Cathcart Institute announces the first ever posthumous Certified Professional Expert, CPE #30, Dr. Denis Waitley.
This belated bestowal of the CPE is wrapped in sadness and respect. Denis Waitley passed away on Saturday June 7, 2025 after a long career of inspiring work and followers numbering in the millions. His seminal work “The Psychology of Winning” set world records for sales in audio form and was followed by many books and video programs.
In 1979 Jim Cathcart and Denis Waitley did a nationwide lecture tour called “A Day for Winners”. Jim did a 3 hour morning seminar on “How to Think like a Winner.” Denis did 3 hours in the afternoon on “The Psychology of Winning.” Stan MacMackins organized the tour. Subsequently, Jim joined Denis on stage in San Diego at Denis’ own event, then in New Orleans at a Tidy Car international convention where a white Corvette was awarded to top producer Tim Seward. On stage again in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Denis and Jim joined Zig Ziglar and Norman Vincent Peale plus Marvin Phillips before an audience of over 3,000 people at Oral Roberts University. Jim and Denis both had TV shows on TSTN, The Success Training Network. They both delivered speeches at Erik Swanson’s Habitude Warrior event in San Diego.
Jim became friends with Denis over many years and shared numerous good times: singing oldies tunes by the fireside at Bill Bachrach’s home, telling stories into the night, dining, traveling, laughing and sharing ideas. Dr. Waitley graciously wrote the Foreword for Jim’s signature book The Acorn Principle.
Denis’ imprint in the world will be felt for generations. His presence in person will be dearly missed.
We proudly include Denis Waitley in the ranks of Certified Professional Expert, CPEs as number 30 and the first to ever be awarded posthumously.
