Speakers: Ross Bernstein

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Travels from Minnesota

Ross Bernstein

Motivational Speaker and Best Selling Author

Motivation | Leadership | Ethics | Teamwork

www.rossbernsteinspeaking.com

Dynamic • Inspirational • Hilarious

The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein uses sports as a metaphor for life and for business to energize and inspire his audiences, ultimately getting them to think differently. As a motivational keynote speaker, Ross offers two unique programs which he customizes for all his clients. Ross has spoken to corporations, sales teams and trade associations across the country in groups as small as 25 and as large as 2,500 — all with the same passion and purpose.

Ross has 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. He challenges his audiences not to just be ordinary, but to make a difference in life and be extraordinary.

Bio

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 and ESPN, as well as in the pages of the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. As a sought after motivational keynote speaker, Ross uses Sports as a metaphor for lile and for business to inspire his audiences and challenges them to think differently. From audiences ranging in size from 25 to 2,500, Ross regularly speaks to corporations, sales groups and trade assocations around the country — specializing in the topics of "Ethics & Accountability" and "Passions & Legacies."

Back in the Day

Ross grew up in the small southern Minnesota town of Fairmont and went on to attend the University of Minnesota. It was there where he first got into writing through some rather unique circumstances. You see, after a failed attempt to make it as a walk-on to the University's top-ran ked Golden Gopher hockey team, Ross opted lor the next best thing — to become the team's mascot, "Goldy the Gopher." His humorous accounts as a mischievous rodent then inspired the 1992 regional bestseller: "Gopher Hockey by the Hockey Gopher: Talk about making lemonade out of lemons... the rest, as they say, is history!

From there, Ross spent the next five years living in Chicago and New York City, working as the vice president of marketing for a start-up children's entertainment company that he co-founded along with several former executives from the Walt Disney Company. Feeling as though he was missing his calling, however, in 1997 Ross took a leap of flaith and moved back to Minnesota to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time sports author. Since then he has written nearly 50 books — ranging from critically acclaimed national biographies, to regional coffee-table chronicles, to inspirational children's memoirs. He even tound lime to co-found and serve as the editor (for two years) of Minnesota Hockey Journal, a magazine with a circulation of 50,000+ readers. Between writing and speaking, Ross feels as though he has created his "dream job" and is truly living his passion each and every day.

Personal

Ross and his wife Sara, who have been married for 15 years, have a seven year old daughter, and presently reside in Eagan, MN. A downright sports fanatic, Ross — despite the fact that he has broken more than 20 bones — continues to play hockey several times a week. He is also an avid golfer and skier, and has run six marathons to-date ... Still in hot pursuit of that elusive sub-four-hour finishing time. In addition, Ross currenlly serves as the President to the Board of Directors of the Herb a Brooks Foundation, a cause that is truly near and dear to his heart.

Ross Offers Three Inspirational Keynotes

The Champion's Code: Life Lessons of Values & Integrity
From the Sports World to the Business World

The difference between an athlete and a champion is the "code" that they choose to live by. Ross 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 more than 100 unique characteristics and traits that are common among champions, which he then ties into both poignant as well as hilarious stories and life lessons from the world of sports. From there, Ross encourages his audience members 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 choose to 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. They respect the game, they respect the opposition, and they respect figures of authority.

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. It all relates to business though, and that's what makes this program so popular — from Fortune 500 sales groups to trade association conferences — the reviews and testimonials have been nothing short of fantastic.
This action-packed presentation features more than 150 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 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 proudly 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. Putting many of the life-lessons and ideologies he learned from the fiery coach into a practical business application, Ross' keynote (or breakout) aims to inspire others to follow their dreams and maybe, just maybe, even create their own miracles.

Raising Stanley: How Becoming the Best of the Best
in Hockey Translates to Success in Business & in Life

To raise the Stanley Cup means that you have reached the pinnacle of professional hockey success; it means you are a champion — the best of the best. Each player's epic journey to get to that sacred place has a unique and meaningful story behind it, however, and those stories are at the very core of Ross' program. For more
than two years Ross researched, met and interviewed upwards of 200 players and coaches for his book "Raising Stanley: What it Takes to Claim Hockey's Ultimate Prize," with each of the interviewees all sharing one common denominator — they had the unique and distinct privilege of hoisting Lord Stanley's holy grail.

The raw emotion and personal stories of determination, courage and perseverance
will resonate with your audience as Ross weaves the life lessons and wisdom that he gathered over his two year odyssey into practical business takeaways that can be taken back to the office and put to use immediately. In his program, Ross talks about the "metaphorical Stanley" in all of our lives, that goal or light at the end of the tunnel that we are all pursuing as we climb the corporate ladder, and about how we can all achieve success through dedication and perseverance. Audience members will learn about teamwork, toughness, roles and role players, and leadership in ways they simply never imagined. If you've got any sports fans in your group, then this uplifting, PowerPoint-photo packed, keynote (or breakout)
will be the perfect way to open or close your next conference or event.

Testimonials

Ross presented to roughly 500 of our executives at our annual leadership conference in Chicago. The theme for our group's strategy evolved around the "Miracle on Ice" story and the core messages of Speed, Creativity, Conditioning and Team Chemistry. As we dug into the "Miracle" story, we became intrigued to understand more about Herb Brooks' leadership lessons and formula for success. I believe there is no one more qualified to share Herb's story and insights than Ross. From my first conversation with Ross, he was very passionate about helping us build out own "gold medal" winning team. Prior to presenting at the meeting, Ross went above and beyond to do a tremendous amount of research and interviewing to truly understand our company, our culture and our priorities. The insights he gained allowed him to tailor his messages, rhetoric and stories to our team. Ross is a humble, yet very energetic speaker. He brought Herbie's story and lessons to life by sharing various stories, quotes and anecdotes from this remarkable coach, mentor and leader.
Mary Bartlett, Director of Operations, Accenture

I so very much enjoyed meeting Ross at our executive meeting in Chicago. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious in his presentation of Herb Brooks' leadership style and approach for creating a united vision and strategy for success. There are very few stories that can rally a team of executives like the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's seemingly impossible gold medal win. Ross' messages are spot-on for business in today's environment.
Kristen Rochardson, Vice President, Accenture

On behalf of Care Providers Minnesota, thank you for your opening session keynote at our annual convention at the Minneapolis Hilton. Your message fit right in with our theme of "Dare to be Great." Your enthusiasm ensured a fun experience for all those in attendance and contributed toward a very successful convention for more than 2,600 members in attendance. The feedback from your speech included: "Ross took a topic and inspired and motivated me to be my best in life and work, thank you!..." "The goose bumps and tears in my eyes say it all..." "Such energy and very captivating" "Enthusiastic!" "Great speaker, his lessons that he discussed can be applied to all facets of life!" "Excellent information that I can actually take back and use!" "Fanstastic speaker!" "Very motivating!" "What a wonderful start to the convention!"
Cheryl Smith, Director of Education, Care Providers of Minnesota

"Ross has a great enthusiasm for sports, writing and people! Ross spoke to our group of tax and customs professionals in Alexandria, MN. Prior to the event, he took the time to meet with several people from our department so that he was able to tailor the presentation to our group. His unique presentation on the Miracle on Ice was a big hit. His message resonated with our group through his humor and memorable stories. Ross challenges you to apply his messages on both a personal and professional level. I received very positive feedback from many members of our group, and it was great to b able to work with him!
Mary Stoe, Analyst, Cargill Tax and Customs

I had the privilege of spending a few days with Ross as a result of him speaking to our annual Kick-Off Meetings for C&B Operations (a 16 store John Deere Dealer in five states of the upper Midwest). At the conclusion of the events, Ross has transcended his role as a speaker to that of a friend and mentor of many of us within the leadership group. More importantly, we have found many of our skilled employees (Parts and Sales Representatives and Service Technicians) talking about his message and his ability to connect the story of Herb Brooks to our purpose and plan for the future. The net result was Ross' message resonated with all levels of the company and connected to our objectives and actions. Ross has the unique ability to captivate people with his genuine charismatic personality; ignite all levels of his audience into a call for a higher cause than their own; and help his clients embed their message in a fun-filled way. At the conclusion, he makes the challenge for all of us to find our passion, define it, and then find a way to make it come true!
Kent Senf, COO, C&B Operations