Adrian Klaphaak, CPCC  

Certified Career & Life Coach  

Speaking & Presentations

“Every individual in the world has a unique contribution.”
                                                                     
– Jack Kornfield

 

I regularly give presentations at middle schools, high schools, colleges, and student organizations. I am also available to speak at professional associations about coaching, mentoring, and how to support young people in finding their path.  The cost is determined based on the venue and the hiring organization's financial resources.  

What To Expect
My presentations to students are always interactive, resembling a workshop more than a talk.  I make an effort to engage all participants.  I also lead a self-directed portion of the workshop so that each participant has the opportunity to understand how the ideas presented relate to their life.  My intention is to get young people thinking about the choices they make and how to find their own path.    

  

Testimonials
"Adrian is able to offer the best of both worlds... he is young enough to relate to the students and have their trust when discussing sensitive topics such as peer pressure, yet his maturity and experience give him a command of the class that takes most teachers years to achieve.  His insights were eye-opening for the students.  He was able to get the students to a level of reflection and critical thinking that is rare for ninth graders."
  – Jen Dolan, Teacher, Tamalpais HS

"One of the students remarked the next day, 'Our guest speaker rocked!'" 
  – Michael Collins, Teacher, Schools of the Sacred Heart.


"Having Adrian speak to our membership was one of the highlights of the semester. He really got our group thinking about their path in life and ignited meaningful thoughts in everyone. The Hospitality Management Association highly recommends Adrian and his services."
  – Jessica Johnson, Senior, USF



Presentation Resume
+  San Marin High School, Sophomore English: Unit on Career Choices (3 separate classes), 
    2/15/07.
+  Schools of the Sacred Heart, Stuart Hall for Boys, 8th grade (2 separate classes), 1/25/07.  
+  San Marin High School, Freshman - Senior Leadership, 12/7/06.
+  University of San Francisco, Hospitality Managment Association, 12/6/2006.
+  Tamalpais high school, Sophomore - Senior Psychology, 12/6/06. 
+  Tamalpais high school, Sophomore - Senior Psychology, 11/29/06. 
+  Tamalpais high school, Freshman Social Issues (2 separate classes), 10/19/2006.

Presentation Summaries:

Presentation #1:  Find A Path That Fits
Audience:  8th graders, high school students, college students, and non-students ages 13 – 25.

 

This presentation explores how finding a path that fits who you are will create unparalleled success and happiness in life and work.  It will include a short exercise to help participants assess where they are on their path and clarify what they want for themselves.  The presentation will include a discussion about the effect of external influences on the path that a person chooses.  As a group we will examine how success is defined in our culture and participants will be given time to formulate their own definition of success.  We will also explore ways to deal with pressure including pressure to be successful.  I will share my experience finding my path and answer questions from the audience. 

 

Presentation #2:  Be Yourself

Audience:  Middle school students, high school students, and non-students ages 10 – 18.

 

This presentation explores what is considered cool in the audience’s peer group.  We discuss how pressure to be cool influences people’s choices and behaviors, and leads people away from the path that is truly right for them.  Participants will have the opportunity to journal about how they are personally affected by pressure in their life.  I will also offer advice and techniques to help students handle the pressures they feel.  The presentation will conclude by developing a new definition of what it means to be cool.  Usually students realize that being cool is being yourself.



Contact Adrian to discuss your school or organization's needs   
*References are available upon request*


 

“We cannot achieve world peace without first achieving peace within ourselves… Inner Peace.  In an atmosphere of hatred, anger, competition, and violence, no lasting peace can be achieved.  These negative and destructive forces must be overcome by compassion, love, and altruism.”
                                            
– His Holiness the 14th Dali Lama

 
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