Johnny Bench was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 7, 1947, and grew up in the small town of Binger, Oklahoma. His childhood dream was to become a major league baseball player, and his father counseled that the position of catcher was the most direct route to that goal. Taking that advice, he was selected and signed in the 1965 amateur draft by the Cincinnati Reds. After two seasons in the minors, Bench made Cincinnati's Major League roster for the 1968 season. This marked the … [Read more...]
Dan Clemens
When confronted with a problem or opportunity do you Respond to the whole situation or React to your narrow experience?Effective leaders and managers Respond to get results . . . stronger relationships, increased productivity, better teamwork, and the ability to motivate and influence others. In an interactive and engaging session filled with humor, rich stories and real-life examples, audience members learn to develop a habit of Responding to boost their own performance and enjoy more success. … [Read more...]
Ronnie Lott
A punishing defensive back in the 1980s and '90s, Ronnie Lott won four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers and earned 10 Pro Bowl appearances during his 14-year NFL career. He was named to the league's 75th anniversary team in 1994 and elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.Today, Lott continues to make an impact off the field. In 1989, he founded All Stars Helping Kids, a philanthropic organization that leverages the names, efforts and resources of other athletes, corporate … [Read more...]
Ross Bernstein, CSP
"The Champion's Code: Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World"Have you ever wondered why certain teams WIN consistently, whereas others come up short? Ross explains WHY — in an engaging and visually entertaining style that's designed to improve YOUR organization's productivity, morale, and bottom-line profitability...The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein is an award-winning … [Read more...]
Jim Craig
Jim Craig has been called the backbone of a team that accomplished one of the most extraordinary and memorable sports victories of all time. He went on to play professionally and transitioned to tremendous and ongoing success in the business world. Jim is in demand from coast to coast and internationally as a motivational speaker, spokesperson, marketing and sales strategist, and master storyteller. He is president of Gold Medal Strategies, a Boston-area based promotions and marketing firm … [Read more...]
Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon has revolutionized manager positions in sports. He is the living representation of what hard work, determination, and perseverance can bring to a struggling team looking for a leader. As the fourth manager of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, Maddon has legendarily transformed the face of the team from a "laughable disjoined bunch of rookies and castoffs into a vibrant collection of up-and-arriving talent" (Schwartz). In his first season as manager, Maddon led the Rays to 41 wins at their … [Read more...]
Brian Billick
In 2001, former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, Brian Billick, led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory only two years into his tenure. A well-respected and successful NFL coach, Billick credits his accomplishments to passion, teamwork, and accountability. This innovative motivator is a leader by example who demands these same values from everyone in his organization. In his presentation, this respected NFL leader continues to prove that with dedicated management, enthusiasm for the cause, and … [Read more...]
John Elway
John Elway, the former quarterback in the NFL for the Denver Broncos will always be remembered for his 47 game-winning or game-tying drives in the fourth quarter, his spectacular passing statistics, and his enduring competitive spirit. Elway was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 as the only quarterback to have started in five Super Bowls. Elway retired after the 1998-99 season leaving a big void in the NFL. Known for his come back victories, his cannon arm and his great … [Read more...]
Larry McKenzie, John Maxwell Certification
"LEADERSHIP PILLARS THAT DEVELOP WINNERS"Experienced leader with demonstrated expertise in motivating and implementing meaningful transformation in private and nonprofit organizations, and inspiring individual growth and performance. Larry's significant experience and expertise in education, including youth program development, charter school compliance, and coaching — combined with his background in developing strategic partnerships, executing successful fundraising and capital campaigns, and … [Read more...]