California Special District interviewed Chip Eichelberger, CSP, opening keynote speaker at the CSDA General Manager Leadership Summit June 24-26, 2018.
Could you share some of your background and any experience with special districts? I have spoken at the
Special Districts Association of Oregon twice, most recently this year. I imagine the demographics of the audience are similar – committed volunteers, fire, sewer, water, park districts etc. I know they are mission oriented and want to make a difference. They have lived their lives and had their success and now it’s time to give back. I expect a similar demographic to the California Special Districts audience at the
General Managers Leadership Summit in June.
What is “Get Switched On!” all about?Back in the day when the internet was getting started I knew you had to be findable. With a name like Chip Eichelberger, there were so many bizarre spelling options so I had to do something different. I worked for Tony Robbins for five and half years in the US, UK and Australia. When in Australia my mates would say, “Oh, you’re switched on!” I love that term switched on because so many are switched off! I want to get people switched back on, switched on to possibility, plugged back in. The subtitle of my program is to reevaluate and recharge.
It’s really about evaluation, taking a hard look at what things are - what’s possible - where are the gaps in performance - the gaps in life - getting clear on what’s truly important - game planning - vision - accountability - mindset. That is truly the gift because you never know what people are dealing with. It is fun to get people to reevaluate and make new life-changing decisions.
You have said, “The Turnaround Starts When the Gap Is Acknowledged.” Could you explain this?You have to really evaluate and confront the brutal facts of the current situation. Circumstances play a role, but typically it is the choices we make day after day that gets us to where we are. If you can acknowledge where you would like to be in your marriage, in your health or with your performance; acknowledge the gap and realize you are not where you need to be then you can make new choices and new decisions that will get you to where you want to be. It starts with taking ownership that it is likely been you, not the outside situation. Your choices, your disciplines and vision have led you to where you are.
You mentioned that your presentation is not a speech but an interaction experience. Can you explain this and what the audience can expect? It is more of a workshop than a presentation. People are craving engagement; audiences are not craving another speech. I get the audience involved by writing things down, talking, sharing and integrating the message - that’s what makes it stick. I believe I get paid to travel the speaking is free! I typically invest two or three days of my life for that 90 minutes. I believe it is not an accident that I am in front of that audience; they need to hear my message. I want them to take something out of this and create a valuable experience. I have been blessed to do this for 25 years and why I lasted; I give people unique experiences they remember and they talk about.
Without giving it all away, can you share more on what the audience can look forward to hearing more from you at CSDA’s General Manager Leadership Summit in June.They can expect energy, engagement, humor and a message that will make them think and take action. The main premise of Get Switched On! is the theme of reevaluation and recharging. When is the last time you have sat down and had great look at where things are, what is possible and what is happening in your life. My job is really coaching people. My mentor was Tony Robbins but his mentor, someone I listened to more than anyone, is the late Jim Rohn. I recommend looking him up on YouTube, specially “
The Art of Exceptional Living.” A quote from him is that “We can all use a little coaching because when you’re playing the game, it’s hard to think of everything.” That is the value of a coach in life. My message is about waking up each day with a passion for the difference that you can make for yourself, for your family and for your district.