Jim Kochalka, is a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer personally trained by Dr. Robert Cialdini on ethical influence business practices. As a principal of OnCourse International, Jim Kochalka provides executive development and advisory services to business leaders and global firms. Jim’s experience as a clinical psychologist creates a unique perspective valued by clients in industries from financial services to fashion.

 

Recent engagements include: leading a client relationship program for senior executives at IBM, coaching investment bankers at Lehman Brothers, working with a team during a new publication launch at Conde Nast, and strengthening the business skills of executives at POLO Ralph Lauren.  Jim is a valued resource of the Young Presidents' Organization, where he delivers keynote addresses to business leaders around the globe as well as serving as a personal advisor to several CEOs.

 

Prior to his work in business, Jim developed a thriving clinical psychology practice in Tampa, Florida where he also served on the boards of several community organizations including the YMCA and Leadership Tampa.

 

Jim completed his undergraduate education at Northern Illinois University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University.  He has published extensively in the field of training and is happily married with three sons.  He is a fitness fanatic and global traveler.

 

What Dr. Cialdini has to say about Jim: “Whether in a training, speaking, or consulting context, Jim Kochalka provides the rare combination of warmth and intellect.  As a consequence, people feel comfortable and open to the real insights he consistently has to offer.”

 

“Business development as much as anything is a function of confidence. Since completing Jim Kochalka's Persuasion and Influence Seminar, I am experiencing significant increase in the confidence that I both feel and exude in my work as a high level executive coach. Motivational seminars may give a short lived shot in the arm. This is something quite different. The Influence Seminar delivered a deeper understanding of what I am offering and new found skill in communicating its value. It has made a lasting difference to my business and my life.” — David Lesser, CEO, David Lesser and Associates

 

“Jim did an outstanding job of training our group on the Principles of Persuasion. He has a gift for teaching participants how to apply the principles to both the routine and complex challenges they’re facing so they’ll obtain their desired results. Jim’s empathy was obvious from the care and commitment he demonstrated throughout the workshop to ensure participants were developing and that the experience would be immediately useful. Moreover, his sense of humor and easygoing style made it a fun experience that we all enjoyed tremendously. I now want to bring him to my clients and have him as my personal coach!” — Ray Jefferson, Leadership Development Specialist for global strategy consulting firm

 

“Jim understands ‘Influence’ from his real world experience and brings those insights to his teachings as he brings his students through the concepts of the course. I highly recommend the experience!” — Roger Lumpps, former Managing Director, Bearing Point

 

“Over my 25-year career as a real estate lawyer, I have honed the skills to apply a variety of negotiating strategies. Jim Kochalka’s presentation of the Principles of Persuasion was a paradigm shift—it has given me a new set of tools to use to get results for myself and my clients. I started using the principles the next day.” — Beat U. Steiner, Holland & Hart LLP, Boulder, CO ‘Best Lawyers in America’

 

“Kochalka embodies the 4 Ps of great facilitators: He is a Professional—Jim knows the material and knows it well, he is polished and poised in teaching; He is Passionate—Jim has the energy and enthusiasm to spark learning and growth, he loves what he does; He is Personal—Jim sees each student and not just a class, his touch is personal to the needs of each learner; He is Persistent—he never stopped trying to improve the class, improve me, and improve his ability to facilitate.” — Mark Tribus, Duke University Professor of Military Science