. With a burning desire to help others, he founded Impact!! Seminars Unlimited, Inc., a company dedicated to helping organizations increase sales, increase customer service, and increase their bottom-line through empowering their people. His broad range of experience as a corporate executive and entrepreneur allows Desi to present on various issues with equal efficiency and effectiveness. He also spent 4 years as a professional sales trainer with Tom Hopkins International. Desi delivers with high impact! His, dynamic, magnetic, delivery style serves to empower you so that you take what you learn and apply it directly to your personal and professional life. Customizing his presentation to each specific audience, he discusses your business and "real world" solutions to the challenges you face. His clients all rave about his unique ability to weave their mission and strategic initiatives into the core of his presentation. His client list includes Fortune 500 corporations, civic organizations, and trade associations. He is the author of a popular video training series now used by more than 150 correctional facilities across the country, four audio cassette programs, the book titled, "GET OFF YOUR ASSETS!...How to Unleash the Power in You, and his newest book, "Where There's A Will, There's A Way!...Succeeding in the Face of Turbulent Times." Whether a keynote presentation, a half day workshop, or full scale training session, his in depth, content driven programs empower you to, continuously, reach for higher levels of performance and make the changes necessary to get results. That's why he's known throughout the country as Mr. Impact!!

Publications

Where There's a Will, There's a Way! – Succeeding in the Face of Turbulent Times. Desi's book will ignite your willpower and give you the inspiration to succeed, regardless of your current circumstances. In it, he shares his personal story of breaking his neck and spine due to a serious fall, enduring paralysis, surgery, physical therapy and living for months in a halo. Through his experience and recovery, he found a new perspective on life, and has dedicated himself to helping others succeed despite life's adversities. A few highlights from Where There's a Will, There's a Way include: How to make the first steps toward a better life How to make the right choices The six most important questions in life How to inspire greatness in yourself and others How to get what you want out of life Other Publications: Get Off Your Assets!

Titles

Where There's a Will, There's a Way!: Succeeding in the Face of Turbulent Times Every person and organization has willpower and hidden assets within them that, when unleashed, can yield tremendous results. This program teaches the skills necessary to discover and tap into those powerful assets, both in your personal and professional life. The result is a powerful shift in mindset and behavior that inspires people to do extraordinary things despite adversity. The Challenge of Change: Tools for Transformational Thinking In this eye-opening session Desi reveals the tools for transformational thinking and shares the skills that help people break the cycle of complacency and mediocrity, empowering them to become masters of change rather than victims of circumstance. The result: Change agents who understand that the best way to predict the future is to create it! Leadership for the 21st Century: Influencing with Impact The foundation of any successful organization is characterized by outstanding leadership. Here you'll learn 21st century leadership skills that are centered on a customer focused strategy, which includes the process of empowerment, diversity as a competitive advantage and why leadership and management are different, yet critical skills that must be activated at the right time for maximum effectiveness. Impact!! Sales Strategies: Secrets of Successful Selling Decision-making by the customer in the sales process is often affected by fear and negative emotions. This comprehensive program covers a vast spectrum of skill sets, from basic to more advanced selling skills. You'll learn how to build rapport with anyone immediately, ask targeted questions leading your prospect to reveal true needs and desires, make persuasive presentations, handle objections, professionally close the sale, and build a strong referral network.