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  1. Home
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  3. Joel A. Freeman
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Joel A. Freeman

PhD
CEO, Chief Mischief Maker
The Freeman Institute®
Country or state 
United States
Available to 
Global
City 
Washington, DC
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
Yes

Personal Details

Bio

GIVE the next 328 seconds. Your time won't be wasted. WATCH the 3 sizzle videos below (total 328 sec).

EVENT PLANNERS give enthusiastic 5-star-ratings to Dr. Freeman for:

• WOW Factor

• Punctuality

• Responsiveness

• Audience Engagement

• Value

With travels to 55+ countries, Joel is a seasoned professional with a large number of 5-star reviews written by enthusiastic event planners from around the world to show you "engaging, smart and funny..."

You need to be able to rely on your speaker to meet your exact needs -- positively impacting your audience. And he will deliver.

When you call (410.991.9718), ask Joel why there is a big Shaq shoe on the podium (picture at top of page). And while you're at it, ask if he will be bringing that same shoe when he speaks at your organization.

His most requested topic is: "Dealing With People Who Drive You Crazy!"®

Joel Freeman has earned a solid reputation. For more than 25 years, he has been called upon by meeting planners and executives from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, Heads of State, civic organizations, and professional associations to provide the message that can make a difference. And in critical situations where the message really does need to make a difference.

PERSONAL NOTE from Joel

"For 20 NBA seasons I served as player development mentor and character coach to the Washington Bullets/Wizards team -- surviving 6 coaching changes. These types of experiences have given me a unique inside perspective into team chemistry, leadership, stress, change management, cultural competency, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence and winning/losing at the pro level. Because of my rigorous training and eclectic life experiences...meeting/event planners from around the world call upon me to facilitate top-knotch events and keynote addresses for all types of organizations. Perhaps even yours..."

5-STAR REVIEWS:

"Dr. Freeman’s wit, winsome style, organized presentation and strong knowledge of the subject combined to make an indelible impact upon the morale, productivity and general emotional climate of our team. The tangible value that has been added to our interaction with each other can be traced back to this program." -- GE Medical Systems

“Thank you for your fantastic presentation...your remarks...were perfect...hope to see you again!" -- White House Communications

"...Joel was the best keynote we ever had!" -- NERSC conference

"Joel is extremely knowledgeable and a great communicator. Everyone in our group was very impressed with his presentation. We will have him back again." -- National Counterterrisim Center

"Joel was real, engaging and warmly received by the team..." -- Premier Dental Products

Phone: 410.991.9718

BIO: https://JoelSpeaksRealGood.com

WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Freeman

Current position (1)

CEO, Chief Mischief Maker

The Freeman Institute®

Degrees (1)
Psychology
Loyola University (Baltimore)
1982 to 1985

Presentations

Presentations (13)
Dealing With People Who Drive You Crazy®

A study at Carnegie indicated shown that 15% of financial and career success can be attributed to technical competence, while 85% is due to good interpersonal skills. We all are different. Some of us are thinkers, others are doers, some are passive, and still others are aggressive. Most people come to work with pretty good intentions, but we get on each other's nerves just by being ourselves. At this event we will have a lot of fun discussing how our interpersonal skills can be enhanced at both work & home. We also unpack three specific areas where conflict emerges and then share strategies for conflict resolution.

When Strangling Someone Isn't An Option!

This event is all about emotional intelligence, conflict resolution and dealing with anger. It actually is a lot of fun, while the attendees learn about the ten skills for dealing with conflict and also five different values that can lead to anger. Extremely informative and a non-confrontational awakening experience for all...

When "Hurricane Bigotry" Collides With Common Sense

This event provides remarkable insight into unconscious bias, stereotypical thinking and cross-cultural competency...

DIVERSITY: The Value of Mutual Respect

My philosophy in presenting the subject of diversity is best understood when considering an onion with its many layers. Cultural. Professional status. Religious affiliation. Disability awareness. Generational influences. Gender differences. And so much more. Each layer presents another opportunity to discuss the best ways to work together with greater harmony, understanding and mutual respect. This is relevant in counseling, leadership, teamwork and when dealing with interpersonal conflict. Everyone approaches workforce diversity in their own style -- www.DiversityCrazy.com

All Stressed Out And Nobody To Choke!

Dr. Freeman provides some unique insights to your personality and how it can contribute to both Distress (the bad stuff) and Eustress (the good stuff). He then ends with ten "out-of-the-box" concepts for dealing with stress...

When Selflessness, Purpose & Power COLLIDE: Leading With Why

Over the decades, Dr. Joel Freeman has worked with world class professional athletes, Heads of State and CEOs – leaders who generally are unaccustomed to hearing the word “no”. However, people promoted to powerful positions quickly learn how impotent they really are. Blending the authenticity of that internal awareness with high-octane performance is an art form.

Just about every individual and corporation knows what they do. Many know how they do what they do. Very few know why they do what they do. Discovering your purpose...why you do what you do...is perhaps the most important part of leadership and followership. The time spent with Dr. Freeman will be both educational and fun. An important exploration into the purpose and implementation of power – both individually and corporately.

A White Man’s Journey Into Black History

Documents and artifacts from my Black History collection have been showcased at the United Nations, Clinton Presidential Library. White House, Secret Service, FBI, Department of Justice and many other venues. I usually bring a small exhibit and even use some of the items in my presentation. This presentation has been very well received by all audiences – www.WhiteMansStory.com

Cracking The Code to Problem-Solving on Your Team

I have created the world’s first and only full size, 3D replica of the famous Rosetta Stone. Found in 1799 on the west bank of the Nile by French soldiers, this 1,700 pound fragment of an ancient slab gave up the clues that ultimately cracked the code to hieroglyphics some 23 years later in 1822 – unlocking the secrets of ancient Egypt – www.RosettaStoneHistory.com

Lessons From Blades of Grass in a Concrete Jungle

Concrete is a metaphor for all of the internal and external systems that seek to hold us down. The blades of grass are metaphors for the people who have cracked through the concrete.

The thicker the concrete, the more inspirational the story.

This event is filled with inspirational stories of people who have cracked through to great success.

If Nobody Loves You, CREATE The Demand!®

This event is especially designed for the following six categories of individuals -– a great seminar experience for people who are ready to learn practical advice and realistic solutions for the myriad of issues that most entrepreneurs face:

1. Pre-Entrepreneur: Someone who is thinking about taking the leap into his or her own business.

2. Budding Entrepreneur: Someone who has already taken the leap and is into the first phases of entrepreneurship.

3. Seasoned / Serial Entrepreneur: Someone who has a fair amount of experience, looking for ways to share his or her expertise with others.

4. Corporate Entrepreneur: Someone who works in a corporate environment that requires a fair amount of entrepreneurial instincts.

5. Turnkey Entrepreneur: Someone involved in an organization (e.g. direct sales, network marketing, franchise, real estate, etc.).

6. Social Entrepreneur: Socially responsible, with business enterprises that allow them to “do good while doing well.”

The Surprising Benefits of Unselfishness

Teamwork. Teamwork. Teamwork. Value added, with a purpose greater than ourselves....

Connecting Now With Later

Especially designed for students and perhaps even at-risk youth...trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives...

IGNITE (or re-ignite) Your Entrepreneurial Passion

An excellent event -- filled with life wisdom, creative thinking, smart ideas and motivation -- for entrepreneurs.

Past talks (6)
Dealing With People Who Drive You Crazy
US Supreme Court -- leadership team
Washington, DC
December 31, 2000
A White Man's Journey Into Black History
White House Communications Agency
Washington, DC
December 31, 2013
"When Your Students Drive You Crazy! -- Leadership Skills for Educators
AISA -- Association of International Schools for Africa
Kenya, Botswana, and Ghana
December 31, 2005
The Mysterious Rosetta Stone: Cracking the Code to Your Team's Success
RE/MAX Owners/Operators Leadership Conference
Bedford Springs, PA
December 31, 2015
All Stressed Out and No One To Choke
CEO Multinational Leadership Forum
Colombo, Sri Lanka
December 31, 2015
DIVERSITY: The Value of Mutual Respect
NSA -- National Security Agency
Ft. Meade, Maryland
December 31, 2003
  • All (2)
  • Videos
  • Photos (1)
  • One sheet (1)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any videos yet.
Speaking at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Speaking at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
This speaker hasn't uploaded any slides yet.
Joel A. Freeman, Ph.D. -- One Pager
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (5)

If Nobody Loves You CREATE The Demand
Authentic,
2009
Return To Glory: The Powerful Stirring of the Black Man
Destiny Image,
2003
When Life Isn't Fair
New Leaf Press,
2000
A White Man's Journey Into Black History
Free*Man Publishing,
2005
A White Man's Journey Into Black History

Expertise (26)

Health & Well-being
Entertainment & Art
Education
Skills & Trades
Leadership
Staff Development Cultural Diversity Emotional Intelligence Facilitator Building effective teams Teamwork and Teambuilding Conflict resolution Anger Management Conflict and Anger Management Unconscious Bias Stress Management Executive Coaching confidence in sales Change Management Organizational Development Corporate Entrepreneurship cross cultural competency Black History Creative Problem Solving family business 21st Century Leadership

Clients

White House Communications Agency
Supreme Court of the United States
Association of International Schools of Africa (AISA)
US Sentencing Commission
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
National Security Agency (NSA)
RE/MAX Real Estate
Verizon
Federal Bureau of Investgation (FBI)
Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA)
Ikea
EMI Music Group
General Electric (GE)
Carrier Corporation
Rutgers University
E! Entertainment Television
Blacks In Government (BIG)
Secret Service
National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC)
European Council of International Schools (ECIS)
Nigerian National Assembly Service Commission
Permanent Secretaries of Barbados

Awards & certifications (1)

"We Share The Dream" Award
Annual MLK, Jr. Awards Banquet, Maryland
2015

Reviews

Testimonials (22)
  • Our leadership team loved Dr. Freeman's presentation!!!!
    Lan L
    Verified
  • A few words that come to mind when reflecting on our experience with Joel: Courteous, respectful, interesting, captivating, dynamic, humble, and kind. He was prompt, prepared, and professional in his presentation. Our group was engaged and rated him as outstanding and the subject matter was extremely valuable. We will invite him back to future events!
    Sarah W.
    Verified
  • Great Presentation - He needs more time to talk. - Speaker is very animated - certainly kept me awake.
    Francine K.
    Verified
  • Very professional and friendly interaction! I was personally engaged during the seminar. I took copious amounts of notes. I really gained valuable insights from the session. Likewise, the other participating individuals were engaged and reported that the seminar was valuable in achieving its objective. He did his research well and was very effective in customizing the seminar to the needs of our organization. Thus, lending the session to be immediately relevant and practical. I highly recommend Dr. Freeman---he is truly a professional with vast knowledge base.
    Orinda. R.
    Verified
  • Excellent speaker - Exceptional! Well done! - Speaker effectiveness off the chart! Amazing! Best speech in a while! - Please bring Mr. Freeman back each year. - Great speaker and topic!
    Nigel Y.
    Verified
  • Joel did an amazing job presenting to our middle and high schools about Rachel's Challenge. His message of kindness and compassion was inspirational and a great way to kick-off our positive school culture initiative in these schools!
    Ami P.
    Verified
  • Joel was exceptionally easy to work with. He was flexible in tailoring his presentation to our member's needs. His visual were legible for the large ballroom. He communicated frequently with our team and showed great interest in the engagement.
    Harvey G.
    Verified
  • Dr. Joel Freeman was a joy to work with from the beginning of the planning, to the completed presentation! He was able to keep the attention of the audience the entire time!
    Janine D.
    Verified
  • Dr Joel is incredibly talented, worked within my budget and gave me the best service. He is a great motivational speaker, It was great meeting him. Everybody in his training class was happy and highly motivated. His training session was rated the best of my 7-day programs by the government officials from Nigeria. He is awesome, I would love to work with again and again.
    Samuel O.
    Verified
  • He was one of my favorite speakers. Kept my attention. Very positive and informative.
    Lance H.
    Verified
  • Joel spent time preparing prior to the meeting which sets him apart from the rest who utilize cookie cutter info....We were very impressed with the feedback we received from the team! I would use him again.
    Jim C.
    Verified
  • Really, really enjoyed Dr. Freeman. I learned a lot of new ideas and different ways to get along, deal and understand people. I would highly recommend Dr. Freeman to anyone looking for a charismatic, intelligent and substantive speaker!
    Nancy C.
    Verified
  • Joel did a great job and delivered just what our staff needed. He tailored his PD with personal information about our company/program which resonated with the staff. Staff members stated they would like to see him provide additional training for us in the future.
    Donilee A.
    Verified
  • Dr Freeman presented at our company wide sales meeting, a captivating sales program of personality and behavioral styles. He was real, engaging and warmly received by the team. Joel fluidly adapted his presentation to the programming quirks the meeting presented and made the entire morning appear fully rehearsed and well produced. Most important though was the pay off. Dr. Freeman got into our heads and souls as he asked the important question, why we do what we do. Quietly, yet powerfully, he took us from “interesting” to “trembling”; from nodding our heads in agreement to wiping away a tear!
    Alan K.
    Verified
  • Dr. Joel Freeman recently presented at a training seminar for our staff. We found him to be engaging and motivating. Dr. Freeman challenged our team to find ways to improve themselves based on their personality style, and gave us tools so that we could understand and effectively work with our colleagues.
    US Attorney's Office (USDOJ), WV District
    Verified
  • I would like to thank Dr. Freeman for coming to my agency and giving an excellent presentation on "Dealing With People Who Drive You Crazy At Work" Here are some feedback from the participants: I will use the task of treating people the way you would like to be treated. Great presenter - very engaging. The examples were easy to relate too. LONGER :) Dr. Freeman was great, it would be awesome if we could get more! This course would be beneficial in assisting all employees to better understand their coworkers and improve work relationships.
    Michael T.
    Verified
  • Joel did an amazing job at the NERSC conference. He was very engaging, smart and funny. He kept people paying attention and tuned in. I heard from many Resident Service Coordinators (RSC) that they loved his presentation. One told me he was the best keynote we ever had. He was very professional and reachable. He shared some of his personal experiences, but just the right amount. This included a huge shoe from a basketball player (he worked with in the past) that more than a few folks came up to get pictures/selfies with. I know his work will help many people be more kind in the way they look at people who are different, which will improve relationship for those they work with and those they serve. We were very pleased with his work for us. We would highly recommend him for other conferences. He went out of his way to negotiate a way to be able to serve us, which was very appreciated.
    Liz H.
    Verified
  • My experience with Joel A Freeman was that he is a consummate professional and brilliant at what he does. He not only took the time to learn about our industry and related it to his presentation, but he personally interviewed employees to better understand their perceptions and feelings with regard to the organization. His presentation was thought-provoking and insightful; humorous yet relatable; and energetic and poignant. I would recommend Joel to any organization and would welcome him back to our with open arms!
    Sonja J.
    Verified
  • Thank you for your fantastic presentation to the men and women of the White House Communications Agency (WHCA). Your remarks, linkages to the White House, and table full of historical items were perfect. We will always remember your “grass and concrete” perspectives and challenge! Thanks again for sharing your message. Hope to see you again.
    Commander
    White House Communications Agency (WHCA)
    Verified
  • Joel was very well received by our audience. They loved him and the information he shared was relevant to the audience. We would highly recommend him as a speaker!
    Carol Y.
    Verified
  • Dr. Freeman clearly and engagingly presented a daylong seminar titled “Dealing with People Who Drive You Crazy” to our department. With catch lines such as “you have two ears and one mouth for a reason” and “If you want to go fast, go alone and if you want to go far, go together”. Dr. Freeman’s presentation offered new insights, kept the audience engaged and elicited laughter throughout. He helped us understand our personality type and why some people drive us crazy more than others. Dr. Freeman was a great facilitator and consummate professional. We recommend him for your next event!
    Huda E.
    International Monetary Fund (IMF)
    Verified
  • Dr. Freeman was very engaging and our audience of over 400 folks were following and participating in his presentation. Would recommend him for your next program.
    Tim O.
    Verified
Recommendations
Why choose me? 

You'll know in the 328 seconds it takes to watch 3 sizzle videos > https://JoelSpeaksRealGood.com

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