Ross Bernstein
The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein is an award-winning peak performance hall of fame business speaker who’s keynoted conferences on all seven continents and has been featured on thousands of television and radio programs including: CNN, “CBS This Morning,” ESPN, and Fox News, as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. Keynoting more than 100 live events globally per year, Ross’ passion is studying just what it is that makes the great ones great – and then translating that to business through his “Champion’s Code” program in order to help people not just win, but to win with integrity.
Most Requested Programs
The Champion’s Code:
Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability from the Sports World to the Business World,” is about the DNA of champions in sports and how that relates to business. It’s based on more than six years of research that resulted in two critically acclaimed series of sports-business books. The first examines how and why specific teams win world championships, while the other chronicles the unwritten and unspoken rules in the world of sports, or “codes” as they are known, which explores the fine line between cheating and gamesmanship — and the ethical consequences involved when that line is crossed. Ross interviewed more than 1,000 professional athletes and coaches for the six books. Along the way, he saw some fascinating trends, patterns, metrics, and analytics develop among confident peak performers with unique DNA. For these particular individuals, or “champions,” it wasn’t always about winning; it was about following their moral compass to play the game correctly — with respect — to achieve success. In his research, he concluded that the same metrics and characteristics common among sports champions were also standard among peak performers in business. There are reasons certain teams win consistently, whereas others don’t... and Ross explains why. It’s mainly based on the “Good to Great” concept of how the best companies can separate themselves from the rest of the pack through servant leadership by creating a culture of excellence, developing deeper relationships, and giving extraordinary customer service.
Weaving inspirational stories and poignant life lessons from the world of sports, along with success stories and best-practice ideas on ways to overcome disruption from businesses and executives who he has worked with — Ross challenges his audiences to think about the differentiators they possess, which would ultimately lead customers to choose to do business with them or be influenced and guided by them. At the core of his message is that we like to do business with people we trust, who we want, and who “get it” — CHAMPIONS. Ross’ message reinforces that individuals win games, but TEAMS win championships. Momentum, roles, buy-in, motivation, consistency, sacrifice, trust, failure, chemistry, culture, work ethic, innovation, karma, and being humble — they’re all a part of what it takes to become the best of the best — a champion both on and off the field.
So... who are the CHAMPIONS in your organization? Let Ross customize a program (from one hour to an interactive full-day) for your next sales meeting, franchise leadership event, or annual association conference — his PASSION and ENERGY are contagious. Give him a call — he speaks at over 100 live events per year... but he’d LOVE to be a member of YOUR team for the day!
In an engaging, provocative, and visually entertaining style, Ross will use inspirational stories and poignant life lessons from the world of sports to show attendees how to:
• Create a “culture of excellence” by giving extraordinary customer service...
• Generate momentum by utilizing the “currency of karma”...
• Follow their moral compasses to win “the right way” with respect, ethics, and integrity...
• Be better leaders and create more “buy-in” by embracing change and failure...
• Evolve from “order takers” to “trusted partners” by enhancing the quality of their relationships...
Testimonials
“Ross, you scored a hat trick with our staff and they were raving about your talk all day! You offered a great blend of humor, emotion, stories and content—and it was a perfect message for our team to hear.” — Chuck Runyon, CEO, Anytime Fitness
“Ross, I wanted to drop you a note to share a small but impactful story. I am working through mid-year reviews with all of my key reports and I had one leader that has really been on fire this last quarter in many different ways. When I asked what has been the difference in performance, he shared that he felt so inspired by YOUR speech at our management conference that it forced him to do a little soul searching and realize he was not coming close to touching his potential. What an impact! Thanks, man!” — David Lenzmeier, CEO, Milk Specialties Global
“Ross, thank you so much for your amazing ‘Champion’s Code’ presentation at S.P. Richards’ Advantage Business Conference in Orlando. Your program scored the highest rating in terms of overall value to our customers and their businesses (other speakers included TV’s Jeff Foxworthy and ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ Captain Sully Sullenberger). Feedback forms were jam- packed with superlatives like ‘Passionate!’ ‘Very inspiring!’ and ‘Best motivational 75 minutes I've ever attended!’ The enthusiasm carried over into the hallways after your session and a number of people stopped me specifically to thank me for hiring you. Thanks for helping to make our event the best ever!” — Sandra Williams, Director of Dealer Training and Development, S.P. Richards Company
“Ross, Australia already misses you! We miss your energy and your positive attitude towards life! Your presentation was so powerful. Thanks again for your contribution into making our conference such a great success. More importantly, thanks for doing your bit in the world — instilling values and sharing wisdom to make the world a better place — and to make us into better human beings. I am so looking forward to our next audience to hear your story in Singapore — they too will be bowled over!” — Verna Wing, Head of Licensee Conferences, AMP
“Ross, I just wanted to thank you once again for keynoting our Coloplast national sales conference! Throughout the rest of the meeting, during the awards banquet, and in closing comments they referenced you and some of the things you shared with them, many times. You were exactly what they needed, your passion left them so energized! It was such a pleasure to work with you. You went above and beyond to over-exceed my, as well as my client’s, expectations. You are a master at your craft and I love your enthusiasm and passion — it certainly resonated through the audience. Your knack of intertwining the sports world and the business world is incredible — you leave a lasting impression and provoke many thoughts. Thanks again from the bottom of my heart! I look forward to our next venture together!” — Susan Robertson, Principal, Docherty Incentives & Meetings