Joe M. Turner
Joe M. Turner | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 23, 1969 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Corporate illusionist, mentalist, keynote presenter, magician, motivational speaker |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Corporate magic performances, motivational speaking combining magic and business topics |
Joe M. Turner (born November 23, 1969) is a distinguished American corporate illusionist, mentalist, and sought-after keynote presenter. Operating out of Memphis and Atlanta, he focuses on delivering corporate magic performances designed specifically for conferences, meetings, trade exhibitions, product unveilings, and similar occasions. Turner combines sleight-of-hand techniques, escape artistry, and mentalism within motivational talks addressing topics such as customer experience, brand interaction, memory enhancement, managing change, and fostering creativity. His work has been featured on CNN and various international broadcast platforms.
In the realm of magic professionals, Turner contributes as a columnist to Genii magazine and held the position of International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians from 2015 to 2016. He holds the distinction of being the first native Mississippian to appear in all three showrooms at Hollywood’s Magic Castle. His prominent engagements include performances at New York City’s Monday Night Magic and venues in Nashville and Atlantic City. Turner earned the title of Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year in 2000, 2010, and 2013, as well as FEA Atlanta Magician of the Year in 2009. His specialties encompass sleight-of-hand card illusions, mentalism, and employing magic as an effective communication medium.
Turner resides in western Tennessee with his spouse and their two adult children.
Early years
Originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Brandon, Turner developed early passions for magic, music, and acting. His influences included Doug Henning, David Copperfield, Johnny Carson, Dick Van Dyke, Red Skelton, and Victor Borge, which inspired him throughout his formative years.
While attending Mississippi State University, Turner was awarded a Schillig Leadership Scholarship and a summer fellowship in 1989 to study nuclear physics at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He also served as pianist and music director at a local theater and completed internships in music direction at Maine State Music Theatre. Additionally, Turner authored and composed the stage production BankNote$. During his college tenure, he received accolades for both acting and directing and was inducted into Mississippi State’s Hall of Fame in 1991 in recognition of his academic excellence, artistic contributions, and leadership.
Graduating summa cum laude in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in physics/chemistry education—alongside studies in astrophysics, music, and theater—Turner integrates these varied fields into unified presentations. He currently participates on the selection committee for Mississippi State University’s Distinguished Scholars program.
Corporate magic and speaking career
Turner’s initial significant corporate magic engagement was with The Coca-Cola Company. Following a competitive selection process, he was contracted by CMI (a Clear Channel Entertainment division), Coca-Cola, and Reading is Fundamental to develop, direct, and train performers for a magic-centered literacy campaign aimed at school children. The Storytraveler Illusion Show was linked to Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the Harry Potter film franchise. Turner's consulting role contributed to this initiative receiving a silver Reggie Award for "Best Cause-Related Promotion" from the Promotion Marketing Association in 2002.
He became a frequent speaker and performer at Coca-Cola’s Atlanta headquarters and crafted bespoke magic presentations for trade shows, conferences, and meetings for clients such as Microsoft, InterContinental Hotel Group, Industrial Information Resources, Eton Corporation, American Water Works Association, Alcoa, Pitney Bowes, the Atlanta Falcons, Biosound-Esaote, American Honda Motor Company, along with numerous small to mid-sized enterprises. Turner continues to appear at corporate functions nationally and globally under the title "Chief Impossibility Officer."
Between 2005 and 2008, Turner headlined Shenanigans, a solo magic cabaret show located in Atlanta's Buckhead area. Presented at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta and lauded by former mayor Sam Massell, he now tours this production across small theaters nationwide. Since 2014, he has co-produced, starred in, and booked talent for Atlanta Magic Night.
As a motivational presenter, Turner utilizes his magical expertise combined with his background in change management to deliver keynotes focused on achieving outstanding outcomes through concentration and perseverance. His magic-enhanced speeches address themes such as customer experience improvement, brand engagement strategies, memory training techniques, change leadership, and creative problem-solving approaches. He has also delivered presentations at academic institutions targeting both students and faculty.
Since 2001, Turner has authored a product review column for Genii Magazine, assessing instructional resources for magicians. He contributed material to Pete McCabe's Scripting Magic and has been referenced in publications including Ken Weber's Maximum Entertainment.
Awards and honors
Turner earned the title of Greater Atlanta Magician of the Year three times: in 2000, 2010, and 2013. In 2002, he was honored with the IBM Ring 9 President’s Award and was recognized as FEA Atlanta Magician of the Year in 2009. He holds the distinction of being the first artist to secure both the Doyne Michie Award for Excellence in Close-Up Magic and the J.C. Doty Award for Excellence in Stage Magic. Additionally, Turner is uniquely distinguished as the sole Georgia magician to have showcased his talents in all three prominent venues at the Magic Castle in Hollywood: the Close-Up Gallery, Parlor of Prestidigitation, and Palace of Mystery. His accolades also include numerous victories in local and regional contests, and he frequently serves as a judge for the International Brotherhood of Magicians’ final competitions.
From 2015 to 2016, Turner held the position of International President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Prior to this role, he served as President-Elect, Vice President, Executive Committee member, and Territorial Vice President representing Georgia. His leadership experience extends to his tenure as Executive Secretary of the Southeastern Association of Magicians (2001-2002) and as Deputy Regional Vice President for Georgia within the Society of American Magicians.
In 2010, Turner was inducted into The Magic Circle based in London, where he was immediately promoted to Associate of the Inner Magic Circle (A.I.M.C.) with a silver star—an honor that signifies exceptional achievement and is rarely bestowed.