
Meet Ken Futch, professional speaker, humorist, career coach, author and survivor of his own life. As president of Ken Futch and Associates, an Atlanta-based training company that teaches organizations and individuals how to turn situations into opportunities and opportunity into success, Ken has trained more than 100,000 people in seminars held throughout North America and Europe.
Stranger-than-Fiction Story
He may not be the poster boy for firearms safety, but he sure can tell a story. Ken founded his company in 1986 after 11 years in sales and management with at&t, where he bested a group of 6,000 salespeople to become the No. 1 revenue producer, which led to his selection as the top instructor at at&t’s prestigious National Sales School in Denver, CO.
A past president of the Georgia Speakers Association and a former Toastmasters International humor champion, he delivers more than 100 high-impact programs each year for such internationally recognized companies as Aflac, Coca-Cola, GE, Lockheed, PepsiCo, Sony, USF&G, Volvo and, of course, at&t.
Though he counts his education as starting at his father’s ESSO station in his native Burgaw, N.C., Ken graduated from the University of North Carolina with a bachelor’s of science in business administration.
A believer in lifelong learning, he has worked through the years to continue his education. After being drafted out of college into the U.S. Army, Ken graduated from Officer Candidate School and successfully served as a combat platoon leader in Vietnam. And in 1993, he earned the designation of Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) from the National Speakers Association, a five-year education and experiential process.
He is the author of Take Your Best Shot, a book that uses his most famous mishap—accidentally shooting himself in the head—as a springboard for teaching readers how to “turn situations into opportunities.” Published in 2005, the book weaves Ken’s multiple experiences into a tapestry of career and life advice
1) Managing Change “Grabbing on or Holding on?”
How do you react to change? Do you hold on to the old or grab on to the new? Managing change isn’t just recognizing the need to change, but knowing how to change. During this humorous and high-energy program, you will acquire the insights and tools to reframe change and to embrace the potential that change offers.
2) Leadership “Give Your Rifle Away”
Gain the single greatest motivation tool available for creating passion. An entertaining and provocative program that provides practical principles and techniques for achieving results.
3) Motivation “Take Your Best Shot!”
A moment can change a life. Ken’s astonishing true story of how he accidentally shot himself in the head – and how it opened his mind! Hilarious, inspiring and motivating, you will get a (w)hole new perspective on how to turn situations into opportunities.
4) Customer Service “Providing Lagniappe”
Move beyond the basics and learn the two necessary requirements to create memorable customer service experiences. Discover how to turn that disgruntled customer into a sales opportunity. An upbeat message designed for organizations seeking to increase client retention.
5) Team Building “Bushy Eyebrows and Other Misperceptions”
Learn what teams value most while avoiding the common pitfalls that can destroy employee morale. This fast-paced program emphasizes the importance of respecting individuality while enhancing group identity. Take home valuable tools for improving communication and building trust.
6) Presentation Skills “Presenting Persuasively”
Empower your speech for effective delivery by utilizing the hidden persuaders that enable powerful presentations. Learn how to control nerves, organize material, incorporate humor and handle Q&A sessions. Leave knowing you have the ability to connect with demanding audiences.