Tim Gard Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Tim Gard      

Internationally Recognized Speaker on Stress Reduction & Conflict Resolution Through Humor

Tim Gard is a Hall of Fame speaker whose dynamic presentations not only spark laughter but also teach resilience, enhance productivity, and fuel employee enthusiasm. Celebrated for his innovative and memorable approach, Gard delivers exceptional value with a presentation style that leaves a lasting impression.

Gard's journey to becoming a renowned resilience expert is deeply rooted in his extensive experience in human services. He began his career as an eligibility caseworker, determining welfare benefits amidst the emotional rollercoaster of very happy and very angry individuals. It was in this high-stress environment that Gard honed his resilience skills, developing techniques to avoid burnout and instead "burn bright." His success led him to share his strategies with colleagues and at state and federal conferences, eventually propelling him into roles as a welfare fraud investigator and a Management Analyst overseeing Food Stamp operations. Gard's unique experience in determining eligibility, investigating program violations, and overseeing program compliance at a federal level has shaped his "comic vision" philosophy, which he now shares with audiences worldwide.

As an internationally recognized authority on stress reduction and conflict resolution, Gard's practical techniques are designed to defuse, manage, and even prevent stressful situations. His experience as a successful business owner for over 20 years, coupled with his background in sales, government service, and as a US Navy veteran, enriches his insights and connects with audiences on a deeper level.

Gard's ability to use ordinary items in extraordinary ways, and vice versa, has made him a popular figure in the speaking circuit. As a pioneer in humor-based training, he holds the prestigious Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, an honor shared by fewer than 150 speakers worldwide.

He is the author or co-author of several books, including "Just Plane Funny," "My Policy Manual," "Motivational Leaders," and "Humor Me." Additionally, Gard is an inventor of stress reduction office products that are marketed and enjoyed globally.

With a 25-year career as a professional speaker, Gard has captivated audiences from Texas to Tasmania at over 3000 events. His universal message and easy-to-implement ideas make him a favorite among diverse audiences, ensuring that his impact is felt long after the laughter subsides.

Speech Topics


CHANGE THE GAME!

Off the Wall is a game. Life is a game; business is a game; literally everything is a game that contains winners, losers and spectators. Winners excel by intention and determination while others suffer from making the choice to simply coast or dwell in a defeatist attitude.

Tim uses a bag of marbles to show how one person can “change the game” for everyone by applying easy-to-understand and hard-to-forget concepts—ones that champions have been using for centuries in sports, business, and life in general. Everyone gets their own bag of marbles to keep to continue changing the game or if you wish to play Off the Wall.

STICKY SAFETY

Hazardous habits invariably form when repeating the same safety policy over and over again. The audience goes right back to doing what they’ve always done because it didn’t stick. Just like earworm songs and random information from your school years, safety information can be “sticky” and stay in your team’s brain well beyond the presentation.

Tim has worked in some very dangerous jobs; experienced workplace injuries and his insights are based on real life situations anyone can identify with and learn from. He uses that experience to show you how your safety messaging can make a change in your organization and stick.

LEADERSHIP: THE TAO OF HUMOR

Unhealthy humor is toxic. Although almost everyone will agree that humor can have a positive impact at work. As a strategic skill, it can act as a positive factor in communication, morale, and stress reduction. However, if unhealthy or misused, it can have an equally negative effect.

Using “good, clean humor”, Tim shows you how to use that humor to enhance (and never diminish) workplace culture while improving morale and ultimately customer service. Tim is more than a humorist and motivational speaker, but a stress reduction speaker sure to send spirits soaring in the office.

LAUGHTER BECOMES YOU

Morale can make or break an organization. Organizations are struggling with employee satisfaction and retention which are critical for the success of the company AND for the employee. Although Ice Cream Friday’s are yummy, they’re not enough.

Tim’s rejuvenating message helps increase employee morale while enhancing productivity and everyday enthusiasm in three easy-to-adopt steps in his proven Comic Vision® techniques. His terrifically funny, unique stories (and of course, extraordinary visual props) make this keynote address a hilarious way to start or close your meeting.

Related Speakers View all


More like Tim