Jim Whitt

Jim may be the only management consultant you'll meet who has a degree in animal science. That, coupled with a lifetime of working in the cattle industry, has enabled him to develop a unique approach to personal and organizational development that revolves around his basic tenet of human behavior: Without a purpose our only motivation is reward and punishment.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University, Jim became a top producing salesman and marketing executive with two Fortune 500 companies. In 1988 Jim discovered his purpose in life: "To help people reach their full potential." That discovery transformed his life and led to the founding of Purpose Unlimited a personal and organizational development firm that transforms lives, leaders and organizations through the power of Purpose. Jim is also a founding partner of The Institute for Purposeful Living, a nonprofit organization that helps people find and fulfill their purpose in life.

Since Jim used to make his living as a cowboy he says that he discovered he could apply what he learned about punching cows to provoking people! So now Jim is a professional provoker! He provokes people and organizations to reach their full potential.

Although Jim has consulted with and spoken to a wide range of companies and associations in a many different industries, he hasn't completely strayed from his cowboy past. Jim's column, Whitt & Wisdom, is a regular feature in the CALF NEWS and he is a contributing reporter on the Cattlemen to Cattlemen television program.

On the platform Jim might be best described as a cross between Dr. Phil and Jeff Foxworthy. He makes people think and laugh … all at the same time. Jim's presentations are fun, fast-paced and punctuated with his unique brand of humor that draws on his rural roots.

All animals are creatures of habit. But human beings are the only animals that can choose to change. Unlike old dogs, humans can learn new tricks when they understand the psychological and physiological principles involved in creating new patterns of behavior. Learn the key to evolving and succeeding in a rapidly changing world.

In the old west, a brand not only identified a ranch's cattle, it was a symbol of pride and loyalty for all of its cowboys — they rode for the brand. People today want more from their work than perks and a paycheck — they want to be partners in a cause. Like cowboys of yesteryear they want to ride for the brand. Learn how leaders and organizations are transformed through The Power of Purposeful Leadership.

Any animal can be trained using the extrinsic stimuli of reward (the carrot) and punishment (the stick). Purpose is the only stimulus that engages the human spirit and empowers us to rise above our animal natures to become intrinsically motivated. It’s the key to reaching our full potential and living a fulfilling and happy life.

"How fun! I am so pleased with the feedback I am hearing regarding your thought provoking presentation. You touched on several philosophies we share here at Southwest Airlines. You are awesome in delivering the message of 'discovering your purpose in life.' You instill a desire to look deeply inside ourselves to allow the 'real' person and all of one's dreams and aspirations to come flying out with great force and passion!"

"He 'lassoed' the group at the start and kept them 'hog-tied' throughout the afternoon. He inspired, encouraged and made us think. We were reminded that we all have a purpose in life."

"Thanks so much for your presentation and your flexibility in adding the roping to your message! We have gotten a lot of positive feedback from our people that your message was directed at them! Exactly what they needed to hear! And that they went right home and practiced roping their spouses! Thanks for your wit and charm and inspiration! You were a memorable complement to our team! Thank you for being there and being so precise with the planning and implementation! We appreciate you!"

"We could not have had a more appropriate message for our managers to take home with them. They have expressed how meaningful your words were to them. Preparation is so critical in your business, and you did your homework."

"The enthusiastic feedback from our clerks and managers is a tribute to the extraordinary level of professionalism and dedication that you brought to the program."

"Your presentation was excellent! The participants really enjoyed the hands on approach you took with your presentation. One evaluation from the conference said, 'Jim Whitt was worth the cost of the conference alone.'"