Speaker - December 2009

There’s a garage, a cabin, a TREE

HOUSE, a meditation room, a conference room with vinyl siding

(they

fondly call it the trailer)

and think tanks with
entire walls serving as
white boards.

Creative Haven
From a larger perspective, John
Christensen, CEO of Charthouse
Learning (home of the famous Fish
Philosophy), set out to design the
most creativity-inspiring culture
that he could for his 25+ staff. His
offices rival Google in their inno-
vative nature. From lemon-lime
and purple walls to wood paneling,
every room has a theme. There’s
a garage, a cabin, a tree house, a
meditation room, a conference
room with vinyl siding (they fondly

call it the trailer), and think tanks with entire walls serving as white boards.

Christensen’s employees feel most at home in the “lodge,” a room with a beautiful stone fireplace and wood walls. Of course, they included ping pong tables and pinball machines. Employees break at The Joy Café, a 50’s style diner. Who wouldn’t be inspired here? Christensen believes the environment creates culture, and the visitors who pass through his doors are awestruck.

PLANNING

YOUR

WORK SPACE

• Does it need to be in the home or outside?

Boost Your Productivity

Studies say that people spend an average of 45 hours each week at work. For people who work from home, that can easily creep higher. If you’re going to spend that much time in your office, you should make your space as comfortable and productive as possible. No doubt Christensen’s setting is a bit grand for your operation, but there are many affordable options for creating your optimal work environment. If you need an office makeover, don’t wait another minute. I can tell you first hand that

Jane Atkinson is a full-time business coach and consultant dealing exclusively with professional speakers, celebrities and
CEOs. Her clients are the who’s who
and the up-and-comers of the speaking
world. For more information, visit
www.speakerlauncher.com.