Ross Bernstein

Ross’ signature keynote, “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... 

This program is based on a critically acclaimed book he wrote in which he was able to interview more than 500 captains and coaches to answer one question: What makes the great ones great? In this keynote session, Ross will focus on dozens of outstanding leaders from the world of sports and explain how they created “buy-in” through some unorthodox methods. Business success today is all about trust, communication, and building deeper relationships — and it’s no different in sports. Coaches have to motivate their players not only to win but to keep their jobs — so they have a lot of various tools in their toolboxes. Ross learned that there is no right way to lead, so he will share many different philosophies that sales professionals and business leaders can use to develop better relationships in the workplace. At the core of his message is that we like to do business with people we trust, who we want, and who “get it.”  In an engaging, provocative, and visually entertaining style, Ross will use inspirational stories and poignant life lessons from the world of sports — as well as from some of the biggest brands in corporate America — to show attendees how to: 

• Lead with integrity to achieve success 

• Create buy-in to connect with millennials, boomers, and challenging co-workers 

• Generate momentum through leading by example and mentorship of others

• Create a winner’s mindset to stay self-motivated through good times and bad