Don Ness
Award-winning author and former Duluth Mayor, Don Ness brings to the podium a combination of unusual insight, dry humor, and authentic vulnerability few speakers can master. If a person can have a brand, his is wry and gritty, mixed with humble and genuine. Ness served more than 20 years in public leadership, culminating with a 91 percent job approval rating in his role as Mayor of the City of Duluth. During this time, he was honored with the titles of both Twin Cities Business Person of the Year and the Labovitz School of Business and Economics Business Person of the Year. His book "Hillsider" has won multiple awards including the Midwest Book Award. Ness believes a leader can create significant value and collaboration through a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, and by demonstrating a modest, restrained, and thoughtful use of authority within a leadership position. Speaking themes include: economic & community development; public leadership; outdoor recreation; values based leadership; communications using strategic narratives; workforce development.
Award-winning author and former Duluth Mayor, Don Ness brings to the podium a combination of unusual insight, dry humor, and authentic vulnerability few speakers can master. If a person can have a brand, his is wry and gritty, mixed with humble and genuine. Ness served more than 20 years in public leadership, culminating with a 91 percent job approval rating in his role as Mayor of the City of Duluth. During this time, he was honored with the titles of both Twin Cities Business Person of the Year and the Labovitz School of Business and Economics Business Person of the Year. His book "Hillsider" has won multiple awards including the Midwest Book Award. Ness believes a leader can create significant value and collaboration through a willingness to challenge conventional thinking, and by demonstrating a modest, restrained, and thoughtful use of authority within a leadership position. Speaking themes include: economic & community development; public leadership; outdoor recreation; values based leadership; communications using strategic narratives; workforce development.
Think Outside the Building
To Thine Own Self Be True
Growing up the son of a pastor of a non-denominational Christian Church, Ness developed solid core values at an early age. In this presentation he talks about prioritizing his faith, family, and community while juggling a career and politics. Learn how to remain true to your own judgement, principals and conscience, leading to sound, true and just decisions in all areas of your life.
Own it /Solve it – The Courage to Own Unpopular Problems
Creating a Renaissance – Strategic Narratives in Communities and Organizations
A look into how Duluth's transformation was inspired by a shared understanding of its common story. We'll focus on three considerations: framework, context, and patience, and create a strategic narrative as a key tool in addressing all three. Let's dig into the substantial benefits of generating a strategic narrative: a strong sense of purpose, a clearer sense of how to prioritize, and defining a story that tells others who you are. This presentation will help your organization...
The Great Equilibrium – Social Media and Public Leadership
These days organizations, government bodies and businesses are using social media to increase transparency, re-enforce their brands, encourage participation, and inspire buy-in. This address on social media and leadership focuses on how public-facing leaders can effectively use social media in authentic and effective ways.
