How I challenged my own assumptions
January 24, 2024
I was recently invited by RL Leaders to work with two teams from the US Department of Defense, one from the Navy and one from the Pentagon. I was certainly honoured and flattered but I was also ambivalent. As a bit of a pacifist, I just wasn’t sure if we’d have shared values. I had some fears around ‘supporting the military-industrial complex’ and interacting with people that might pronounce “America” as “Murica!"
Before committing to presenting at the events, I hemmed and hawed over the decision. I weighed the pros and cons of taking the gig. I talked with friends and colleagues. To be honest, I spent quite a bit of energy over the decision.
In talking with one of my close friends about it, I came to a realization. I travel all over North America speaking to groups, facilitating workshops, performing magic shows - all in service of helping people challenge assumptions so they can see new possibilities and get unstuck. My whole “brand” is about challenging assumptions. So, if that’s the case, maybe I should challenge my own.
So I accepted the gig and traveled to Washington D.C. I’m so glad that I did! It was a great experience from start to finish. Each and every person I met was kind, enthusiastic and positive. I got the sense that they genuinely want to make the world a better and safer place for everyone. My time with the Navy TANG team was so enriching. They are a team of problem solvers who believe that empathy is a superpower. They help other Navy teams solve real-world challenges through design thinking, prototyping and relentless curiosity. I really enjoyed presenting to (and working with) this exceptional team.
This experience reminded me of the importance of recognizing and challenging our assumptions. If I had allowed my opinions and assumptions to get the better of me, I’d have missed out on meeting a lot of great people and having a really cool experience. It would have been easy for me to lean back into the comfortable space of my assumptions. In fact, it was really hard and uncomfortable for me to challenge them. (I’ve also been trying to get more comfortable doing uncomfortable things, so this was a perfect chance to flex those muscles.)
As a very special bonus, at the end of the day with TANG, I was awarded a Challenge Coin by the team leader, Josh Smith. Challenge coins are a tradition started in the military because team leaders can’t always give promotions or issue official commendations. Instead, they can award exceptional service with the gift of a specially minted coin bearing the teams insignia and motto. If you want to learn more about the rich history of challenge coins, I highly recommend the Coin Check episode of the podcast 99% Invisible.
"Life is only as exciting as the amount of times you say yes."
-Harvey Fierstein
Speaking and Workshops
Keynotes to give your team a fresh perspective
Over the past two decades, I’ve been fortunate to present at over a thousand events for tens of thousands of people. Both of my programs, (We've Always Done It That Way and The Inside Story), can be delivered as a keynote address for hundreds or as a workshop for small groups.
Once the keynote or workshop is over, you can keep the ball rolling with one-on-one or team coaching (see the Change That Matters Program above.) This allows you to build upon the learnings and really apply them to your own situation.
-
Challenge Assumptions and Create More Change That Matters
A keynote for audiences in need of new ways of thinking.
What you know for certain could be exactly why you’re stuck.
The thinking, processes, and attitudes that got you where you are have served their purpose. You’ve found lots of right answers and developed systems to get things done. That’s great as long as things are going as expected. But these past few years have taught us just how unpredictable the world really is. Now it’s time to shift our thinking and take the next steps to succeed.
By challenging our assumptions, we can move past our preconceived notions of the ‘right answers.’ Perhaps more than at any time in history, we need to find new ways of thinking and doing things.
As always I use eye-popping magic, stories, and optical illusions as powerful visual metaphors to create a sense of wonder and astonishment. This is not only thoroughly engaging and fun, but research shows that there’s a transformative power in wonder and awe. It empowers each person in the room to apply the learning to their own lives.
Keynote or workshop participants will learn…
… how to get out of the “same-old-thinking-rut” and find new solutions
… how to identify and challenge the limiting assumptions that hold us back
… how to see the world from new perspectives so they can create more change that matters.
-
Interrogating Our Internal Narratives to Create Meaningful Change
A keynote for audiences navigating change.
We humans are hardwired to interpret the world through stories. Our unconscious assumptions and narratives can quietly create misunderstandings and missed opportunities. But we can ‘tell different stories’ that lead to better results. Participants will leave with practical tools to improve collaboration, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful change at work.
To make these unconscious stories clear, I use magic, stories, and optical illusions as visual metaphors. This empowers participants to see themselves in the content and apply the learning to their own lives.
This program can be delivered as an interactive keynote address or workshop.
Keynote or workshop participants will leave with…
… critical self-awareness of their assumptions
… a deep understanding that our personal interpretations are not universal
… a simple model to recognize and change the internal narratives that shape our interpretation of events
-
![]()
“Your session was entertaining, intriguing and left them wanting more.”
Shelley Judges – TD Bank
-
![]()
“After seeing your performance and witnessing how everyone was thoroughly entertained, I’m happy to report that it was money well spent and worth every penny!”
Tracie Kellar - Hettich Canada
-
![]()
"Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant... "
Jacqui Spencer - Roche
About DAn
not Your ordinary wonder worker
For over 25 years I’ve used magic to captivate and entertain at corporate and private events across North America. I’m proud to say that I’m a repeat performer at the world-famous Magic Castle (the most prestigious magic venue in the world). While all my magic is family-friendly, my presentations are tailored to engage and amaze intelligent adults. It’s not just a bunch of tricks - it’s an interactive experience that challenges assumptions and makes you think (which makes sense given that I’m also a renowned keynote speaker.)
Above all, my goal is to craft extraordinary moments without causing any embarrassment or making anyone feel foolish. When it comes to entertainment, your event's success and your guests' enjoyment are my top priorities.
Are you still reading?! Let’s talk.
I’d love to hear about your event to see if I'm a good fit. Give me a call or text at 647-345-6986, or drop me a line using this form.
