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The Inspiring Esquire or A Humanistic Attorney or A Caring Lawyer – No OXYMORON HERE

July 28, 2010

A HUMANISTIC ATTORNEY – NO OXYMORON HERE

In today’s job market, well paying positions in the field you love and the city you what to live are difficult to come by and should be coveted. So why would anyone leave the top spot in the legal department of a solid, successful company with over a billion dollars in sales? Why indeed? Well, that is exactly what John Baumann did. We sat down with him and asked, Why? His reasons were not at all what we expected.

I did some heavy thinking and I truly believe that my legacy is to help others learn how to be more successful and individuals in organizations learn a more humanistic approach to management, including lawyers. Over the years, I have accepted dozens invitations to speak to audiences varying in size from a 30 to over 250 attendees. Deep down, I realized that I felt most alive, fulfilled, and necessary when I sensed that I was ‘reaching’ or ‘touching’ others. I, for the past three years, have gotten a taste of this new life direction while teaching at University of Louisville. My style of presentation is part audience involvement, part memorable storytelling and part humor (some will dispute the humor part) while having very real ‘Tangible Takeaways’ and sharing extremely relevant subject matter. In fact, what could be more relevant than providing a game plan for individuals (the nine success principles) to Learn Success Today .

I also examined my over two decades of experience as an attorney and developed a model called, Proactive Prevention: A Corporate Culture Approach. How humanistic is it to eliminate, actually eliminate, harassment in the workplace? How about to create a workplace that is so humanistic that employees have no need to bring in a union, thus, retaining the ability to be paid the entire amount of money that they are due without having a portion of their hard earned pay diverted to a union in the form of dues? Simply put, I believe that my mission is to replicate what was achieved at my former employer in as many organizations as possible

With 1,500 employees, 1,200 of which on industrial plant floors, a company can expect two, three, four (possibly more) harassment lawsuits per year. Throw into the mix the diversity of the workforce – various religions, races, and national origins – women working on the plant floor – and the record becomes even more impressive. It gets even better, these 15 plants are not limited to traditionally non-litigious locations, try instead, Detroit, Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, northern Indiana, and central Ohio.

The Proactive Harassment Prevention Program has resulted in ZERO HARASSMENT LAWSUITS OVER THE PAST DECADE.

THAT’S RIGHT – NO LAWSUITS EVEN FILED.

Is this Proactive PreventionÔ Program Cost Effective?  Definitely: Lower Outside Counsel Bills; Eliminate/reduce payout of settlements; Lower Insurance Premiums; Lower Turnover/ Absenteeism (Reduce training costs); Lower Corporate Overhead (HR and Law departments); Eliminate distractions – indirect cost; and Retain Quality Employees.

Is the Program Humanistic?  –  You tell me

No Harassment (or immediately and properly addressed)

Corporate Culture: Appreciation & Respect

John Baumann delighted his audience …his blend of scholarship and personal experience, of humor and seriousness, of compassion and zeal was a wonder to behold. John’s storytelling and charisma combined to get his point across in a memorable way. His many observations resulted in each of us increasing our level of awareness.

Testimonials

What a wonderful presentation, John! You were wonderful and I am so grateful you shared your story. We were receiving excellent feedback in the chat too:

That was fantastic information, thank you for your candor and humor! Awesome 🤩 talk and info ! Thanks much. It’s hard, thanks for sharing. Thank you for sharing your story and for your positive attitude. It’s important to hear this message. This was just what I needed. Thank you so much. you are an inspiration, thank you!

As we stated, we hit 100 participants at 3:09!

Thank you again,

Eden Feldman, LCSW Associate Director, Community

I do not have the words to thank you enough for making the trip to Dallas to do two presentations for us at CC young. You truly are special and a rockstar and clearly touched many lives today. It is a victory! I was able to run all over campus and welcome guests and host you. It was a victory. Thanks to you for helping me think that way. We will catch you on the next round. Get some rest my friend. Safe travels. And know we love you from CC Young and Dallas!

Patty CC Young and Dallas

“After two years of not being able to hear speakers in person , I was thrilled to have John Bauman as a speaker at our “ Living Well With Parkinson’s’ Gala!. Not only was John engaging and inspiring to get to know off stage , on stage he truly drove home the theme of empowerment to our audience and left our growing community of attendees with several “ aha “ moments and desire to hear more. He spoke from personal experience as a Parkinson’s patient ,inspiring the audiences motivation to truly wish to make a difference and uniting us all in our humanity. Attendees after listening to John , felt inspired to make a difference in the world and do their part to create change for those living with Parkinson’s. My only regret was not being able to spend more time with John and I look forward to having him speak again to our audience.”

Naomi Wong WPP Program Manager

John’s message of hope, inspiration and laughter was ideal for anyone living with PD. He was extremely flexible and a delight to work with.

Leisha Phipps, MSW Program Director - Dallas Area Parkinson Society

We all felt inspired and enjoyed listening to your presentation. Even though we are not living with Parkinson’s, we felt boost of motivation to continue helping those who are living with this disease. I am motivated to make more personal phone calls to people living with PD and asking how they are doing. Sometimes that “extra” bit of kindness truly makes a difference to someone. I am also motivated to research program ideas and partner with other organizations that may have similar values.

I learned that life is unexpected and that you cannot control it. What matters is your attitude!

-Great way to end the day, brave man, thank you very much!

-Good, excellent, great, outstanding speaker, very moving!

-Inspirational who just “gets it”

-Positive thinker and very funny!

-Honest speaker but also humorous!

Parkinson’s Society of Southwest Ontario, Canada, Symposium Keynote Presentation

“whatever hand life deals you, whatever life changing adversity you have to endure, you still have some control over it.” “You don’t have to just to live well,” he advises,” but live an Amazing Life.” The formula he proposes: Faith in yourself, discipline, determination, desire, intensity, and inner strength.

MARY SPREMULLI VOICE AEROBICS

Yes, you touched every person at our conference, who will in turn change and impact so many others. The feedback from our participants was overwhelmingly positive. You are the only speaker to ever receive a standing ovation. Thank you for taking time to share, motivate and inspire. We are blessed to know you.

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING REHABILITATION HOSPITAL

I will be honest. During the first 10 minutes of your presentation, I started reading work related material on my laptop. For surely, I had watched your You-Tube and seen your videos and knew what to expect. Surely, as a therapist I had studied this disease, the pathological components, the psychological components, the treatment alternatives……..Surely, I understand it.

Not so much. You caught my attention and I was enthralled. You were able to couple the impairments you experience with the emotions felt. You walked us through your life with the disease through “your eyes”. A perspective that a therapist/nurse rarely has the chance to hear. We get so busy telling patients how to deal with x, y and z, but our eyes are blurred by the science of it all most of the time.

You did it through truth, Through your humor, humility and determination to tell your story. One that most deservedly needs to be shared.

I will advocate to have you share your story. I appreciate your determination, diligence and dedication.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REHABILITATION HOSPITAL