Tony Buzan Australian Tour 14-22 February, 2008

Stunning Sydney Harbour was the backdrop for stage 1 of Tony Buzan's Australian Tour in February 2008 . Whether working with 40 executives (in a global environmental engineering organisation) on Grass Roots Leadership, or inspiring a diverse group of people (who travelled from all over Australia) to hear how they could Age Proof their Brain, Tony Buzan brought new and dynamic information from his recent global events and research.

Jennifer Goddard, Director, Buzan Centre Australia/New Zealand co-presented throughout the tour, providing local context and further insight into how businesses, governments, schools and individuals can achieve greater success by understanding the alphabet of their brain.

Tony officially launched http://www.fuzz2buzz.com/, a Web2.0 community platform for those interested in Mind Mapping and other Advanced Learning techniques. With a live hook up to the offices in Shanghai, everyone at the launch was impressed with the resources and community collaboration http://www.fuzz2buzz.com/ provides.

"Excellent - kept me fascinated all day" Alison Smith, Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Stage 2 meant a short hop to Brisbane to work with State Government Organisations. The day started with breakfast for 30 top government officials hearing Tony's expert views on how to lead BrainSmart organisations.  Then next door to work the rest of the day with 200 managers as part of the Business Improvement in Government (BIIG) network. The theme was "Mind Mapping with the Master" and boy, did they Mind Map. The applications for Mind Maps the participants identified was as diverse as their creativity demonstrated in the creativity tests.

"I could listen to Tony all day - in fact I did! Excellent event. Thank you."  Carla Simpson, Brisbane

"Fantastic investment in my development". Janelle Shotton, Main Roads, Queensland

Melbourne hosted the last stage and talk about action packed. Here's what Tony and Jennifer achieved in just one day. Started  8am with 200 staff from Department of Human Services. Dashed off to a luncheon with over 300 people (they had to move to a larger venue because of the overwhelming demand). Hosted by the deputy police commissioner, the luncheon was for members of the Victorian Public Service Continuous Improvement Network (VPSCIN).

Then a mad dash in the rain to speak to 100 government officials (including the Secretary, a keen Mind Mapper) for the afternoon. An intimate dinner with key people from business, government and education to get up close and personal with Tony capped it off. That's what you call a full day's work!

Thursday saw another famous Australian icon, the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), as the backdrop to over 100 delegates at the Age Proof Your Brain Mastermind conference.

The last official day, Friday, was quite different with 20 trainee and existing Buzan Licensed Instructors spending an intimate day with Tony, hearing many stories of his journey and the key turning points throughout his life. It was an inspirational day for those aspiring to share Tony's work in their fields.

Go to http://www.buzan.com.au/ for the slide show and http://www.ageproofyourbrain.com/ for facts, data, podcasts and other interesting information on how to Age Proof Your (and your Organisation's) Brain.

Tony, Jennifer and Bill Jarrard, Co-Pilot of the Buzan Centre Australia / NZ, would like to thank all the participants, staff, sponsors, organisers and Buzan Licensed Instructors for all their help and support. 

Tony is returning to Australia in May 2009 to speak at the "Happiness and its Causes" conference and work with a range of organisations. If you would like to book Tony for an event please contact Bill@buzan.com.au for Australia/NZ  and Anne.Reynolds@buzanworld.com for other locations around the world.

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Get fit, stop smoking, be a nicer person, make that career change, get along with the out-laws, drink less, write that book – we’ve all seen the list.  But does making a New Year’s Resolution have any real impact?  Have you abandoned yours already?

One thing to think about is that keeping For instance, if you keep repeating “I’m not going to smoke, I’m not going to smoke”, your brain hears the emphasis on ‘smoking’ and stopping becomes almost impossible. 

If, on the other hand, you say “I’m in the process of developing healthy lungs/lifestyle” you have a better chance of success.

Our New Year Resolution is to become healthier, develop more material and continue to innovate our services to you.  Now that we have made it public, we will let you know how we go over 2008.

This is such an interesting topic, we want to do a bit of research and find out what you think of this ritual and what, if anything, you have resolved to do differently in 2008.

We have set-up a Blog on our new specialist website www.ageproofyourbrain.com so go there when you’ve finished reading this e-letter and quickly add your thoughts/comments. 

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Age-Proof Your Brain with Tony Buzan

If you haven’t reserved your seat at this fantastic event yet, we suggest you do it now.  The Early Bird rates end on January 21st, so don’t miss out! 

Sydney - Friday 15 February, 2008
Brisbane - Tuesday 19 February, 2008
Melbourne - Thursday 21 February, 2008

The Buzan Centre and Mindwerx International, along with a great group of sponsors, are proud to present Age Proof Your Brain - a full day Master Mind conference, led by Tony Buzan with his global perspective and featuring Jennifer Goddard, for the Australian context.

Based on insights drawn from his new book ‘Age Proof Your Brain’ [see it at our estore] and for the first time anywhere in the world Tony, the inventor of the Mind Map® and author of over 100 books, is personally presenting this outstanding new seminar.

With early-bird mates’ rates from $495(+GST), even less for corporate table of 8 - this will be a day of exceptional value and insight with in-depth sessions such as:

•    Australia's Ageing Workforce - The compelling need to Age Proof Your Corporate Brain
•    Use Your Head to Unleash your Genius Brain
•    Radiant Thinking for Life Long Learning
•    Upgrade Your Neck-Top Computer® - a Web 2.0 approach to learning
•    Tony Buzan’s 7 Day Get Sharp Plan
•    Playing the Symphony of Life with your Multiple Intelligences
•    Where to Next – practical steps to continue to Age Proof Your Brain 

To learn more about this incredible day and take advantage of our great Mates rates, go to www.ageproofyourbrain.com

Mates’ Rates give you $110 off per person and as a supporter of the Buzan Centre:Aust/NZ you definitely qualify for this, so be sure get in quick to take advantage.

When you book online select the relevant Early Bird Rate, add it to your cart, along with tickets to the pre-conference Dinner with Tony Buzan.  Note: this dinner is limited to a small group, so you’ll have a chance to get to know Tony better.

As you check-out, enter the Code for your Individual Ticket or Corporate Booking.
This gives you $110 (inc GST) Per Person OFF your total.           

To take advantage of the Buzan Centre:Aust/NZ Mate’s Rates… 

              Your Individual Ticket Code is BUZAN MATE
               For a Corporate Table or Platinum Package your code is BUZAN CORP
               Note: be sure to use CAPITALS 

When you book as a Buzan Mate you will be able to attend the post-conference Cocktail Event at no charge – so don’t worry about adding that to your cart as we’ll register you for it. 

That’s a $49.50 New Year’s gift from us! [and applies to those who have already have tickets - we’ll be sending you a $50 Gift Voucher in the next few weeks, to use in our E-Store].

If you have any trouble booking online just contact Janet on 03 9572 5344.

So set the date in your diary and bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you there. Book now

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Relaunching the Buzan Licensed Instructor Program

While Tony Buzan is in Australia in February, the Buzan Centre:Aust/NZ is relaunching our Buzan Licensed Instructor (BLI) program.

Already one of the most valuable Train the Trainer programs available, participants will work personally with Tony Buzan on 22nd February in Melbourne, followed by five further days of instruction with Jennifer Goddard, Tony’s number one Master Trainer globally. (You will also receive a ticket to attend an Age Proof Your Brain event of your choice)

The new format is the outcome of considerable work by Jennifer and Tony to create a trainer program to ensure participants receive the very best instruction, AND the ongoing support needed to achieve goals they set for becoming a BLI.

The Buzan Licensing Program is a 4 Part (6 day) Learning Engagement that provides a thorough overview of Buzan advanced learning principles and Mind Maps® - the key to unlock your amazing brain.

2008 programs will run in Melbourne, Gold Coast and Auckland.

Once completed you will be accredited as a Buzan Licensed Instructor (BLI), equipped to teach the foundation learning technique, Mind Maps®, invented by Tony Buzan.

Independent Training professionals and Facilitators with their own business and clients
•    In-House L&D Specialists and Change Agents for use within their organisation
•    Teachers wishing to use Mind Maps in the Classroom and teach other teachers.

Your learning engagement includes a unique introduction to the world of Tony Buzan, where you will learn from Tony himself how he began the incredible journey to advance Global Mental Literacy. Hear how millions of people worldwide have been inspired to learn in BrainFriendly ways using Mind Maps and other advanced learning techniques.

Your journey continues with Tony’s number one Master Trainer, Jennifer Goddard, as she works with you to develop real skills in helping others learn to learn. Jennifer and Buzan Centre:Aust/NZ co-founder Bill Jarrard will also work with you to give you the systems and skills to be not only a great Mind Map instructor but a successful change agent or independent trainer/facilitator.

Once you complete the 6-day Buzan Licensing Program, including the required assessments, you join a unique global network of professional trainer/educators, bound together in the pursuit of a mentally literate world, and who communicate as members of a Worldwide Buzan Community using the soon to be launched www.Fuzz2Buzz.com  global learning platform.

For more details on the new Buzan Licensing Program e-mail Jennifer@buzan.com.au and she will send you the program information sheet and schedule.

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50  Big Thinkers – who will you nominate?

‘Who Are the Big Thinkers’ has information on those who have guided us over the years.  Names such as Edward de Bono, Tony Buzan, Ned Herrmann feature of course, and we acknowledge greats like Alex Osborn, Sid Parnes, W. Edwards Deming, Paul Torrance, Gerard Puccio and more. 

Recently our friend Alan Black asked why are so many names missing? The simple answer is the list was a start and now we need to compile a list of the 50 Big Thinkers.

Let’s ask you the question. In the area of Creative Thinking, who in your view qualifies as a Big Thinker?  That is, someone who has really contributed to the body of knowledge in the area of creative thinking as a skill.

In 250 words, who do you nominate as a Big Thinker in the area of Creative Thinking as a skill and why they should be on the list?

We aren’t necessarily after “creative” people. Who has raised the bar on the skill of creative thinking for the good of everyone? This can include people from any aspect of creative thinking, from any time period.  Send your nominations, with a link to more information if available, to bill@mindwerx.com.au and over the next few months we’ll compile the list and share it with everyone.

The Transformation Experience 

Feeling a bit stressed already? Want to change your thinking and develop a new paradigm for 2008? Will you be in Melbourne on January 23rd?

Our friend Sebastian Selicru has just been telling us about his new full-day personal development program developed by Dr John F Demartini which is open to all.

Its focus is to help you to unburden stress in your life, whether stress from relationship conflicts, health concerns, business relations, difficult decision, traumatic events, family losses or more general life challenges.

The Demartini Method® - a breakthrough discovery and cutting-edge transformational method results in a new and refreshing paradigm in thinking and feeling.  At only $250 it looks like something we could all get real value from.   The Transformation Experience course outline - go to http://www.pts.net.au/cont1.htm to book

In February, straight after Tony Buzan’s Australian tour, Tony, Jennifer and Bill are heading to the ACA conference in Singapore, along with a number of our Creative Skills Training Council (CSTC) colleagues from around the world.

It promises to be a great conference, with time to meet and share ideas with some of the world’s best creativity and innovation specialists, many of whom we are proud to call friends.

For nearly two decades, the ACA has been a primary resource for learning and applying creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and ideation theory, tools, and techniques.

ACA is a global network of creative professionals in disciplines ranging from business and industry to educational and the arts. Its collective expertise provides a wide range of problem-solving methods, from simple idea-capture techniques to complex problem-solving methodologies. Above all, ACA members enjoy and benefit from personal interaction with top experts in the fields of creativity and innovation worldwide.

ANNOUNCING ACA'S THOUGHT-PROVOKING 2008 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE!
Creativity Across Cultures, February 25-29 in Beautiful Singapore.

The ACA welcomes anyone who is interested in the creative process: business and technology, educational and training, communications and the arts, health and science, military and government - all will benefit from exploring Creativity Across Cultures.

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AITD Conference - April 2008

The Australian Institute for Training & Development (AITD) has released preliminary details on their 2008 Conference, and Mindwerx and the Buzan Centre:Aust/NZ are again proud to support them.

Head to the AITD website www.aitd.com.au for more info.

In 2008 we are planning to present some post-conference workshops with AITD - more info soon.

AITD has offered our subscribers the “pre-registration” price of $1340 (regardless of when you book). Once their official early bird rate has passed we will include the member code in next month’s eletter.
Don’t wait. Book now

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Well that brings this update to a close.

Once again, thank you for your friendship and support throughout 2007 and all the very best for 2008. It is going to be another remarkable year, and we wish you love and success throughout the year.

Now go to http://www.mnwd-hosting.com/emanager/members/link.php?M=467391&N=5472&L=4550&F=H to post your thoughts/comments on New Year’s Resolutions  - what do you think of them and what have you resolved to do in 2008!

Bill and Jennifer, and all the team

 Can Creativity be learnt? Does the education system really stifle creativity? 

This has been debated many times in many forums. Check out the video of Tony Buzan at the Great Education debate http://www.buzan.com.au/news.html