"Jim is an amazing
person ,as his impressive resume would indicate, and graciously agreed to come
speak to our kids about the ways they can improve their lives through positive
thinking, goal setting, prioritizing and reflective thinking, leading to
greater personal power.
"Jim says "Some people
confuse power with aggression or control. Power is about fulfilling our nature
and using the abundance of our human potential. If you really want to benefit
others, cultivate your own personal power." Sound familiar?
Hyde School
and Jim see eye to eye on the importance of developing student's
confidence and their sense of control over their destiny.
"The kids received him
with great spirit and rapt attention! His program took up the whole morning
,but you wouldn't have known it by the extent of the questions, opinions,
hopes and dreams that flew back and forth between Jim and the kids.
"It was a day that
will not be forgotten as no one could have left the room without many things
to ponder in terms of their own search for personal power and fulfillment.
"He's done so many things at such a high level I couldn't help but learn from
him," one student wrote. Another was effusive in their praise of his
presentation, saying "I've studied martial arts for years and never had the
heart of it explained to me so succinctly."
"Many faculty poked
their heads into the room and found themselves staying to listen. "It's was
good for the kids to hear Jim reinforce the ideals we teach here at Hyde in
another form," one astounded teacher said.
"All in all, it
was a good day for all who sat in fascination listening to a man who was so
obviously committed to getting the best from himself and to teaching others
how to do the same for themselves. We thank Jim for coming and sharing
himself and his powerful message with the Hyde Community."
John
Chesterton
Humanities Department
Hyde School
Bath, Maine
"The Pine Tree Council, Boy
Scouts of America asked Jim Bouchard to speak at a planning conference with
four other Boy Scout Councils in attendance. Jim was very good at targeting
his talk to professional Scouters; he understood what we do and why we
do it. He engaged the group, and facilitated discussion very well, by asking
direct and rhetorical questions and asking for feedback.
He also used
many anecdotes to relate to the audience and tell his story.
"Jim’s message was about individuals having the
power to make their lives what they want them to be. Jim explained he is not
a motivator, but an instigator, because it is up to individuals to motivate
themselves. He did a nice job tying this into what we do as
professional Scouters and the aims of the Boy Scouts of America. Leadership
development is our focus, and making the youth understand they are responsible
for their actions and their own development is crucial.
"Personally, I walked away energized and refocused
on my job. It was encouraging for someone who does not have much of a
background in Scouting to come in and understand and appreciate what we do.
Jim’s talk made me step back and take a look at what I do, and remind me why I
started doing it. After listening to Jim I was excited to do my job and help
the 300 volunteers I work with provide the Scouting program to nearly 1,200
youth."
Steve Saucier
District Executive
Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America
