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  1. Home
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  3. Jim Willis
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Jim Willis

MSc
Keynote Speaker/Security Expert/Author/Trainer
It's not the challenge; it's the response that matters
Country or state 
United States
Available to 
Global
City 
Manassas, VA
Fee 
Languages 
English
Volunteer
No
Timezone 
America/New_York

Personal Details

Bio

Jim Willis is a highly accomplished individual with a wealth of experience in international development and security.

Having traveled to more than 40 countries, including conflict zones such as Cambodia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Afghanistan, Jim has gained valuable insights and knowledge. For six years, he served as the Afghan Theater Operations Director, overseeing security operations, training, and reconstruction efforts.

Jim's expertise and the lessons he learned in Afghanistan led him to create ASSIST, a one-of-a-kind program to prevent active shooter incidents and violence.

As a speaker, Jim is known for his dynamic delivery and ability to provide clarity and a positive perspective on dealing with unexpected challenges, insecurity, and unprecedented change.

Current position (1)

Keynote Speaker/Security Expert/Author/Trainer

It's not the challenge; it's the response that matters

Degrees (2)
MSc, Intertional Development & Security
Hope International University
2000 to 2002
BS, Electrical Engineering
Georgia Southern Univeristy
1980 to 1984

Presentations

Presentations (3)
Conflict De-escalation_#Workplace-violence, #conflict_de-escalation)

Dealing with confrontations can be difficult, particularly in commercial, service, and manufacturing environments. Although some individuals are naturally skilled at calming tense situations, most of us find it uncomfortable and stressful. Nonetheless, the ability to de-escalate is a skill that can be acquired. This interactive presentation will introduce you to the fundamental principles of effective de-escalation. (#Conflict, #Life-skill)

Situational Awareness: Paying attention can make all the difference (#Security, #Life-skill)

Today, aggression is commonplace. To stay safe, you need a fundamental understanding of situational awareness. Jim introduces practical techniques and a pragmatic approach to increasing awareness at work, at home, and in public.

It isn't the challenge, it’s your response that matters (#Motivation, #Positivity)

Life is full of challenges that are often beyond our control. But we have the power to choose how we respond to them. How we react can have a significant impact on the outcome, our well-being, and our future. This presentation reveals three keys to taking control of any situation. Jim uses humor, wit, and relatable personal experiences to motivate the audience to face their challenges with courage.

Workshops (2)
De-escalation challenges
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)

This session provides tips and techniques for maintaining emotional control while working toward an agreeable outcome.

Pratical Awareness
90 minutes
(View workshop agenda)

Many people talk about awareness. However, awareness alone doesn't decipher the signs of a threat.

Past talks (9)
Planning for the Worst Prepares you for the Rest
2022 TechAdvantage Conference
Nashville, TN
March 7, 2022
Paying Attention Could Make All the Difference
Global Excavation Safety Conference
Phoenix, AZ
March 2, 2022
De-Escalating Volatile Situations in the Field
Global Excavation Safety Conference
Phoenix, AZ
March 1, 2022
De-Escalation in the Field
CS Week Conference 45
Tampa, FL
August 18, 2021
Three Security focused speaking assignments during the conference
iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo
Frisco, TX
October 26, 2021
Paying Attention Could Make All The Difference
Global Excavation Safety Conference VIRTUAL
on-line
April 7, 2021
Keynote - Effective Security Leadership
Texas Electric Cooperatives - Annual Meeting
San Antonio, TX
August 15, 2018
Three conference presentations - 1 keynote, 2 breakout sessions
FMEA - Energy Connections Conference
Kissimmee, FL
October 9, 2019
See Speaker One Sheet for expanded list of speaking engagments
Multiple Speaking Engagments - listing
US
August 1, 2021
  • All (9)
  • Videos (2)
  • Photos (4)
  • Slides (2)
  • One sheet (1)
Active shooter training challenges - iP conference 2018
SCRIPPS NEWS Morning Rush - Jim Willis 2023 06 16
NCEMC, Raleigh, NC, 2019
NCEMC, Raleigh, NC, 2019
FEMA, Orlando FL, 2019
FEMA, Orlando FL, 2019
DPRMA, Tinley Park, IL, 2023-
DPRMA, Tinley Park, IL, 2023-
DPRMA - Tinley Park, IL, 2023
DPRMA - Tinley Park, IL, 2023
Adapting To Change Jim Willis
Infrastructure Resource Q&A podcast - Situational Awareness in the Field
General Audience One-Sheet
This speaker hasn't uploaded any press information yet.

Books & Articles (6)

Vigilance: Planning and Implementing Effective Security and Emergency Response in Your Place of Worship
Kindle/Amazon publishing,
2020
Security In The Field: A Largely Unnoticed Need
The complexity of church security
The Rise of First Amendment Audits and its impact on you
Situational Awareness and De-escalation in the Field
Rethinking Utility Security

Expertise (16)

Security
Energy (oil and gas, utilities)
Leadership
Skills & Trades
Travel & Adventure
Managing fear and risk De-escalation situational awareness Security Motivational speaker workplace violence active shooter response Terrorism Security Awareness event security Critical Infrastructure Protection

Clients

Evergy
CSWeek 45
The Texas Electric Cooperatives Association
TechAdvantage
Incident Prevention Institute
The Colorado Rural Electric Association
American College of Radiology
CGA 811 Excavation Safety Conference
Environmental Health & Safety Conference
NRECA Safety Leadership Conference

Awards & certifications (2)

Certified Master Antiterrorism Specialist (CMAS)
Anti-Terrorism Accreditation Board
2013
Certified in Homeland Security – Level V
American Board of Certification in Homeland Security
2013

Reviews

Testimonials (5)
  • Jim, Thank you for your impactful talk this week in Dallas. It has left me with a significant amount to think about. I sincerely appreciate your words. Best regards, Seth Werling
    Seth Werling
  • Mr. Willis helped us understand the good, the bad, and the ugly truths about real world security. How we can better prepare for any and all situations that may come our way, no matter how large or small. I even practice his advice outside the work environment!
    Natalie Grace
  • Jim is a dynamic speaker and subject-matter-expert. His presentation style is lively and paced to keep the audience engaged. I'm happy to recommend him to anyone looking for a great speaker.
    Christie Taylor
  • I am happy to offer a review for Jim Willis. He is a great speaker. I've had the opportunity to hear Jim speak several times and always come away with new information and feeling that my time was well spent. You will not regret bringing him in to speak at your event.
    Glynda M
  • I recommend Jim Willis as a keynote speaker. His presentations are interesting and insightful. I gained useful information that I still use today. Jim uses a down-to-earth presentation style that resonates with his audiences. I don't see how anyone could go wrong bringing him in to speak.
    Kenneth Shumaker
    InDev Specialists
    Verified
Recommendations
8 Audience
Show More
Why choose me? 

My presentations resonate with audiences because I walked the walk before I talked the talk.

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