Tip#852: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 8 - Ex Machina

The Collision Conference I attended in Las Vegas was extremely eye opening and thought-provoking (see: tip#851). I got to meet startup entrepreneurs from around the world who had an idea and gave birth to online services and apps that could reach and help millions of people around the planet. See: photo examples

I met people from the Netherlands, India, Russia, Australia, Ireland, France, United Arab Emirates and so many other countries! Meeting them helped expand my mind to new ideas and new, exciting ways of seeing these inventions make a positive difference with countless people. These thoughts and feelings triggered me to explore new possibilities and opportunities for my own dreams and goals! 

Ex Machina (2015)

The science fiction thriller film, Ex Machina, is about a young programmer named Caleb (Domhnall Gleeson) selected by reclusive CEO Nathan (Oscar Isaac) to assess and test out his revolutionary humanoid robot named Ava (Alicia Vikander). What unfolds is a riveting, mesmerizing study of human behaviour with visually stunning special effects of the robot that seem absolutely real. See: movie trailer 

The interactions between Ava and Caleb and between Caleb and Nathan were extremely fascinating and compelling. Equally thought-provoking was how Ava’s artificial intelligence (A.I.) and human movements and interaction skills were derived from millions of mobile phones around the world via microphones and cameras. There are many films that explore A.I. like Blade Runner, The Matrix, Her and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Ex Machina happens to present ideas that are appear so realistic that the story could be happening right now!

There are many positives and negatives brought up about this film about human behavior and technology we use everyday. If they trigger thoughts and feelings within you then explore these results. Movies, especially science fiction, can help activate your imagination and show you invaluable new perspectives on your life and work!

Related Tips:
Tip#748: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 1 - After the Dark 
Tip#772: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 2 – The Congress - Under the Skin
Tip#778: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 3 – I Origins
Tip#789: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 4 – Coherence
Tip#790: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 5 - Frequencies
Tip#803: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 6 – Interstellar
Tip#809: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 7 – The Man from Earth
Tip#852: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 8 - Ex Machina
Tip#861: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 9 – Netflix’s Sense8
Tip#1004: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 10 - Arrival

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A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron

“Here we all are, with nothing but our wit and our will to save the world.” 
Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

I just had an epic adventure helping out a friend at a massive conference in Las Vegas. I acted as the social media wingman for Bill Sweetman of Name Ninja taking photos of startup entrepreneurs with the best domain names to be entered in a contest for best name of the conference. With over 7,500 attendees, investors, media, tech industry leaders and 89 countries represented Bill and I worked effectively as a team to cover two jam-packed days (and one amazing opening night party!).

The Collision Conference could have been an overload of sensory data with 100’s of exhibitors but Bill and I created order from chaos through strategic planning and constant communication via text. Though I felt burned out at the end of each day I was able to photograph 51 finalists and post onto twitter. This gave free promotion to the exhibitors and Name Ninja to the thousands of attendees via social media. Teamwork made this happen and mission accomplished!

See photos: 51 domain name finalists

Winner of Name Ninja's Startup Name Contest: Mailjet

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The superhero action film, Avengers: Age of Ultron, brings back the Marvel superhero team to battle Ultron, a self-aware robot accidentally created by Tonk Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo). This visually stunning film highlights each of the hero’s powers and unique personalities as well as showing many jaw-dropping action scenes! Though there may be an overload of imagery this is a highly entertaining chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe! See: movie trailer

Battles also unfold within the team with differences of opinions ultimately push them to transform their conflicting mindsets and focus one the main goal of defeating Ultron. This is possible because their effective teamwork was already demonstrated from the film’s first fights where they pool on each others strengths. For example Captain America’s (Chris Evans) shield is used by other team members like Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson). Together they brought order out of their inner chaos as a group and successfully solve the chaos all around them.

Inspirational Themes:
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Resilience
• Strategic Thinking

Superhero films can inspire teamwork in your workplace and in life. They can show how powerful teamwork can be once each person aligns their mindset to a common goal. And believe that you have your own super abilities and talents that is an important factor for achieving of that goal!

Related Tips:

Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2

Tip#478: Great Teamwork Movies Part 2 – Red Cliff

Tip#540: Great Teamwork Movies Part 3 – The Avengers

Tip#780: Great Teamwork Movies Part 4 - Hercules

Tip#843: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 5 - Galaxy Quest

Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus
Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tip#954: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 8 - Captain America: Civil War

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#850: The Greatest Self-Help Superhero Movie - Spider-Man 2

“I believe there’s a hero in all of us that keeps us honest, gives us strength, keeps us noble.” 
Spider-Man 2 (2004)

Every year more superhero themed movies continue to grow into an exciting film category! As of this writing Marvel Comics has been successful in creating what they call the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the latest film Avengers: The Age of Ultron. While DC Comics is just starting their own Cinematic Universe with the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Despite the dozens of Marvel movies already released none have matched the cinematic achievement of 2004’s Spider-Man 2. I believe this is the greatest personal growth movie embedded in a superhero action flick! Entertainment Weekly agrees in their own review…

“This triumphant sequel to the hard-to-top 2002 original may be the first great comic-book movie in the age of self-help and CGI wizardry: Both the thrills and the therapeutic personal growth are well earned.” 
Entertainment Weekly

Spider-Man 2 (2004)

The superhero action film, Spider-Man 2, is about Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) and his struggle to manage a normal life and his duties as the crime-fighting Spider-Man. His exciting battles with villain Dr. Otto Octavius/Doctor Octopus (Alfred Molina) are just as intense as Peter’s battle with his conflicted inner thoughts and emotions. The movie also features a heartfelt love story between Peter and Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst) See: movie trailer 

Peter’s challenge is a fantastic metaphor for anyone wanting to re-ignite self-confidence and self-worth. For example when he starts to doubt his responsibilities as Spider-Man he begins to lose his spider powers like shooting webs and climbing walls. It is only when he fully focuses on helping others and embracing his special gifts, skills and strengths that Peter regains his confidence and superpowers. Making a choice and focusing were the keys to his success and peace of mind.

Remember the best superhero movies show heroes that deal with down-to-earth human problems. Be inspired to tap into your own inner powers and abilities that can help free you now from your own doubts and indecision!

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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus

“We all need inspiration because in order to build our nation we must all exceed our own expectations.”
Invictus (2009)

I am currently enjoying a rare spring visit to a hot and sunny Las Vegas where the TV news was electric with the boxing match between fellow Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. It was exciting to see the local news show these two sports leaders inspire countless people for this Las Vegas event. The Filipino community, boxing fans and celebrities featured were thrilled!

There are many sports related films that show leaders inspiring a sense of community support and team spirit such as the Rocky film series and movies based on true stories like Cinderella Man, Remember the Titans, Rudy, We Are Marshall and Secretariat. Here is another film that inspires with five teamwork stories in one! 

Invictus (2009)

The biographical sports drama film, Invictus, is based on the true story of South African President Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) and his vision to unite his nation through the team spirit of rugby in 1995. Mandela asks François Pienaar (Matt Damon), captain of the country’s rugby team Springbox for help. This is an amazing, engaging story of accomplishing a seemingly impossible goal to win the Rugby World Cup that also includes a fantastic performance by Freeman. See: movie trailer 

Within the film are five inspiring stories of five teams: Mandela’s staff, his security team, Mandela with rugby team captain, the rugby team and the citizens of South Africa.

1) Mandela’s Staff:
Mandela has a dedicated staff even though, at first, found it difficult to support his vision for unifying the country. And when he breaks down from exhaustion his team works together to follow doctor's orders and help Mandela get the rest he needed.

2) Mandela’s Security Team
There is immediate friction when Mandela’s all black security team are made to work side by side with an all white security team. Throughout the film you’ll see how they learn to work together and how the rugby events eventually unite them.

3) Mandela with Rugby Team Captain
Mandela first teams up with Pienaar at a sit down conversation to share his vision to win the World Cup. Since then Mandela encourages and inspires him to exceed his own expectations. Pienaar in turn shows his trust in the President’s request by giving him no arguments or negative attitude.

4) Springbox RugbyTeam
Pienaar perseveres with Mandela’s wishes by pushing his teammates to work hard both in training and with public relations events with black children. On the field the players are then very successful working together. Mandela also boosts team spirit by taking time to learn each player’s names and greet them in person at training and rugby matches.

5) Citizens of South Africa
At first the friction between blacks and whites appear impossible to unite. And yet through Mandela’s vision and the rugby team surpassing all expectations they begin to inspire the nation. When they finally win the World Cup all citizens of South Africa celebrate together despite the colour of their skin.

Inspirational Themes:
• Vision
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Strategic Thinking
• Perseverance
• Indestructible Optimism
• Resilience

Sports films can be incredibly motivational for showing excellent teamwork and even more so when based on real events. And great teamwork is always inspired by great leadership! Be inspired to foster teamwork in your workplace or life despite the seemingly impossible odds or goals. Anything is possible when you have a dedicated, resilient team!

Related Tips:

Tip#477: Great Teamwork Movies Part 1 – X-Men: First Class – Kung Fu Panda 2

Tip#478: Great Teamwork Movies Part 2 – Red Cliff

Tip#540: Great Teamwork Movies Part 3 – The Avengers

Tip#780: Great Teamwork Movies Part 4 - Hercules

Tip#843: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 5 - Galaxy Quest

Tip#849: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 6 - Invictus
Tip#851: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 7 – Avengers: Age of Ultron
Tip#954: Great Teamwork Movies, Part 8 - Captain America: Civil War

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

"I want to help you, I'm just trying to figure out how."
Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014)

I recently attended a very informative panel discussion on mental health in the workplace that inspired me both professionally and personally. Hosted by the HRPA Toronto Chapter the main message was how critical it was now to acknowledge the need to increase awareness and support for mental health. It is already known that mental illness in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars per year.

One of the most important, updated stats presented from a recent national survey was 1 in 3 employees have or had a mental health condition. Overall 90% of employees also indicated that managing employee mental wellness is important for employee productivity. The panelists included Dr. Noah Lazar, PhD, Cpsych, Paula Allen, VP Research & Integrative Solutions, Morneau Shepell and Deanna Matzanke, Strategic HR and Diversity Professional and Lawyer.

More details of national survey: Morneau Shepell
See photos: Mental Health Panel discussion

Listening to this presentation inspired me to know that my own motivational speaker topics on increasing resilience in the workplace could be of great service. Also my personal experience with depression, both situation and clinical, could help employers and employees better recognize depression symptoms. My knowledge of empowering movies as personal growth tools can also help transform mindsets blocked by stigma (workplace, societal, cultural and self-stigma). Here is a recent film I'm recommending as my latest tip on acknowledging depression in the workplace.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014)

The drama film, Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, is based on real events about a struggling office worker named Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi) living in solitude in Tokyo. One day she is inspired to travel to the US in search of a treasure she believes is real that she saw in a VHS video of the film Fargo. This deeply moody and surreal adventure moves at a slow pace and yet captures what depression can be for people in visually artistic scenes. See: movie trailer

Kumiko’s scenes may be disturbing, sad and unsettling especially at work and with other people in her daily life. She is visibly withdrawn, isolated, slow to respond and has difficulty concentrating. And yet when she finds a goal she is passionate about Kumiko becomes focused and driven. I recommend seeing this film even if just for aiding in visually identifying depression symptoms in employees and co-workers.

Watching “movie prescriptions” such as this film or Groundhog Day, A Beautiful Mind and others I’ve recommended (see links below) can help employees and employers recognize common symptoms of depression for themselves or others. Acknowledging these symptoms is an excellent step towards breaking down the stigma of mental illness both personally and in the workplace.

Related Tips:

Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day 

Tip#838: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 2 - What Women Want
Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter  
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film)  
Tip#835: You Are Awesome! Part 2 - The Duff 
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

NEED A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER ON RESILIENCE?
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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015