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Speaking

The story and the journey provide a way to join Azim on a path of peace and purpose.

Booking Enquiry

Over the last 25 years, Azim has given over 600 standing-ovation speeches to a variety of audiences. The talks are to inspire purpose, leadership, and peace through the practice of forgiveness. One is never the same once they experience Azim’s words through his journey, also chronicled in his books. If you are living in resentment or guilt and thus not able to perform at your zenith – this talk will help you get there by forgiving people who have harmed you and forgiving yourself so you can perform at your fullest potential. Azim often customizes his talks to meet the theme of your conferences and meetings.

 

TOPICS FOR SPEECHES:

 

Leadership for the Greater Good – a Guide for Truth to Power Champions

This is Azim’s latest book that debuted in May 2020 and discusses a new leadership model. 

This book discusses a new form of leadership that I believe we desperately need to turn us around in an upward spiral before it is too late. Especially now in the midst of US elections, the world is dominated by media, lies, fake news, innuendos, violence, spins, and divisiveness. A Satyagrahi Leader is one who, like Gandhi, role-models, practices, teaches, and leads with an unwavering and strong adherence to truth.

The premise of this book challenges our current models of leadership development. Today, most existing leadership models singularly emphasize improving one’s chosen field of endeavor, but there should be so much more to a leader than a career. The world desperately needs leaders who can address our planet’s most pressing dilemmas, including the loss of democracy, freedom, inclusiveness, environmental issues, poverty, immigration, crime, violence (especially in our youth), and divisiveness. The new brand of leaders who can address our daunting challenges will need super-competency, not only in their chosen professions – as taught by most institutions of higher learning – but also equal competency in social transformation and a strong adherence to truth and ethical, spiritual, and moral values. This triad of competencies is critical to tackling the current degradation of society.

While we do not have enough Satyagrahi Leaders, fortunately there are a few. I have chosen a dozen in my book – they are male, female, Caucasian, African- American, Japanese, 1st Nation, Middle Eastern, East Indian – from different races, faiths, and nationalities, thus introducing that these distinctions are not important in the development of Satyagrahi Leaders. You will be surprised that these leaders I have chosen are not Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, MLK Junior, and other famous people who may come into your mind. Rather, they are rare and relatively unknown, unsung heroes who are indeed exemplary of the above competencies and are changing the world. It is my hope that emerging and existing leaders will be inspired to emulate these competencies and help move us to a world that is inclusive, compassionate, and works for everyone.

 

The Journey of Forgiveness: Destination Peace & Redemption

A talk delivered to thousands all over the country and abroad. Most people are either in resentment about what has happened to them or in guilt about what they have done to another. In this talk, Azim shows how to be free of guilt and anger to enter the pathway of peace, using the same three steps Azim used to forgive the murderer of his son.

 

Journey Through Grief – Creating Spiritual Currency in the Name of the Departed

Everyone experiences loss in one way, shape or form. No matter nationality, age, religion or race, we all must grieve the departure of loved ones in our lives. How are we to process the loss clearly, cleanly, and completely? Azim Khamisa provides the pathway from grief to purpose in sharing his story of losing his son Tariq, starting the foundation in Tariq’s name, and later experiencing the passing of his mother, who was the emotional and spiritual foundation upon which he stood. By transforming grief and loss into acts of service, Azim shifted a negative into a positive and created purpose for himself and uplift for a community. In the process, he created spiritual currency for the departed so their soul’s journey could be lifted ever higher on the other side. Join Azim as he guides you to embrace a grieving process that takes you from sadness and loss to hope, action, service, and positive change.

 

From Fulfillment to Peace – The Next Steps

Now that audiences, through the work and books of Azim Khamisa, have moved from forgiveness to fulfillment and then to peace … now what? What is one to do with the newfound freedom and release that comes from the inner world of peace? The answer is: good works. In Azim Khamisa’s newest talk, he guides audiences on how to take fulfillment and peace into the world to help support a world at peace. For Azim, the action step included working with children, teaching them of the choice between the world of gangs and violence and the world of peace and nonviolence. For you, what is that first step that leads to the thousand, where you don’t simply talk or philosophize, but take action … and make the difference you were born to make? Come hear Azim speak and find out.

 

On Purpose: Finding your Unique Path to Peace and Fulfillment

Azim Khamisa guides you through his own experience of locating a path of peace, first discovered in tragedy and later ending in triumph, so that you can find your own fulfilling and purposeful life. Based on his book trilogy – From Murder to Forgiveness, From Forgiveness to Fulfillment, From Fulfillment to Peace – this talk will point you directly towards the higher life as you uncover your higher purpose: how to find it, how to test it, and how to maintain it.

 

The Secrets of the Bulletproof Spirit: How to Bounce Back from Life’s Hardest Hits

Over the years, Azim’s harsh experiences in life – personally and in business – have not destroyed him, but inspired him to create even greater, more expansive results in his life. Hear how he did it, and how you too can create incredible results in your life, no matter what has gone before. This talk helps build super spiritual resiliency to navigate life’s toughest challenges. This presentation follows the book of the same name, co-written by Jillian Quinn and published by Random House in February 2009.

Your Customized  Topic

Azim specializes in and enjoys taking his expertise in forgiveness and his visionary approach to leadership into every setting imaginable. If you do not see a speech topic that resonates with your conference offerings of management goals, simply fill out a Booking Enquiry on this page with your desired goals listed, including the size and nature of the audience, and Azim will happily tailor his messages to your needs.

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Restorative Justice: A New Paradigm for Social Transformation

In this presentation, punitive justice gives way to “Restorative Justice.”  Unlike the broken punitive system we live with, which rarely provides any true justice, Restorative Justice is a humane and compassionate approach that builds safer and better communities.  In the RJ model, justice is not served until these 3 goals are achieved:

  1. The victim is made whole.
  2. The offender is returned to society as a functioning and contributing member.
  3. The community is healed.

Azim Khamisa, who has written extensively on RJ and is considered one of the pioneers in this field with over 27 years of speaking and training, will discuss the merits of RJ and how to implement it in respective communities.  Tony Hicks, who murdered Azim's only son Tariq, will join Azim when available, either in person or by video.  Azim forgave Tony and invited him to work alongside him in the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (www.tkf.org), which Azim established 27 years ago to honor his son Tariq and to serve and educate children and youth.  Visit his website at www.azimkhamisa.com and view his TED talk at www.go.ted.com/azimandples, which has over 1 million views.

 

Teaching Kids Principles of Nonviolence & Peacemaking

Azim has a special way with the children.  He shows them, in simple terms, how to comprehend and apply the principles of non-violence, with a focus on prevention. Having led over 1000 presentations since 1996, from grade schools to universities, Azim can connect and move the young hearts in a direction towards peace and away from violence and gang life.

The Role of Forgiveness in High Performance Leadership

Targeted for leaders in the corporate world, in government and businesses, this highly effective workshop shows participants how to create unity within management teams, thus creating a higher functionality and efficiency in all areas of the organization. Azim reveals ways to experience great success in business and to have employees working at their zenith.

 

Commencement Keynotes

Azim is very committed to the development of tomorrow’s leaders through his work with youth, teens, and young adults. As a commencement keynote, Azim offers a fresh take on Leadership for the Greater Good, a spinoff of his 2020 Publication. This is an inspiring speech that will leave the audience equipped to move into their secondary education, vocations, and careers with the insight they need to create the kind of world that supports all with peace, compassion, and awareness.

 

Book Azim For Your Event

 

Download a Promotional One-Sheet HERE

See list of Azim’s previous speeches HERE

Speaking Testimonials

Mr. Khamisa, This letter is coming to you from a teacher who has been greatly affected by the powerful assembly performed by the Tariq Khamisa Foundation at Spring Valley Middle School on Thursday, June 13. We had an opportunity to learn of the great tragedy you and your family endured and the shocking resolution of this horrific act. Our students were amazed that you, Mr. Khamisa, were able to forgive the man responsible for this tragedy. It was after the assembly that I had an opportunity to speak with you. I found that I was emotionally affected by the story presented to me and I needed to speak with you and find answers to the many questions that arose during the presentation. I learned much about human strengths through you and your story. We truly are capable of far more than that we give ourselves credit for. When my 7th grade class entered my classroom after having seen the assembly themselves, I realized that they, too, may have had some unresolved issues. Therefore, we had a lengthy discussion about your story, along with that of Juan. Many questions were proposed, and many stories were told about my student’s own tragedies. At the end of our discussion, I asked the students to write to you how they felt about the assembly, what they liked and what they would alter. Therefore, you will find enclosed the written comments from my students. I hope they will be helpful to you as your foundation plans future assemblies. Mr. Khamisa, thank you for having the courage to tell: your story to so many audiences. Thank you for opening our eyes to the ever-increasing violence that we typically choose to ignore. And, most importantly, thank you far telling those students who really needed to hear from you that it is okay to mourn and therapeutic to forgive.

Tracy Yoffe

Spanish Teacher, Spring Valley Middle School

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Azim shines a bright light of hope for all of us at the point where all change begins: within our own individual hearts. Azim’s life and his life’s work are one and the same: examples of the courage of a mind and heart ablaze with the utmost faith in the inherent capacity of human beings to forgive one another, which results in a world infused with love, peace, and a level of respect that honors the dignity of all beings.

Click below to watch the video

Dr. Michael Beckwith

Founder and Spiritual Director, Agape International Spiritual Center

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The impact of Azim’s message on your company or organization will shift paradigms and create lasting unity in your management teams, Azim’s integrity inspires everyone to become a better person that contributes at a higher level by encouraging self-awareness in order to attain self fulfillment.

Les Brown

Motivational Speaker

Dear Azim: This is just a note to tell you how very much we appreciated your willingness to present your story to our recent conference on balanced and restorative justice. You clearly touched the audience in a way that nothing else could have. The participant evaluations were overwhelming in their positive comments about your presentation. A sample quote: “No words can explain the impact this session had on me. I was in tears many times during, Azim’s presentation. His gracefulness and kindness touched me very deeply.” Cordially,

Marlys Schutjer

Director, Program Development & Operation Division, Bureau of Juvenile Justice

Dear Mr. Khamisa: Words are inadequate to express my appreciation to you for the inspiring message you delivered at La Mesa Community Prayer Breakfast last week. You are such a powerful role model for people of all ages. I am so thankful that you are working with young people and giving them the benefit of your understanding love and forgiveness. Your heartfelt words concerning your faith were so meaningful to us. Although most faith groups teach love and forgiveness it is not always practiced and expressed by all followers. It is difficult to love and forgive those who do us harm. You are an amazing man and I am honored to have heard your message. The comments from those in attendance at the breakfast echo my sentiments. People went away with a full heart and an uplifted spirit. I am going to work with Diane Craig to see how I may help further your important work. Thanks again for all you do to create a better world. Sincerely,  

Clara Harris

President, La Mesa Rotary Club

Dear Mr Khamisa, I am a seventh grade student. My name is Edrei Santana. I was present at the school assembly when you and Mr. Felix showed us many things. I am sorry for what happened to your son, Tariq. I’m glad that you had chosen to forgive because now, you have taught me that we can forgive others who have mistreated us. I really think that you are extremely brave making a foundation with Mr. Felix. I know that you haven’t just changed my way of looking at things like this, but many other’s minds. I think that you are very strong from your inside, by being able to meet Tony’s grandfather. Not many people are able to have enough courage to face the teen’s grandfather that hurt you so bad. I’m sure that you are an example of what a great person with knowledge would do in a situation like this one. You’re someone that all of us can look up to. I sincerely thank you so much for making a foundation this important. Also, thanks for sharing your personal life with so many of us. I know that you wouldn’t have to be doing this, but you are because you care for us and the way we’ll live in the future. I hope the best for everyone including Tony.

Edrei

Wilson Academy Grade 7

Azim Thank you again for taking the time to come speak to the men at FCI Milan LCP Unit. You truly made a tremendous impact on us all.  I have been receiving many affirmations from the inmates.  One inmate has been inspired to start a meditation group.  He already has a number of men who are ready to try it with him.  The seeds of your message of peace and forgiveness are already taking root….what a blessing!

Jon Cooper

FCI Milan, Federal Bureau of Prisons

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Dear Azim: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your superbly thoughtful words on the violence panel at CDF’s national conference. It stimulated our thinking and moved us to grapple in deeper ways with the need to confront the culture and consequences of violence in our society. I took forward to working with you to give every child a safe start and passage to adulthood. Your work will do so much to help ensure this. Enclosed is our annual State of America’s Children report and Children’s Sabbath kit. The introduction lays out CDF’s 2000-2001 agenda. I look forward to working with you to build the movement to achieve it.

Marian Wright Edelman

Children’s Defense Fund