Omar Rivas

Ok, let's be serious. I love to laugh. I’m sure you do as well. It’s the purest, most natural and primitive, form of communication. We all learned to laugh before we learned to speak. Communication at that basic level allows the mind to absorb information more deeply.  The ultimate goal for a public speaker is for the audience to experience a moment when ideas and concepts are understood clearly and concisely, and if they are laughing, they are learning. We are designed to be communicators. I passionately enjoy the power of the spoken word and the way it can enlighten, educate and express feeling and information. It is said, the pen is mightier than the sword. That's true, but a spoken-word communicator can change lives. Isn’t that why we are here on this rock? To change, evolve, progress into better beings? I think so. 

I have owned, partnered, developed or managed companies in the following industries:

I am a business development and communication speaker and coach located in Woodinville, WA. I founded Rivasity, Inc. a speaking and presentation coaching firm specializing in delivering keynote presentations, seminars and workshops on communication and business development proficiencies. I am a trusted CEO advisor and coach to various executives and corporations in the greater Northwest. I strategically leveraged my 30 years of business ownership, leadership, management and developmental experience in numerous industries to work with business owners and executives to achieve new levels of significance in their industry.

A compelling communicator, able to coach on and provide presentations to, advisory committees, technical committees, executive boards, and community groups.  I have strong collaborative skills which enable me to idea manage and lead various vendors, stakeholders, staff, management, customers and employees, in a variety of industries to a clear and concise understanding.  Superior interpersonal skills, solving multiple and complex issues, while managing multiple projects simultaneously.  Recognized for high personal integrity, attention to detail, goal-oriented, diplomatic, proactive, reliable, and flexible.

As a speaker I presented my way to the World Championship of Public Speaking semifinals in 2010 and to the Finals in 2011 and became one of the top 9 speakers in the world, out of 30,000 competitors in 116 countries, for Toastmasters International.

I speak to groups at Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, RealNetworks, Google, Group Health, Coinstar, Virginia Mason, Zymogentics, T-Mobile, Pemco, Harborview, and many more. I have presented motivational keynotes and educational breakout seminars at several local and national conferences, and have coached many technology executives in the art of presenting with influence.

I am bilingual, strategic, innovative, and passionate about communication. My accomplishments include receiving the 2004 Businessman of the Year for Washington State by the NRCC, 2006 Rotarian of the Year for Park Hill Rotary, and obtaining my Distinguished Toastmasters designation in 2013.

Because business and interpersonal communication is so diverse, I teach and coach on various business and communication principles including  * Business Communication & Development * Mindset Management * Behavioral Style implementation * Transactional Analysis * Sensation Transcendence &  Primary Sensory Dominance * Professional Presentation Skills * Identity – Role Differentiation * and persuasion from the podium, which has been very well received from Technology presenters.   

Several companies and many successes and lessons later, I find myself living in the Beautiful Northwest, with my faithful partner and wife Sandy, and 3 hairy kids (Yorkshire and Biewer Terriers) living a life of challenges and reward.

My passion has always been to assist, inspire and motivate people. Maybe it’s selfish, because it makes me feel good, but everyone wins.

After I competed at the World Championship of Public speaking finals, I realized that my talent for communicating is secondary to assisting people become better speakers and communicators. So I coach, train and mentor. I have helped executives, directors, managers and a wide gamut of people willing to become better communicators.

So what does the future hold? It’s doesn’t matter as long as I am doing what I love. Coach, train and mentor people. I still aspire to have the World Championship of Public Speaking Title, and become a better husband. I also want world peace, but one thing at a time!