Donn King is The Confidence Cultivator. He is a professor of communication studies, which means “a professor of standing up in front of people and saying stuff.” He’s also a pastor, a speaker, a writer, and a communication coach. He works with professionals and leaders just like you who want to speak confidently so they can increase their impact, gain influence, and build their careers.
I have worked with clients and students for over 40 years to help them communicate confidently, and have worked in ministry, newspapers, magazines, radio, corporate advertising, and college teaching. I'm happily married, with five kids, one of whom died five years ago, and another who is severely disabled. Oh, and we have a cat.
We’ve all heard of “The Great Resignation,” but it is more accurate to call it “The Great Realignment” as people realized life is short and reoriented their lives to honor what was important to them. That led to a lot of resignations, but it also led to a lot of recommitments and renewals within existing employment. My podcast, The Alignment Show, features conversations with guests who have confronted the need to align their lives with their values. As we say, “Live your values and value your life.”
The link is http://ConfidenceCultivators.com/ which not only helps people view/listen to the podcast but also has a link for folks who would like to be considered as guests.
Q: Where were you born, where were you raised, and where do you currently live (City, State/Province, Country)?
I was born and raised in West Tennessee. I have lived in the Knoxville, Tennessee area in East Tennessee for nearly 40 years.
Q: What is one of your favorite quotes or lines in a song or movie and why does it resonate with you?
My favorite quote doesn't come from a song or movie, but rather from an old dead Greek guy. Epictetus was a Stoic philosopher who said, roughly, "It's not what happens to you but what you think about what happens to you that determines your experience." It reminds me to take responsibiity for the one thing I can control: my response to circumstances.
Q: What inspired you or led you to your current career?
Dr. Gerald Fulkerson was my college speech professor who inspired me to grow effective communication skills and share with others how to foster those skills.
Q: What do you enjoy most about what you do?
It gives me great satisfaction to see someone grow into being able to confidently form and communicate their unique message. For instance, a couple of years ago a student who was so speech anxious that she started the semester taking meds for it wound up getting a job that required being on stage, and she knocked the top out of it—changed the course of her life.
Q: What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Literally: think hard about where you go to college. More generally: relax. You can't steer your life, but you can sail through it.
Q: What is one of your favorite places to be or travel to?
In a quiet cabin by a small creek surrounded by forest.
Q: If you could choose anyone (past or present, fictional or real) with whom to have lunch, who would it be and why?
I'm going to cheat and name two people. I would love to have lunch with Mark Twain. I so admire his ability with words, and the fact that he had great success both as a writer and a speaker. And, not to be sucking up but just genuine, Bob Burg. Though we met virtually years ago when we both were writing newsletters, I would love to be able to just sit down and have a conversation. I'm comfortable with the life choices I have made, and yet Bob has done what I really wanted to do.
Q: Who inspires you to be the best version of yourself?
My wife and my kids.
Q: How did you first discover “The Go-Giver”?
I wish I could remember for sure how I discovered The Go-Giver! Here’s what I think happened: I first “met” Bob 20-30 years ago when he and I both happened to be writing/editing newsletters in the same topic area. We “met” virtually via email, and later used some of the same promotional tools where bloggers would share each other’s posts. I think I was browsing the library one day when I spotted his name on The Go-Giver and I wondered if it was the same Bob Burg. Wow! What a great find! That led me to Endless Referrals, and when I realized that good old Bob from back in the newsletter days was a Hall of Fame speaker honored by the National Speakers Association (and I was building a speaking business), I paid even more attention. I think I now own every book that Bob has authored or co-authored, and I love being part of the community that has grown out of that franchise!
Q: Who would you like to see featured on The Faces Of The Go-Giver Community and why?
Anna Kantzavelos. She was one of the first people to welcome me into The Go-Giver Community, and I think her story is really interesting.
Q: Finally, how can we know if someone we come in contact with is a good connection or prospective customer/client for you?
If someone says, "I just can't bring myself to stand up in front of people and talk, but I need to do so to get my idea/business/project out in the world," that is someone I could help.
Please include your website link if you have one!
https://donnellking.com/
