Speaker

I really love speaking to groups, big and small.  My presentations include visuals, some concrete concepts, real life examples and stories, some humour, and actions that can be taken for maximum impact.  I have spoken to audiences of all sizes –  from large groups as part of a conference, to medium-sized professional development seminars, to small coaching groups in my living room.

I tailor my talks to the group’s demographics and goals, and can create a customized presentation for your group.  Length can also vary, depending on your needs. Contact me at merna@mondomundo.co to get started!

Here are some examples of what I would be happy to speak about:

Using Your Power

We all have more power than we realize.  Too often we allow expectations of others (and ourselves) limit our expressions.  We settle.  We focus on working hard instead of living hard.  We put our money into material goods, instead of what will really bring us joy and meaning.  We also make our worlds small by living within the confines of our comfort zones.  When we push ourselves beyond these confines, followed our own hearts instead of the well-intended advice of others, and put our values into action, we experience the most meaning, joy, and fulfillment.  Find out how to use your power to live with greater joy and meaning, and make greater changes in the world.

 

Make a Difference through Traveling

Travel is a powerful way to make a difference, both to the country you are visiting, and to yourself.  Find out how you can travel responsibly, using sustainable principles, to positively impact the local people and environment.  I will cover ways to engage in the culture, and have meaningful hands-on experiences.  Including volunteering as part of your overall travel itinerary can also be an important component.  Find out how to find these opportunities and engage in a responsible and meaningful way.

 

Volunteering Abroad

Volunteering abroad, or voluntourism, is a popular choice these days.  It can be a wonderful way to put your values, skills and interests into action, engage with the local community and make a difference.  Unfortunately not all have this positive experience.  Find out what options are available, how to choose whether to go-it-alone or with an organization, how to choose an organization, and how to prepare for your experiences.  Coming home and experiencing “reverse culture shock” can be challenging, so we will also look at what to expect, how to deal with these reactions, and how to continue making a difference.

 

Lessons from Abroad

After living in a variety of countries around the globe, I have learned some secrets of life.  By taking the best of all worlds and building on the values, ideas, and norms of many cultures, the whole world becomes our teacher.  By combining the ways of others together with our western ways, a more informed and enlightened way to live emerges. This leads to greater happiness, purpose, and better choices.

 

Live an Inspired Life

How much joy and passion do you have?  What regrets will you have at the end of your life?  Learn how to live the life you were meant – one with meaning, purpose, energy, passion, and joy.  Too many people are disgruntled in their life.  They go through the robotic motions of the days, which turn into weeks, months, and then years.  We were all put on this earth for a purpose and to not live out that purpose results in a life less than what we are meant for.  Through this session you can begin to lead the life of purpose, joy, and passion that you were designed for.

 

How to Set Up a Global Helping Program

‘Hearts and Hands Around the World’, an innovative solidarity program, was a program I set up in 34 schools in the Middle East.  Students learned about other people’s needs and took action on local and global levels. They learned about teamwork, and developed skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, decision making, goal setting, problem solving and action strategizing. Over 1,100 teachers and 18,000 students from K to gr. 12 were involved, with those gr. 5 and up serving on the committees.  Many steps were necessary to implement this highly successful program in just one year. It was truly life changing for these students.