Jim Knight
Jim Knight brings the thunder in his interactive sessions on how to amp up your leadership, organizational culture and customer-obsessed service by providing edu-taining & meaty takeaways.
Renowned keynote speaker, author, and training and development expert Jim Knight teaches organizations of all sizes how to attain their own “rock star” status.
Although his illustrious career started at Gatorland in Florida (he has scars to prove it), Jim cut his teeth in the hospitality training industry and eventually led Global Training for Hard Rock International for two decades. Jim’s customized programs show audiences how to amp up organizational culture, deliver world-class differentiated service, and build rock star teams and leaders.
Jim’s role at Hard Rock involved many facets of organizational training including creating and managing all staff and management training materials and programs; facilitating Hard Rock’s corporate university; overseeing management training locations; producing training videos; directing company e-Learning initiatives; facilitating leadership transitions; and traveling to properties to deliver onsite classes and measure company standards.
Jim put his experience and creativity to work, which consistently developed cutting--edge training concepts. During his time with the Hard Rock brand, his team won coveted Telly Awards (Guest Service in 2000, Menu Rollout in 2007, Harassment & Discrimination Prevention in 2008); garnered Training Directors Forum’s 1998 prize for “Reengineering Training”; and won Brandon Hall’s Gold Best in Class Award for their "Service Recovery” e-¬Learning course.
Jim Knight was also recognized by Training Magazine as representing one of the Top 125 training companies in the world out of all industries & businesses. He has since been featured in Forbes Magazine, Inc. Magazine, Fast Company, Entrepreneur Magazine and Fox Small Business News.
Jim has a music degree in Vocal Performance & Education and taught in the Florida public school system for 6 years. He is a life¬time member of CHART (an Association of Hospitality Trainers); previously sat on the Certification Governing Board of the National Restaurant Association; and founded a local training forum & networking group (The Training Summit: CHART's 1st Regional Training Forum) with over 100 active members in Central Florida, to share best practices and discuss common issues with other industry professionals.
Today, Jim Knight is the Owner & CEO of Knight Speaker, delivering numerous programs worldwide on leadership, organizational culture, customer service, and employee engagement and was listed in the "Top 10 Most Booked & Rated Speakers in the U.S." by The Speaker Experts (2016).
Jim is also the best-selling author of Culture That Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture, a how-to business book designed to amp up a brand in any industry. Entrepreneur Magazine listed the book as one of the "Top 5 Books That Will Transform Your Business". His latest books, Leadership That Rocks: Take Your Brand’s Culture to Eleven and Amp Up Results and Service That Rocks: Create Unforgettable Experiences and Turn Customers into Fans were amazon #1 Best Sellers.
A portion of Jim's book sales and speaking fees goes to:
No Kid Hungry - which works to eliminate childhood hunger in the U.S.
Cannonball Kids' cancer - which funds innovative, accessible research for children fighting cancer with better treatments, quality of life, and options for those told they have run out of options
Tunnel for Towers - which supports 1) fallen emergency first responders and U.S. Gold Star families who have lost a spouse, 2) U.S. service personnel who have been wounded in combat by supplying specially adapted smart homes, and 3) eradicating homelessness for U.S. military veterans.
and
Heart for the Arts - a faith-based artistic community in Central Florida which uses others' talents and gifts to bring others to Christ.
Jim Knight has been a contributing member of Rolling Stone's Culture Council, since 2020.
LEADERSHIP THAT ROCKS
Top Leadership Initiatives that will Immediately Deliver Sustainable Results
Keynote speaker, podcaster and bestselling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of Rock ‘n Roll to discuss key strategies to implementing initiatives for leading others to produce desired results.
Key Unique Concepts will include:
- Enhancing Employee Engagement
- Producing a Virtuous Environment
- Amping Up Communication
- Creating an Army of Giants
- Mentorship & Accountability as Pillars
- Becoming Heart-Centered
- Utilizing Emotional Bank Accounts
- Philanthropy as Instrumental
- Effectively Dealing with Change
- Staying Resilient in Trying Times
Moving at blazing speed, the time allotted is chock-a-block full of visual PowerPoint slides, out-of-the-box thinking, videos, personal stories, industry statistics and an interactive handout for some real “take aways”…all told through the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Even if you are NOT a fan of unpredictability & thinking about things differently when it comes to leading others, you should still come with an open mind and hear what all the buzz is about.
Edu-tainment will be served!
CULTURE THAT ROCKS
How to Amp Up the Business’ Culture and Deliver Sustainable Results
This interactive session is effectively designed to highlight best practices to enhance or revolutionize a company’s culture and stay relevant in the 21st century.
Keynote speaker, podcaster and best-selling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International, via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Training & Development, as a platform to discuss key strategies to transform any organization’s culture, regardless of the current state.
Key Unique Concepts will include:
- A clear-cut definition of Culture (finally!)
- Enhancing Internal Communication
- Delivering Service Differentiation
- Avoiding Acceptable Mediocrity
- Creating Guest/Customer Obsession
- Increasing Value Proposition
- Hiring & Developing “Rock Stars”
- Taking Personal Ownership
- Effectively Dealing with Change
- Staying Resilient in Trying Times
The time allotted is chock-a-block full of visual PowerPoint slides, out-of-the-box thinking, book quotes, videos, personal stories, industry statistics, case studies, and an interactive handout for some real “take aways”…all told through the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Even if you’re NOT a fan of unpredictability or thinking about things differently, you should still come hear what all the buzz is about.
Edu-tainment will be served!
SERVICE THAT ROCKS
How to Create a Differentiated Experience to Deliver Sustainable Results
This interactive session is effectively designed to highlight best practices to amp up the company’s customer service culture. The end-result of everyone who attends is to ultimately provide such unbelievable customer obsession about the “product” offering, that it influences consumers to come back for more. This requires differentiation from that of competitors or the status quo.
Keynote speaker, podcaster and best-selling author, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International, via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Training & Development, as a platform to set the stage for us to get into the memory-making business.
Key Unique Concepts will include:
- Embracing a Differentiated Service Mentality
- Virtuous vs. Vicious Cycles
- Creating Raving Fans
- Becoming Guest/Customer-Obsessed
- Building Mental Shelf Space
- Increasing Value Proposition
- Avoiding Acceptable Mediocrity
- Empowering “Rock Stars”
The time allotted is chock-a-block full of visual PowerPoint slides, out-of-the-box thinking, book quotes, videos, personal stories, industry statistics, case studies, and an interactive handout for some real “take aways”…all told through the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Even if you’re NOT a fan of unpredictability & thinking about things differently, you should still come hear what all the buzz is about.
Edu-tainment will be served!
BUILDING A ROCK STAR TEAM
How to Create an Iconic Team to Deliver Sustainable Results
How you attract, hire, train, develop and treat your front-line employees is commonly known as the one true strategy to provide stellar results—internally & externally. In lieu of managers doing all of the work themselves, a specific culture must be created & fostered to secure commitment from the “right fit” employees to stick around and deliver those desired results.
Keynote speaker, best-selling author and podcaster, Jim Knight will act as a thought-starter for the session. He will use the visceral backdrop of several well-known brands, including Hard Rock International, via his 21-year run with that brand as the head of Training & Development, as a platform to discuss key strategies to build a strong rock star team.
Unique Concepts will include:
- Best Practices in the Employee Life Cycle
- Hiring & Retaining “Rock Stars”
- Designing Collateral - Print Materials, Job Aides, Video, Technology & Social Media
- Utilizing the Power of Storytelling
- Creating an Army of Giants
- Coaching & Counseling Techniques
- Developing Mentorship
Moving at blazing speed, the time allotted is chock-a-block full of visual PowerPoint slides, out-of-the-box thinking, book quotes, videos, personal stories, industry statistics, case studies, an online audience response tool and an interactive handout for some real “take aways”…all told through the spirit of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Even if you’re NOT a fan of unpredictability & thinking about things differently when it comes to creating a rock star team, you should still come hear what all the buzz is about.
Edu-tainment will be served!
In 20 years of producing events for blue chip brands I have never seen such an engaging speaker as Jim Knight. His content is compelling, informative, relevant to the times, but most importantly, very emotionally engaging. The audience was absolutely engaged for 2 straight hours as Jim articulated his philosophy on brand building with incredible stories and characters from his experiences. We will be bringing him back!
J.C., PRINCIPAL, THE REVELRY AGENCY
As a meetings and events industry veteran, who knows so many speakers personally, I think Jim Knight is a rare gem amongst the rest. Hearing Jim's presentation on "Service That Rocks" helped me to find and hit the 'reset' button in my approach with my current and potential clients. It was just the reminder I needed about the importance of my service level and how I can use my outstanding service to win customers for life.
R.J., PRESIDENT, INSPIRED HOSPITALITY RECRUITING
Jim Knight is one of those presenters who can deliver the message and content in a way that sticks. His openness and interest in his audience is real and results in a strong connection. Five years later, we still hear references to his presentation from some of our members.
R.P., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SELECT INDEPENDENT FUNERAL HOMES
Jim's knowledge, expertise and passion on a variety of topics is beyond impressive. His ability to present important substantive ideas in compelling ways that inspire is truly a gift. There's no way to leave one of Jim's sessions without feeling energized, inspired and ready to start a revolution in your organization.
A.S., FOUNDER, BANDING PEOPLE TOGETHER
Jim Knight is the original rock star presenter! He brings an energy and vibe to his presentations unlike anything you've ever seen. We've used him on multiple occasions and he hits (& exceeds) the mark every time. I'm a huge Jim Knight fan!
J.I., PRESIDENT, COUNCIL OF HOTEL & RESTAURANT TRAINERS
Jim Knight is one of the best speakers and storytellers I know. He speaks with a one-of-a-kind entertaining, cool, irreverent style that engages any audience lucky enough to hear him on stage. His expert knowledge, captivating charm and contagious passion for building a strong culture and sustainable brand is remarkable and puts him in a league of his own. You're nuts if you don't do whatever it takes to book this guy at your next event. He's epic.
A.H., FOUNDER & CEO, BE THE CHANGE REVOLUTION
The Tennessee Chapter of MPI has had the wonderful opportunity to have Jim Knight as a keynote speaker 4 times in the last year. Our satisfaction scores were phenomenal for each event. We are excited to say that the "Let MPI Rock Your World Road Trip" which Jim was the keynote speaker, won a coveted MPI International RISE Award featured at WEC.
M.C., PRESIDENT, MEETING PROFESSIONALS INTERNATIONAL, TN CHAPTER
Jim is relevant, engaging and extremely motivating. Whether you're planning a large event or a small group session, your dynamic experience with him is sure to be unforgettable . You will be equipped with the tools, passion and vision needed to follow-through on the next steps towards accomplishing what you set out to achieve.
A.B., SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT & BRAND CHAMPION, TACO BELL
It's not often I recommend another speaker, because mainly they're full of hot air. Jim is different. He combines the rare ingredients of passion and knowledge, with the speaking ability to stand on the stage and have an audience tuned in from the first word to the last. He'd be an asset to any event line-up.
S.S., OWNER, UN-MARKETING
I have been to many seminars throughout my career, but seldom have I found the speaker to be as dynamic and passionate as Jim. He is sincere, knowledgable and possesses the uncanny ability to connect with his audience. I look forward to every opportunity to hear him speak.
M.F., CEO, PINUSA
I heard Jim speak in front of the National Association of Personnel Services. Jim is a gifted speaker and teacher. His message about hospitality was inspiring and compelling, and his delivery was passionate and engaging.
R.P., RESTAURANT EXECUTIVE RECRUITER, WRAY EXECUTIVE SEARCH
A funny thing happened on the way to the August 2012 HR Florida Conference. Our keynote speaker cancelled at the last minute! Over 1500 people were waiting. Thanks to Jim Knight's immediate response of "Yes I will be there for your group" the session was saved. What a performance! And the audience's response: "he was beyond amazing!" Who knew that the group would end up being thankful for the disappointment of losing our planned keynote. Jim was a great speaker, full of energy, humor and sage advice for HR business leaders. Jim rocked!
T.R., OWNER, HR CONTRACTOR-CONSULTANT, ROOSA & COMPANY
Jim is a talented, smart and inspirational speaker and facilitator. He is skillful at communicating core concepts and performance systems that help drive management development and productivity, but at the same time keeps it real and entertaining. I give Jim the strongest of recommendations.
N.C., GENERAL MANAGER, HARD ROCK CAFE, GATLINBUR
