CPAE Spotlight Series

Have you ever wondered what it takes to last in this speaking business?  Have you seen renowned speakers on stages and thought- “I wonder who they really are?” 

Our national associations’ highest awarded honor is the CPAE, Council of Peers Award for Excellence, what is industry known as the “Hall of Fame”- these Hall of Fame speakers are revered in our industry and bring a depth of skill and knowledge we can all learn from.

With many live (virtually streamed through ZOOM) interviews to watch and participate in, and a few pre-recorded interviews releases mixed in, be inspired in this NEW INTERVIEW SERIES

About Lou Heckler, CSP, CPAE

With 15 years of on-air television experience and more than twice that number in professional speaking, Lou Heckler will deliver and deliver and deliver. The most frequent comment he hears from meeting professionals goes something like this: “You combined solid, usable content with fantastic and funny stories from real life and really hit a home run for our members.”

Lou has made a living from the written and spoken word since he was 14 years old. He has been a major university adjunct faculty member, host of his own television talk show, essayist for the national PBS show, “Nightly Business Report,” and Hall-of-Fame professional speaker who has traveled the globe, helping audiences more fully focus on the people side of business.

What meeting professionals especially like is that Lou is absolutely the same person on and off the stage. He actively participates in every aspect of meetings and has raced go-karts with bankers, gone to horse races with paving contractors, and played racquetball with university event coordinators. Since he speaks about getting ordinary people to do extraordinary things, this “ordinary guy” tries to get involved in any activity that features fun and builds relationships with his clients.

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

NIKI MCCUISTION, CSP 

Niki produces the award winning McCuistion Program, now in its 29th year on KERA PBS TV, often working in challenging situations and crisis zones. Her responsibility includes the bottom line- raising the funds to produce the program and working with board members to achieve the mission.

From a business background that includes hands on service, sales, and management experience; and specialized education, including a B.S. in Psychology from Southern Methodist University, an M.L.A. in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University, an MBA in Leadership and Governance from the University of Dallas, and advanced course work and certifications in coaching, governance and strategy, Niki understands the unique issues facing nonprofits, businesses, and speakers today.