Billy McLaughlin
Musician, Composer, Speaker
Billy McLaughlin is recognized internationally as a world-class guitarist, composer and inspirational performer who has appeared on Billboard's TopTen Chart.
Previously signed to Virgin Records'Narada label, McLaughlin has 14 CD releases, 3 National Cus Entertainer of the Year Awards*, 5 Minnesota Music Awards and his decades of national concert touring earned him the Hall of Fame Achievement Award*. But in 1999 McLaughlin vanished from sight as his career crumbled due to a little-known neuro-muscular disorder called Focal Dystonia. After suffering several years without a cure, he embarked on an unlikely attempt to regain his career by re-learning his instrument left-handed.
His remarkable comeback is captured in the documentary film Changing Keys (PBS) and a concert film called Coming Back Alive featuring McLaughlin with string orchestra and a reunion of his longtime rock band. Now serving as Ambassador for Awareness for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, McLaughlin is the winner of the 2010 Public Leadership in Neurology Award** whose previous winners include Paul Allen, Julie Andrews, Leon Fleischer and Michael J. Fox. McLaughlin has resumed an international schedule of concert appearances and keynote speaking. He resides in his home state of Minnesota where he is proudly raising two boys.
Doing More With Less “ Making an impact with all that you've got!
Are you asked to do more with less? Budget cuts, re-organization, ownership changes and shifts in the economy all create an environment of expectations for results that are seemingly unattainable. Yet, as dramatic and painful as circumstances may be, they come with a gift: self discovery. Having endured a condition that took away his health and career, Billy McLaughlin understands the importance of celebrating this gift. He demonstrates the marvel of discovering what you CAN do with the resources you HAVE when you stop focusing on those you've lost. It might require you to think upside-down or left-handed. It might require that you stop focusing on what is broken or how you can't do something the way you used to. Billy shows you how you can make meaningful change for yourself and your community when you move out of the mindset that everything is broken. By realizing what still works and what still matters, you can make a significant difference, regardless of the obstacles. Listen to Billy's story; you, too, will choose to be a difference-maker!
Life After Diagnosis
Whether in healthcare, business or personal challenges, understanding and having a diagnosis for what you are facing is a critical step towards your future. Diagnosis may be unwelcome news, but it doesn't have to be final. When diagnosed with focal dystonia, Billy McLaughlin was actually relieved to know what was wrong with him, despite the fact that the prognosis for his musical career was grim. He put into action the words of Norman Cousins¦. Accept the diagnosis, reject the verdict!
Billy has created this program especially for business, foundations, healthcare professionals, Insurance professionals and individuals who have been affected by sudden, future-changing events. He takes them along with him on a personal journey from diagnosis to self-discovery, which led him to a new and more exciting phase of his business development and career building future.
New Ways to Do It: The Road to Reinvention
Simple, frank and funny, Billy McLaughlin shines a mirror on all the unseen artists in the room, especially you. From the day you were born, a new signature was imprinted onto the world. Life experienced through the eyes, mind and touch of every new generation has its own expression and communicates its own meaning. Artists embrace this notion. Finding New Ways to do even the most ordinary things is the challenge we are all given. All that has been created so far cannot compare to what is yet to be introduced by people with unique perspectives and capabilities”people such as you. If it feels like the world is changing fast these days, it's because of all the new creative inventions happening around us. Billy encourages you to step out of your spectator's seat and recognize your ability to take an active role in designing the future that you have imagined.
Stop Listening to Experts!
You are not a beginner “ don't act like one! Stop waiting for validation outside yourself. You know better than anyone around you what needs to be done even if no one around you thinks it is possible. If Billy McLaughlin had listened to experts the music you are about to hear would never have been created “ it is precisely this music that went on to earn Billy his first Emmy Award in July of 2013. His message of succeeding under continuing challenges is filled with emotion, humor and valuable takeaways. Billy's keynote talk with just the right amount music will help you become the confident expert you know that you are “ and show others around you the new paths that must be taken for you and your organization to succeed. Who did Steve Jobs listen too? Not for entry level employees. Organize “ Execute “ Enjoy!