Andrew Mellen

Expect a high energy, fun and engaging presentation. Many people comment on how surprised they are that productivity and organization can be so entertaining and how funny I am.

Remember, I was a professional actor with 20 years of experience, many of it improvisational, so spontaneity and thinking on my feet comes naturally to me.

I spent six months living on a schoolbus and performing in prisons—if I can handle that audience, I think I can handle yours.

Audience interaction is always my favorite part of any presentation—there's only so long a speaker can speak before people get restless. And most people are more interested in themselves than just about anything else so it's good to give them what they want—a chance to be in the spotlight.

Think one part motivational speaker, one part stand up comic and one part best friend cheerleader who tells you the truth and you'll have a sense of what my events are like.

I believe in the power of personal transformation and know that anyone can achieve anything they set their minds and hearts to—if they are willing to grow.

Andrew Mellen has the skills and stage presence to inspire and engage audiences of all sizes and has helped tens of thousands of people and businesses around the world unclutter and simplify their lives. For good.

A sought-after authority on organizing and productivity, Andrew's addressed audiences from TEDx to Sustainable Silicon Valley. Corporate clients include American Express, Time, NetApp, Genentech, Singapore Tourism Board, and the US Depts. of Education and Homeland Security.

Media appearances include The New York Times; O, The Oprah Magazine; America Now; The Lisa Oz Show; The Nate Berkus Show; Oprah & Friends; Martha Stewart Living Today; ABC, NBC and CBS; CW11; HGTV; DIY Network; LiveWell Network; KnowMoreTV; Fine Living; Better TV; Ladies' Home Journal; Woman's Day; Family Circle; USA Today; GQ; InStyle; All You; VIV; Tricycle: The Buddhist Review; Healthy UK; American Way; Trade and travel publications; and NPR.

In addition to leading workshops and speaking appearances, he maintains a private practice working with clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies, trade associations and non-profits to CEOs, award-winning filmmakers and authors, as well as overwhelmed parents everywhere.

In 2013, Andrew founded Unstuff U, the world's first completely virtual personal organization training center, offering classes, workshops and other online resources for businesses and individuals.

Andrew is on the faculty of the New York Open Center in NYC. He speaks frequently on the intersection of spirituality and organizing at places like San Francisco Zen Center, Tassajara, All Saints Church and the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment. Andrew lives by his motto: More Love, Less Stuff!

PRESENTATIONS & TRAININGS

Unstuff Your Life!
How To Get And Stay Organized For Good

Andrew’s signature presentation for all audiences. Fun and informative, fast-paced and humorous, this presentation focuses on the fundamentals of getting and staying organized including Andrew’s Organizational Triangle. Every presentation includes a lively Q&A with the audience.

Takeaways INCLUDE:
• Time Management myths and best practices.
• 14 tips for managing email.
• The do’s and don’ts of managing papers & filing.
• Strategies for dealing with sentimental objects, mementos, heirlooms and collectibles.
• How to make time for the things you love as well as the things you have to do.

Smart Phones, Email, Social Media & You
Successfully Manage Your Time, Your Communication & Your Life

Poor time management isn’t cured by technology—it’s aggravated by it. It doesn’t matter how smart the phone is if you're overwhelmed and unfocused. In this presentation, you’ll look at what isn’t working in your tech life and discover simple and practical solutions to get you back on track and in control. Part skills building and part discussion, you’ll explore how reclaim your life from the machines in your pocket or purse. Break free from the real and imagined demands of email and social media. Reconnect with what was fun and productive in the first place—being in touch with friends, family and colleagues swiftly, clearly and easily.

Takeaways INCLUDE:
• How to get control over your day. For good.
• How to create rules and filters to manage the flow of email.
• When to check email and when to ignore it.
• How and when to use social media for marketing and for fun.
• What the latest apps can do for you and what they can’t.
• How to utilize your core values to drive your decisions around being and staying connected.

Lighten Your Load
Successful Strategies For Downsizing For Aging Parents, Empty-Nesters & Their Boomer Children

Overwhelmed by a lifetime of possessions? Trouble finding your health care proxy, living will and other important documents? Facing an empty nest or breaking up the family home? Recently lost a partner or family member and are now dealing with their stuff?

Downsizing can be fraught with potential pitfalls and emotional minefields. Trying to balance your own needs with the concerns, demands and expectations of others calls for deliberate planning to avoid misunderstandings, hurt feelings and unfavorable outcomes. Even the best strategy will fail when you’re disorganized and overwhelmed. This program was created to help you get your affairs buttoned up now—because “someday” will be too late. From modest homes to multi-million dollar estates, it’s essential to act now. A clear paper trail and spelled-out intentions are the best legacy to leave for your loved ones.

Takeaways INCLUDE:
• How to deal with sentimental objects, mementos, heirlooms and crafts.
• The dos and don’ts of filing and paperwork.
• How to relocate, downsize or transition with dignity and ease.
• How to avoid guilt and remorse when making difficult choices.
• How to make time for the things you love, not just the things you have to do.

Unstuff Your Corporation!

Corporations struggle with stuff in unique ways. Possible challenges include inflexible and obsolete systems, silo-ed management, and redundancy and wasted labor/materials. In as few as four hours, you can see improvements in productivity. With more time, teams can learn how to turn around everything from faulty filing systems to years of static growth and weak morale. All team members work with Andrew to identify what’s working and not, then strategize collective solutions to achieve common goals. Andrew believes that with strong leadership, it’s simple to reclaim the creativity that was a hallmark of early growth.

Takeaways INCLUDE:
• Time Management myths and best practices.
• 14 tips for managing email.
• The do’s and don’ts of filing and paperwork.
• What a project is and isn’t—how to recognize scope creep and stop it fast.
• Using core values to re-engage individuals, teams and management.

Unstuff Your Time!
Getting The Right Work Done—On Time, Every Time

Sick and tired of endless to-do lists, unfinished projects, and waiting for “someday”? Feel like you’re running from crisis to crisis, putting out fires everywhere? Ever wonder why you’re working so hard and still not getting where you want to be? There's a huge difference between being busy and being effective.

"Time is money," and lots of both get lost every day because of disorganization and disruption. Learn to maximize time by getting a grip on spaces, workflow, and schedules.

Takeaways INCLUDE:
• Better organize work spaces for peak efficiency.
• Distinguish between urgent and important.
• Use SMART goals to help get things done quickly and effectively.
• Deal with interruptions, roadblocks and procrastination.
• Create realistic deadlines and actually meet them.

Keeping it Green
Unstuffing Your Life The Sustainable Way

A long-time advocate for sustainability, Andrew’s adapted his signature presentation to focus on the 5Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle, restore/replace & renew.

Andrew Mellen guarantees a memorable event that will change the way people think and behave. For good.

Because it's never about the stuff—it's always the stuff behind the stuff.

You may be exceptional in many ways, but when it comes to stuff, there are no exceptions.

*Find anything in 30 seconds or less
*Easily distinguish between urgent and important
*Stop procrastinating and start living the life you've been dreaming of
*Stop accumulating and start enjoying
*Have time for the things you love not just the things you have to do