Psychologist Survives Shooting, Firing, IRS Audit and Death of Spouse to Challenge Others to 'Find the Upside of the Down Times'. Rob Pennington, PhD, shares his own very personal and honest account of some of the biggest challenges life can throw at anyone. He empowers readers with true stories, inspiring insights and practical tools to help turn their own negative experiences into positive opportunities. Stepping beyond the initial shock and emotional roller coaster of each trial he faced, Dr. Pennington credits faith and support from others. “I discovered strengths I did not know I had and might not have found, had it not been for the challenge,” says Dr. Pennington. “I learned how to turn the worst things that happen to me into the best opportunities I have.” This book is not about theory, but the very real blessings that can be found by anyone in the difficulties of day-to-day life. At the end of each chapter, Dr. Pennington shares specific activities he learned that can assist readers to turn their own struggles into stepping-stones that can lead to an upside of personal and professional growth. With wit and tenderness, with vulnerability and candor, the reader is taken on a journey through many aspects of life, from career and finances to relationships, education, and health. And when tragedy strikes, Dr. Pennington demonstrates through his own humanity that even though we all have difficult times, we also have the ability to rise above them. When the times start to drag you down ... Rob’s real world examples show that you can still: • Turn your worries into positive action plans • Turn your fears into opportunities for hope and for help • Turn your life into something better than you thought possible
Four time recipient of the Mental Health Association's Outstanding Speaker Award, one of Meeting Professional International's original Platinum Presenters, and a Vistage Speaker for CEOs; educational psychologist Dr. Rob Pennington has been entertaining and inspiring audiences since 1976 following the completion of his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. He has consistently received the highest trainer evaluations from ExxonMobil employees, each year, for 30 years for his multi-day programs: "Successfully Managing the Stress of Change" and "Successful Work Relationships".
Prior to his careers in counseling and executive coaching, Dr. Pennington was a professor at three universities. His intensive academic understanding paired with profound personal experience (he's been shot, fired, divorced, audited by the IRS, self-employed 30 years, remarried with 2 pre-teen daughters and a wife who he cared for until her passing 28 years later from multiple sclerosis) make him one of the most engaging and transformational teachers available today.
A co-founder and partner with both Geode Educational Services, mindoh.org, creators of character education materials for middle and high school students; and Resource International, resource-i.com, a management consulting firm supporting executives to produce more effective results by balancing their authority and collaboration with their direct reports, Dr. Pennington makes complex issues understandable in a delightfully common-sense manner. For the first time in and award winning book, Dr. Pennington provides insights in "Find the Upside of the Down Times: How to Turn Your Worst Experiences into Your Best Opportunities!", that he has presented in trainings and keynotes worldwide on a range of professional and personal development topics.
Living in Houston Texas with his cats, Bunny and Tounces, Dr. Pennington spends most of his relaxing time with family and friends. He is currently President Elect of the Houston chapter of the The National Speakers' Association and coordinator of their Speaker Academy, a 10 month support and education group sponsored by the H designed to assist those committed to building a career as a professional speaker. He is also on the board of Houston Coaches and coordinator of the Coaches' Corner, a volunteer service that provides convention attendees with an introduction to coaching.
An avid UT Longhorn football fan, you can find Rob most Saturdays in the Fall with his parents and friends glued to his 150 inch HD home theater cheering the Orange & White to victory!
