Tyson Wooters

Tyson learned to lead while wearing white pants and standing on a ladder in front of his bands. But he admits that those elements aren’t necessarily required in the cultivation of every good leader. His formative leadership experience was as drum major of his high school marching band, a position that launched him not only into the glamorous, high-stakes world of college marching band, but taught him the value of putting service to an organization above personal glory.

Along with earning his teaching degree in music education from the University of Oregon (as well as unofficial minors in “trampoline performance” and “mascot studies”), Tyson has spent the last decade working with groups in the US and around the world. He considers himself a teacher first and foremost, though his definition of what it really means to “teach” often doesn’t require a blackboard or a textbook.

Tyson began speaking and presenting in 1998, and has apprenticed with the nationally-recognized Challenge Day organization, Mike Robbins, The Ovation Company, and other highly sought-after motivational speakers. He has worked with professional, scholastic, and civic groups ranging in size from dozens to thousands of people, including university and public school groups around the country, Merit Contractors’ Alliance, and Rotary International. He also serves on the board of directors of the Rotary Ethics Initiative.

Tyson lives in Portland, Oregon, where he curates an impressive Hawaiian shirt collection and rides his moped on sunny days. He enjoys travel, scuba diving, and quality time spent with Amy, the love of his life.

Tyson's One Sheet (450.9KB)

Always Wear Your Head
(Keynote Address)

In this multimedia keynote presentation, Tyson draws on his years as the Oregon Duck–a beloved and award-winning NCAA mascot–to illuminate the life-altering power of being a part of something much larger than yourself. Members of organizations both large and small, whether college sports fans or not, will enjoy this presentation’s blend of humor and insight, and will come away newly energized about working to achieve shared goals.

Step Up to Leadership
(Modular Workshop Series 1 day – 4 days)

The presence of phenomenal leaders is what separates truly successful organizations from those merely getting the job done. This four-part program uses breakout sessions, full group presentations, and experiential learning to help group members grow from membership to leadership. In half- or full-day workshops tailored to your organization’s specific needs, Tyson provides the tools, vocabulary, and inspiration needed to build and maintain great leadership.

Building Cultural Competency
(Diversity Workshop Full or half day)

We are all members of a society where effective communication across borders–whether real or metaphorical–is increasingly necessary. Tyson uses his own experiences living and working on four continents to help the members of your organization realize their own cultural assumptions, and to build strategies for communication that neutralize those barriers.

Building Your Team Through Fun and Education
(Teambuilding Workshop Full or half day)

This fun, high-energy workshop uses modeling, group activities, games, and experiential learning to provide the skills and language for effective communication and positive dispute resolution. Tyson’s simple yet effective techniques for giving and receiving feedback, expressing gratitude, and using positive language will eliminate the need for leaders to micromanage disputes while empowering each team member.

You’re not Leading Robots
(Leadership Workshop 1 – 3 Hours)

Whether you’re leading one person or a team of hundreds, there’s one thing you can’t escape: you’re leading people. The human factor is at once our greatest strength and our greatest weakness; it’s what brings us the creativity to solve problems, and it’s the source of all the interpersonal drama that can slow progress to a halt. Learn how to bring your group together as a team by reaching different individuals on their terms, not yours.

Taking the Static Out of Your Feedback
(Managers’ Workshop Full or half day)

According to employees, 61% of managers give ineffective feedback. Don’t be one of them. Tyson’s techniques quickly give managers a new, more effective vocabulary for expressing both criticism and praise. The skills learned in this workshop, along with the new perspective it imparts, will empower leaders at every level of any organization to head more productive, effective, and happy teams.

We Can See Clearly Now
(Mission Statement Writing Workshop Full or half day)

The success of an organization is highly dependent on the clarity with which each and every member can see (and agree on) that organization’s goals. To achieve that shared horizon, Tyson mediates a group discussion in which all members are given space to voice their issues, disagreements, and visions for the future. The conversation results in both a concrete mission statement and a newly clarified sense of common purpose, two things which never fail to reap incredible rewards in the daily operations of any organization.