Having served 11 years as Chairman of the Investment Advisory Board of a $22
Billion trust fund, his success resulted in his being appointed by George W.
Bush as Pension Board Chairman with oversight of $120 Billion in Pension &
Trust Funds. He understands how important personal accountability and bottom
line performance is, and the need for decision makers to have a clear vision of
future trends and events in order to make successful long term strategic
decisions.
Don has given over 1000 speeches, won numerous speaking awards, and been
described as "Passionate, Motivational, Charismatic and Mesmerizing." He is not
just a great economist, he is a gifted story teller capable of explaining real
world trends and how they impact corporations, individuals and associations.
No one is trusted to manage billions of dollars without developing a track
record of success. Over half of the presentations he made last year were for
clients who had invited him back for updates on specific economic and industry
trends. Clients and media have described him as "near clairvoyant, uncannily
precise and brilliant."
In 1986, Don founded 21st Century Forecasting, a research company focusing
on long term global, economic, demographic, and technology trends. He
frequently works with the leadership of major corporations and trade
associations in interactive half day long strategic planning sessions helping
them to identify specific trends that will impact their organizations' long
term profitability and help them develop pro-active strategies for success.
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,
advised the Heavy Equipment Industry in Rome, Keynoted for international
correspondents in Indonesia and spoken on the impact of global warming in
Santiago.
Don developed the nation's first graduate business course on the 21st
Century. 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.
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.
