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James Mapes

James Mapes

Keynote Speaker: Expert on the Psychology of "Applied Imagination"

James Mapes Biography

James Mapes is the founder of Quantum Leap Thinking, creator of The Transformational Coach, expert on the psychology of applied imagination, best-selling author, highly acclaimed business speaker, consultant, seminar leader and personal excellence coach.

For over 30 years, Mapes has been an ardent student of human behavior and dedicated to helping individuals, teams and organizations identify and break through barriers to reach their goals and achieve success. He encourages people to be open to new ways of thinking, and his goal is to help everyone make the "quantum leap" toward more creative, productive and confident lives. For both businesses and individuals, his message promotes an innovative, powerful way of thinking and provides a new-found mastery over their imagination and perceptions so that, in his words, "the invisible becomes visible and the impossible becomes possible." The results have been nothing short of extraordinary, creating key breakthroughs in both organizational and personal excellence.

Mapes' success as a speaker and highly regarded authority on the imagination, creative thinking, communication, managing change, organizational problem-solving, successful teamwork, leadership, and coaching is due to his early training as an actor and experience as a theatrical producer. In 1969, he graduated from California State University with a Master of Arts degree in theater and speech. He then worked in repertory theater, off-Broadway and directed two of his own theater companies, amassing dozens of television and movie credits. As a performer, he developed a unique stage presence with a special talent for connecting with his audience. Mapes' work has earned him appearances on CNN, The Today Show, Good Morning America and Fox Family Channel, among other media outlets.

As a recognized business speaker and performance coach, Mapes has spoken to hundreds of public and private companies in more than 70 countries. His clients include financial institutions, software companies, the military, the healthcare industry, financial institutions, training and development divisions of large corporations and major non-profit organizations. Companies, associations, universities and business schools including - IBM Corporate, U.S. Coast Guard, Lockheed Martin and The Princeton Center for Leadership Training - have quoted Mapes in training manuals and textbooks.

Mapes personal goal of living an exceptional life is reflected in both his business activities as well as his recreational pursuits, which range from scuba-diving, ballooning, racecar driving, Kempo Karate and world travel, to an avid interest in reading. His highly regarded books include Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner's Guide to the Mind and The Workbook: The Magic of Quantum Leap Thinking. His other book Imagine That! Firing up the Brain was published in 2016. Mapes also released CD programs called Patient Pre-Op/Post-Op Healing Therapy in January of 2013.

Mapes presentations are personal, interactive and humorous. Above all, he creates results and makes a lasting difference in the energy level, commitment, and productivity of each individual in his audience.

In the 1970's, Mapes became interested in the power of the subconscious mind. To better understand this intriguing area, he researched psychology, philosophy, neurology and eventually, hypnotherapy Neuro-Linguistic Programming. His expertise quickly earned him recognition as a clinical hypnotist, becoming highly effective in assisting clients in weight reduction, smoking cessation, the elimination of phobias and pain reduction for terminally ill cancer patients. As a skilled practitioner of regression techniques, he helped the New York City Police Department in "memory recovery" with both witnesses to, and victims of, crime and he has worked with professional athletes to help improve their performance in their sport.

Mapes has created an ongoing series of self-improvement audio recordings and writes a syndicated newspaper column for Hearst newspapers in Connecticut and The Arizona Reporter. Mapes also enjoys presenting his one-man show, Journey Into the Imagination at performing arts centers and universities around the country. He appeared on Broadway in 2003 and presented A Whirlwind Tour of the Mind at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center in Manhattan in 2007.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on James Mapes and other top speakers and celebrities.

James Mapes Speaking Topics

MIND OVER BODY: Harness Vision to Create a Wellness Strategy

Become a partner in your own wellness. Studies prove that how we think impacts our health. Not only have mind/body techniques become a vital part of integrative medicine, they have also presented us with limitless possibilities on creativity, innovation, motivation and leadership.

In James Mapes’ cutting-edge, interactive program, participants gain a clear understanding of how the brain works and the importance of communication to create positive expectations. They learn how to influence the subconscious with optimistic, affirmative suggestions, enabling them to look at their life and work with “new eyes.” They leave the program armed with practical strategies and valuable tools to control what can be controlled and let go of the rest.

The attendees will leave this inspiring and captivating program having learned:

-The mechanics of thinking, how the brain works and the importance of focus. -How vision can sway the subconscious to create positive outcomes. -How to apply mental imagery to reduce anxiety and spark creativity. -How to create and communicate a clear, realistic, emotionally-charged vision to inspire wellness. -How to recognize and break through the fear that impedes creativity, motivation and healing. -How to “reframe” thinking to instill hope and confidence.

In MIND OVER BODY, James integrates more than three decades of experience as a speaker on creativity and leadership, performance coach, medical facilitator for pre-surgery patients, and clinical hypnotist. He draws from the latest research in brain science as well as lessons learned from his own open-heart surgery. James projects amazing positive energy and is passionate about educating everyone about the elegance of the imagination and the incredible power of the human mind and spirit.

This presentation can be tailored to your organization’s specific needs as either a keynote or workshop.

Imagination, Creativity & Innovation: Open up a world of possibility.

If you are going to make a difference in today’s world, be productive and make a comfortable income, you will have to learn how bring value to other people. To do that, you must become thoroughly familiar with the steps to harness your imagination, explode creativity and generate an idea. It all begins by understanding three words and putting them into action: imagination, creativity and innovation.

What do these words mean - really? Many people believe imagining is creating, while others use the word “innovation” when they mean “creativity”, or “creativity” when they mean “innovation.” Once you draw a distinction between imagination, creativity and innovation, you will be able to apply your imagination more effectively to create and innovate.

It’s easy to dream or imagine and to talk to others about it. You can learn the skills to become a better creative thinker. I know because I’ve been teaching individuals and businesses how to do just that for four decades. You can go to our website and read a number of my cached articles or pick up a copy of Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner’s Guide to the Mind. But, to truly be out there in the world, playing the game at its fullest, you have to take action to create an exceptional life. In my coaching practice, I prod clients to get out there, say what needs to be said, let go of what needs to be let go of, take the risks that need to be taken and become actively involved in creating the life they say they want.

Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy

Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy is meant to serve as an adjunct to patient treatment. This program can be presented directly to patients or - as a workshop for medical staff. This groundbreaking interactive learning experience reduces fear and anxiety, manages negative stress and creates a healing consciousness for recovery. Stress, depression and anxiety prior to surgery have all been associated with poor surgical recovery, writes Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University. Studies show that reducing negative stress reduces fear, improves immune function, reduces pain and helps heal faster from surgery. Attendees will

Experience two highly engaging participatory exercises to unlock the untapped powers of their imagination.

Discover how the application of positive imagery that will help them successfully manage even the most difficult challenges.

Learn techniques to reduce stress, improve their sense of well-being and move towards their procedure with calmness, hope and an understanding of the mind-body connection.

Experience a 15-minute closed-eye relaxation/visualization that instills calmness, hope, motivation for wellness and healing.

Receive a recording of a relaxation/visualization which they will be instructed to listen to twice a day for minimum of one week before surgery.

With Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy, James calls upon his 30 years of experience as a peak performance coach, business speaker, medical facilitator and clinical hypnotist. This presentation is based on both his extensive experience in helping patients prepare for all forms of surgery as well as his own journey of having open heart surgery. James is the author of the best-selling book, Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owners Guide to the Mind and Creator of the Transformational Coach Program.

The program will include the 5 keys to living an exceptional life learned from a combination of his executive business coaching and his open-heart surgery.

  1. MAKE FRIENDS WITH REALITY: If you can accept the reality of the situation, you can turn fear into positive action and control what can be controlled.

  2. ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE: Having a positive attitude affects everyone from the patient to family and friends to the hospital staff.

  3. CREATE A SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM: Surround yourself with people who have a positive attitude and have your best interest in mind. This includes choosing an advocate to act on your behalf.

  4. ASK FOR HELP AND EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE: Friends and caregivers need to know you need them. Set aside your ego and ask for help because that is what friends and caregivers provide - comfort and peace of mind. Say Thank you. Gratitude is a surprisingly powerful force for good.

  5. CREATE A VISION THAT WILL BRING PEACE AND CALMNESS BEFORE SURGERY AND SUPPORT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HEALING FOR THE FUTURE: Unleash the power of imagery to quiet stress and fear and create a positive expectation (hope) for the future. Visualization is a useful tool that will serve you for life.

Patient program length: 60-75 minutes. Physician workshop length: 2 Hours

True Leadership: The Neuroscience of Effective Leaders

What is leadershipreally? The business world is awash with leadership philosophies, how-to books and training institutes that can leave even the savvy manager perplexed as to exactly how to encourage employees to develop their own leadership style. It is important to push aside the clutter and get back to a fundamental understanding of what "true" leadership traits are essential for success. The adage "leaders are born, not made" is questionable, as it takes hard work to craft a leadership style that works for each individual

In this provocative, confrontational, lively and interactive presentation, renowned performance coach and best-selling author James Mapes incorporates his legendary humor, movie clips and an array of audience exercises to reveal:

--The five core traits of all great leaders.

--Why morality, a nice disposition and power do not necessarily make a great leader.

--A road map for participants to enhance their personal leadership style and permanently transform it.

--How to craft an emotionally charged, clear and realistic future vision to motivate.

Program Length: 60 90 minutes

Imagine That! : Unleashing the Power of the Imagination for Success

Success literally depends on how people use their imagination. Exceptional individuals in all walks of life have the capability to think creatively and open up new opportunities for innovation. These are the individuals who have mastered the skill of visualizing a dynamic and successful future and then creating what they envision with optimism and hope. Einstein's words have never ringed truer, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a preview of life's coming attractions."

James Mapes, the leading authority on the psychology of "applied imagination," demonstrates that success can be achieved by a clear understanding and application of the mind. James skillfully stretches peoples perceptions to see new possibilities and experience how their own imagination works. He guides his audience to understand that the powerful mental pictures we all carry around with us impact the opportunities we see and are the force which shapes how we thrive in challenging times.

Based on his successful signature program and best-selling book, Quantum Leap Thinking, James Mapes has created this new, engaging, practical, interactive and entertaining program, James captures and holds the audience's attention with a compelling series of stories, demonstrations and video clips that leave no doubt that you can achieve what you imagine. Participants will experience applying their own imagination to craft a personal vision that instills passion and motivation in all areas of life. The audience will leave this thought-provoking, fascinating and inspiring journey learning:

  • How to apply their imagination to successfully achieve goals.

  • How to craft a compelling, emotional, realistic and persuasive future vision.

  • How to recognize and break through limiting fears.

  • How to use core values to unlock motivation.

  • How to take risks.

  • How to manage change for growth.

Program Length: 45 minutes 90 minutes

James Mapes Videos

James Mapes "IMAGINE THAT!" The Book
James Mapes - Master of the Imagination
James Mapes: Imagination & Creativity Expert and Peak Performance Coach

How do I book James Mapes to speak at my event?

Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like James Mapes for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for James Mapes, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for James Mapes or any other speaker of your choice.

How much does it cost to book James Mapes for a speaking engagement?

Speaking fees for James Mapes, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fee for a live event is $10,000 - $20,000. For the most current speaking fee to hire James Mapes, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

What topics does James Mapes speak about?

James Mapes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Business, Authors, Strategic Leadership, Health, Creativity, Business Growth, Personal Growth, Peak Performance, Inspirational, Motivational, Innovation, Stress, Fitness, Leadership, College and Marketing.

Where does James Mapes travel from?

James Mapes generally travels from Westport, CT, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.

Who is the agent for James Mapes?

AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like James Mapes for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book James Mapes for your next private or corporate function.

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AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host James Mapes or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.

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James Mapes is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Business, Authors and Strategic Leadership. The estimated speaking fee range to book James Mapes for live events is $10,000 - $20,000. Please contact us for virtual event fees. James Mapes generally travels from Westport, CT, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Amanda Gore, Michael Treacy and Mark Victor Hansen. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling James Mapes for an upcoming event.

James Mapes Speaking Topics

  • MIND OVER BODY: Harness Vision to Create a Wellness Strategy

    Become a partner in your own wellness. Studies prove that how we think impacts our health. Not only have mind/body techniques become a vital part of integrative medicine, they have also presented us with limitless possibilities on creativity, innovation, motivation and leadership.

    In James Mapes’ cutting-edge, interactive program, participants gain a clear understanding of how the brain works and the importance of communication to create positive expectations. They learn how to influence the subconscious with optimistic, affirmative suggestions, enabling them to look at their life and work with “new eyes.” They leave the program armed with practical strategies and valuable tools to control what can be controlled and let go of the rest.

    The attendees will leave this inspiring and captivating program having learned:

    -The mechanics of thinking, how the brain works and the importance of focus. -How vision can sway the subconscious to create positive outcomes. -How to apply mental imagery to reduce anxiety and spark creativity. -How to create and communicate a clear, realistic, emotionally-charged vision to inspire wellness. -How to recognize and break through the fear that impedes creativity, motivation and healing. -How to “reframe” thinking to instill hope and confidence.

    In MIND OVER BODY, James integrates more than three decades of experience as a speaker on creativity and leadership, performance coach, medical facilitator for pre-surgery patients, and clinical hypnotist. He draws from the latest research in brain science as well as lessons learned from his own open-heart surgery. James projects amazing positive energy and is passionate about educating everyone about the elegance of the imagination and the incredible power of the human mind and spirit.

    This presentation can be tailored to your organization’s specific needs as either a keynote or workshop.

  • Imagination, Creativity & Innovation: Open up a world of possibility.

    If you are going to make a difference in today’s world, be productive and make a comfortable income, you will have to learn how bring value to other people. To do that, you must become thoroughly familiar with the steps to harness your imagination, explode creativity and generate an idea. It all begins by understanding three words and putting them into action: imagination, creativity and innovation.

    What do these words mean - really? Many people believe imagining is creating, while others use the word “innovation” when they mean “creativity”, or “creativity” when they mean “innovation.” Once you draw a distinction between imagination, creativity and innovation, you will be able to apply your imagination more effectively to create and innovate.

    It’s easy to dream or imagine and to talk to others about it. You can learn the skills to become a better creative thinker. I know because I’ve been teaching individuals and businesses how to do just that for four decades. You can go to our website and read a number of my cached articles or pick up a copy of Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owner’s Guide to the Mind. But, to truly be out there in the world, playing the game at its fullest, you have to take action to create an exceptional life. In my coaching practice, I prod clients to get out there, say what needs to be said, let go of what needs to be let go of, take the risks that need to be taken and become actively involved in creating the life they say they want.

  • Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy

    Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy is meant to serve as an adjunct to patient treatment. This program can be presented directly to patients or - as a workshop for medical staff. This groundbreaking interactive learning experience reduces fear and anxiety, manages negative stress and creates a healing consciousness for recovery. Stress, depression and anxiety prior to surgery have all been associated with poor surgical recovery, writes Jan Kiecolt-Glaser, professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University. Studies show that reducing negative stress reduces fear, improves immune function, reduces pain and helps heal faster from surgery. Attendees will

    Experience two highly engaging participatory exercises to unlock the untapped powers of their imagination.

    Discover how the application of positive imagery that will help them successfully manage even the most difficult challenges.

    Learn techniques to reduce stress, improve their sense of well-being and move towards their procedure with calmness, hope and an understanding of the mind-body connection.

    Experience a 15-minute closed-eye relaxation/visualization that instills calmness, hope, motivation for wellness and healing.

    Receive a recording of a relaxation/visualization which they will be instructed to listen to twice a day for minimum of one week before surgery.

    With Patient Pre-op/Post-op Healing Therapy, James calls upon his 30 years of experience as a peak performance coach, business speaker, medical facilitator and clinical hypnotist. This presentation is based on both his extensive experience in helping patients prepare for all forms of surgery as well as his own journey of having open heart surgery. James is the author of the best-selling book, Quantum Leap Thinking: An Owners Guide to the Mind and Creator of the Transformational Coach Program.

    The program will include the 5 keys to living an exceptional life learned from a combination of his executive business coaching and his open-heart surgery.

    1. MAKE FRIENDS WITH REALITY: If you can accept the reality of the situation, you can turn fear into positive action and control what can be controlled.

    2. ADJUST YOUR ATTITUDE: Having a positive attitude affects everyone from the patient to family and friends to the hospital staff.

    3. CREATE A SOLID SUPPORT SYSTEM: Surround yourself with people who have a positive attitude and have your best interest in mind. This includes choosing an advocate to act on your behalf.

    4. ASK FOR HELP AND EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE: Friends and caregivers need to know you need them. Set aside your ego and ask for help because that is what friends and caregivers provide - comfort and peace of mind. Say Thank you. Gratitude is a surprisingly powerful force for good.

    5. CREATE A VISION THAT WILL BRING PEACE AND CALMNESS BEFORE SURGERY AND SUPPORT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HEALING FOR THE FUTURE: Unleash the power of imagery to quiet stress and fear and create a positive expectation (hope) for the future. Visualization is a useful tool that will serve you for life.

    Patient program length: 60-75 minutes. Physician workshop length: 2 Hours

  • True Leadership: The Neuroscience of Effective Leaders

    What is leadershipreally? The business world is awash with leadership philosophies, how-to books and training institutes that can leave even the savvy manager perplexed as to exactly how to encourage employees to develop their own leadership style. It is important to push aside the clutter and get back to a fundamental understanding of what "true" leadership traits are essential for success. The adage "leaders are born, not made" is questionable, as it takes hard work to craft a leadership style that works for each individual

    In this provocative, confrontational, lively and interactive presentation, renowned performance coach and best-selling author James Mapes incorporates his legendary humor, movie clips and an array of audience exercises to reveal:

    --The five core traits of all great leaders.

    --Why morality, a nice disposition and power do not necessarily make a great leader.

    --A road map for participants to enhance their personal leadership style and permanently transform it.

    --How to craft an emotionally charged, clear and realistic future vision to motivate.

    Program Length: 60 90 minutes

  • Imagine That! : Unleashing the Power of the Imagination for Success

    Success literally depends on how people use their imagination. Exceptional individuals in all walks of life have the capability to think creatively and open up new opportunities for innovation. These are the individuals who have mastered the skill of visualizing a dynamic and successful future and then creating what they envision with optimism and hope. Einstein's words have never ringed truer, "Imagination is more important than knowledge. It is a preview of life's coming attractions."

    James Mapes, the leading authority on the psychology of "applied imagination," demonstrates that success can be achieved by a clear understanding and application of the mind. James skillfully stretches peoples perceptions to see new possibilities and experience how their own imagination works. He guides his audience to understand that the powerful mental pictures we all carry around with us impact the opportunities we see and are the force which shapes how we thrive in challenging times.

    Based on his successful signature program and best-selling book, Quantum Leap Thinking, James Mapes has created this new, engaging, practical, interactive and entertaining program, James captures and holds the audience's attention with a compelling series of stories, demonstrations and video clips that leave no doubt that you can achieve what you imagine. Participants will experience applying their own imagination to craft a personal vision that instills passion and motivation in all areas of life. The audience will leave this thought-provoking, fascinating and inspiring journey learning:

    • How to apply their imagination to successfully achieve goals.

    • How to craft a compelling, emotional, realistic and persuasive future vision.

    • How to recognize and break through limiting fears.

    • How to use core values to unlock motivation.

    • How to take risks.

    • How to manage change for growth.

    Program Length: 45 minutes 90 minutes

James Mapes Videos

James Mapes "IMAGINE THAT!" The Book
James Mapes - Master of the Imagination
James Mapes: Imagination & Creativity Expert and Peak Performance Coach

James Mapes News

  • Bestselling Author James Mapes Announces IMAGINE THAT!

    Bestselling author, international speaker, Hollywood actor, and renowned hypnotherapist, James Mapes is proud to announce the release of his new book, Imagine That!: Igniting Your Brain for Creativity and Peak Performance.

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