Real World Economist

Don's prominence as a forecaster began with his "astonishingly accurate" predictions on oil prices for the Texas State Legislature. He then served 11 years as Chairman of the of the Investment Advisory Board of a $22 Billion trust fund and was appointed as Pension Board Chairman with oversight of $100 Billion in Investments. He has personally advised some of the wealthiest families in America. Don has also worked for three of the nation's largest brokerage firms. He founded 21st Century Forecasting in 1986, a research company focusing on long term global, economic, demographic, and technology trends.

Futurist

He developed the nation's first graduate business course on the 21st Century. Don believes that Tectonic Plates of Change are controlled by long term trends of Globalization, Demographics, and Technology, but that linear projections are frequently disrupted by external events varying from human creativity to irrational behavior to natural disasters. He believes the interplay of those forces have the potential to create enormous problems and opportunities.

Expert On International Events

He has lived 14 years overseas, visited over 50 countries, has lectured on Free Market Systems at the University of Moscow, spoken about the Global Economy for the Saudi Arabian Central Bank, keynoted the Australian IT Summit, spoken for the US Department of Commerce, advised the Heavy Equipment Industry in Santiago, Chile, counseled Inupiat Indians about energy development on the Arctic Slope, dined with the Malaysian Prime Minister in Dubai, and survived a volcanic eruption in Indonesia.

Coveted Speaker

He has given over 800 speeches professionally in 46 states and 14 countries. Before becoming an economist, he attended college on debate scholarship and has won numerous public speaking awards. He has been described as "charismatic, motivational, and the consummate infotainer," and is known for his spontaneous humor, audience interaction, and rapid fire Q&A. An information junkie, he reads six newspapers a day, over 50 periodicals a month... not to mention countless newsletters and research reports.

Honored Educator

He has a Masters Degree in Public Administration/Planning, a Doctoral background in Economics, and is a graduate of the Securities Industry Institute of the Wharton School. He has an Honorary degree from the University of Moscow and was the first American Member of the Moscow Center for Consulting Scientists. Don has taught at the University level for ten years, and is past Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents of Texas Woman's University.

Economy & Financial Markets

As a former Chairman of the Board on Pension & Investment Committees responsible for $120 Billion, Don specializes in strategic asset allocation based on long-term trend analysis and understanding of "Big Picture Scenarios" and their impact on specific industries. He has a profound real-world insight into Financial Markets in such key areas as interest rates, energy prices, real estate, and economic policy. Though a long-term optimist, he is refreshingly candid about current economic realities and short term solutions vs. long term wealth creation.

Global Economic Tour

In the last twenty years the global economy has produced three billion new capitalists with a voracious appetite for consumer products, while creating a new global labor market. Asia has become the second engine of global economic growth; Europe seeks to define its new global identity; Latin America witnesses the birth of a new middle class; and mineral and agricultural rich Canada is perfectly positioned. Don presents a bold assessment of the current political and economic events and forecasts major trends in the global economy.

Tectonic Plates of Change

Don believes that the velocity of change is accelerating due to Globalization, Demographics, and Technology. When these forces interact, massive changes or tectonic shifts occur, creating a visceral new reality. To be successful, companies and individuals need to become pro-active, anticipatory, and inter-disciplinary. You will learn how these trends will impact your own work environment and how to apply those trends in predicting your own future.

Ethics in the 21st Century

From Aristotle to the inheritance rights of human clones, Don discusses the significant moral and ethical challenges confronting society from: corporate scandals and white collar crime to privacy rights. New ethical dilemmas are posed by technology, biogenetics, and an aging population. He believes that the increasing velocity of change is outstripping society's ability to cope or regulate, leading to a decline in civility and ethical standards. But, answers can be found in corporate responsibility and a coming resurgence of long term values.