Motivational Speakers

Ross Bernstein is the best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books and has appeared on thousands of television and radio programs over his career, including CNN, NPR and ESPN, as well as in the pages of the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. As a nationally recognized motivational keynote speaker, Ross uses inspirational sports stories as a metaphor for life and for business to energize and connect his audiences, ultimately getting them to think differently. From groups ranging in size from 25 to 2,500, Ross regularly speaks to corporations, sales teams and trade associations from coast to coast — specializing in the topics of “Values & Integrity” and “Passions & Legacies.”

Ross’ action-packed keynotes are inspirational, memorable and fun. His PowerPoint presentations feature hundreds of huge color photos which are chock full of poignant stories, practical wisdom and valuable take-aways that audience members can bring back to the office and start applying immediately. As a conference opener, Ross sets the tone right out of the gates with his high energy and engaging stories; while as a closer he wraps-up on a high note — leaving attendees energized, inspired and ready to get back to work. Ross offers two unique keynote programs, both of which can be customized to fit in with the exact theme of his client's event, and given at either 60 or 90 minutes in length. Oftentimes he will give one as an opening or closing keynote at a conference, and then do the other as a break-out — which is extremely popular and always gets rave reviews. Contact Nationally Speaking about having Ross come to your office to do a showcase or to have him send you some of his sports books. He would love the opportunity to be a member of your team for the day!

“The Champion’s Code: Life Lessons of Values & Integrity from the Sports World to the Business World”

The difference between athletes and champions is the “code” that they choose to live by. Ross Bernstein spent five years researching and interviewing more than 500 professional athletes, coaches, referees, umpires and media personalities for his nationally best-selling series of “Code” books, which chronicle the unwritten rules in sports, and he uses that wealth of information to educate, enlighten and entertain his audiences — challenging them to question their own personal and professional principles and values. In his program, Ross identifies eight unique characteristics and traits that are common among champions — which he then ties into poignant stories and life lessons from the world of sports. From there, Ross encourages his audiences to create their own code — or mission statement — which they can take back to the office and start using immediately — in order to be more productive, creative and accountable.
The DNA of a champion is rare indeed and the code of honor that they live by is truly unique. Champions win with integrity and without taking short-cuts or compromising their standards. They know that anybody can win on any given day, but to win consistently over time, requires a special work ethic and outlook on life. Their standards and expectations are higher, which is what makes them “true professionals,” or the best of the best. They know how to make critical decisions and to stay focused, even under pressure.
Champions view ethics differently too. They know that winning “at all costs” is fleeting, whereas winning with integrity is meaningful and everlasting. They also understand that there is a fine line between cheating and gamesmanship, and they know where that line is at all times. You see, the unspoken code of honor in professional sports allows the players to police themselves. If a player cheats or purposely shows-up or disrespects an opponent out on the ice, diamond or gridiron — then they will have to be held accountable — or else be prepared to suffer the consequences. From a PGA golfer voluntarily choosing to disqualify himself after winning a major championship upon learning he had inadvertently broken a rule; to an NFL football player using fear as a tactic to intimidate his opponent; to an Olympic sprinter illegally taking steroids to gain an edge; to a Major League Baseball pitcher beaning an opponent after catching him stealing the signals to his catcher; to an NHL hockey player dropping his gloves and fighting an adversary twice his size in order to stand up for a teammate — that “fine line” is both fascinating as well as thought-provoking. It all relates to the current business climate though, and that is what makes Ross’ program so popular.
This action-packed presentation features more than 100 photos and is chock full of interesting stories, insightful wisdom and valuable takeaways. In it, Ross talks about taking responsibility and about doing things the right way, with respect, to not just survive in the “new economy” — but to thrive in it on your own terms. By the end of the session everybody on your team will be able to clearly define their own “Code.”


“When it Comes to Team-Building, Leadership & Motivation: Do You Believe in Miracles?”

“Do YOU believe in miracles? Well, believe it or not, legendary coach Herb Brooks didn’t. Sure, he was a dreamer, but there were no short-cuts or divine interventions in his vocabulary — for him it was all about hard work, commitment and passion — and through those ideals he truly changed the world. Ross Bernstein is proud to share the inspirational story of the man behind the fabled 1980 gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic “Miracle on Ice” hockey team — which pulled off the greatest upset in modern sports history. Ross, who had actually been working with Brooks on writing a series of motivational/self-help books at the time of his tragic passing in 2003, decided to honor the legacy of his friend and mentor by turning their project into a living memorial. The result was “Remembering Herbie” and “America’s Coach,” a pair of nationally critically acclaimed motivational-biographies which chronicle the secrets of Brooks’ success through hundreds of interviews from former players, teammates, coaches, friends and family. Proceeds from the sale of the books benefit the Herb Brooks Foundation, of which Ross currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors.
In his program, Ross speaks about the influence Brooks had on the world of sports; his unorthodox leadership style; his philosophies on roles and role players; his thoughts on mentorship and community service; how he was able to adapt and change in different work environments; how he fostered team chemistry; and about his unparalleled motivational tactics. Brooks was a winner in every sense of the word and the culture he created with his teams consistently delivered winning results — that was the bottom line. An innovator who wasn’t afraid to try things that were completely revolutionary and even controversial, Brooks demanded excellence from everybody around him and earned their respect through leading by example. He was the ultimate team player who lived by the adage that “the name on the front of the jersey was always more important than the name on the back” — a message any company or organization, big or small, can be proud of. Putting many of the life-lessons and ideologies he learned from the fiery coach into a practical business application, Ross’ interactive, entertaining and thought-provoking presentation aims to inspire others to follow their dreams and maybe, just maybe, even create their own miracles.
If you’ve got any sports fans in your group, or if you got goose bumps watching the Disney movie “Miracle,” which starred Kurt Russell as Brooks, then this uplifting keynote will be the perfect way to open or close your next conference. (Ross is the president of the board of directors of the Herb Brooks Foundation, and proceeds from all of his books proudly benefit this cause which is near and dear to his heart.)