Damon DiMarco

If the coronavirus were here for our good, what lesson would it be trying to teach us?

Americans asked this question after the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The answer, it turns out, is the same. When a crisis affects one of us, it affects us all. This happens because we are connected to each other in ways we cannot possibly comprehend. Ways that only become revealed to us when our very survival is at stake.

When we elevate each other, we are, in fact, elevating ourselves. History shows us time and again that the values of diversity, inclusivity, and respect are the keystones to resilience for communities of any scale regardless of what challenges they face. But many still cling to alikeness, exclusivity, blaming the Other. Even those with the best intentions sometimes fall into this trap.

Author and 9/11 historian Damon DiMarco presents this rousing lecture aimed at student bodies, leadership teams, and those who search for meaning when meaning seems to be lost.

Every creative person Gets Stuck. Writers call this writer’s block. Some actors call it actors block. Painters, dancers, musicians, sculptors … every creative person knows what Getting Stuck feels like. If creating something is Heaven, Getting Stuck is surely hell.

In this presentation, Damon DiMarco outlines his eight ‘Be Attitudes’ for getting Unstuck. Material from this presentation is sourced from Damon’s forthcoming book The Artist’s Master Key to Success. It’s the perfect keynote speech for any institute or university program in the arts -- writing, dance, theatre arts, filmmaking, music, fine arts, and sculpture. Since the essence of leadership and entrepreneurialism is creativity, this material is also valid for MBAs, leadership institutes, government training and urban planning programs, or any curriculum where problem solving is highlighted.

For centuries, people stood in awe of the alchemists — those mystical men and women who claimed they could turn lead into gold. Such efforts were whispered to be the road to riches. How was it possible, and what sacred knowledge was required to turn base metal into something priceless?

Sadly, people missed the joke. Turning lead into gold wasn’t meant literally but allegorically. Just as heaven and hell are states of mind, the concepts of lead and gold are really allusions to states of spiritual development. The art the ancient alchemists attest to this, as do the many sacred texts they left behind.

In this presentation, Damon DiMarco introduces the art of personal transformation from scientific, spiritual, and historical perspectives. This is a must-see presentation for anyone in any field looking to embark on a personal and lifelong journey of self-development.