Thurl Bailey
Master storyteller and accomplished speaker, he inspires companies and individuals to focus on what matters most, to persevere and build winning teams, encourage peak performance, develop leadership, and discover opportunity in change.
Topic Categories:
- Basketball Legend
- Game analyst for the Utah Jazz
- Two-time National Champion
*Fee ranges are presented as a guideline only. Speaker fees are subject to change without notice. For an exact quote, please contact your Speaker Exchange Agency representative.
From the youth to the corporate world, Thurl Bailey inspires others to win whatever the odds or disappointments. Master storyteller and accomplished speaker, he inspires companies and individuals to focus on what matters most; to persevere, build winning teams, encourage peak performance, develop leadership, and discover opportunity in change.
Twice Thurl has led teams from far behind to win national championships. Because of his outstanding leadership skills and the quality of his character, as well as his impressive basketball skills, he was drafted by the Utah Jazz as the 1983 7th overall pick of the N. B.A. Draft. Thurl spent twelve of his sixteen-year professional basketball career in the N. B. A., and four years playing overseas in Italy and Greece. His courtesy and integrity both on and off the court and his strong sense of community service have led to numerous civic awards and earned him the nickname “N.B.A.’s Mr. Nice Guy”.
When you meet Thurl Bailey you first notice a tall (6′ 11″) athlete. But he is a man of as much depth as height. Thurl is a gifted inspirational singer and songwriter. His first album, “Faith In Your Heart”, released in 2000 was a best seller. His second album, “The Gift of Christmas”, released the following year, also experienced successful record sales. His newly released CD is entitled, “I’m Not The Same”, is a selection of uplifting R & B tunes. Among his many musical awards are the 2000 Pearl Awards of Best Contemporary Recording and Best New Artist of the Year.
His other awards include the N. B. A.’s prestigious J. Walter Kennedy Community Service Award, the Utah Association for Gifted Children Community Service Award, Sigma Gamma Chi Fraternity’s Exemplary Manhood Award, The Great Salt Lake Council of the Boy Scouts of America’s American Champion Award, and the Italian League’s 1998 All Star Games’ Most Valuable Player.
One of Thurl’s favorite activities is the non-profit youth basketball camp he has led for over 17 years. His camps teach important life skills and have now been expanded to the corporate world to help businesses build winning teams and effective leaders.
Thurl leads a busy life as a professional speaker, singer/songwriter, businessman, community advocate and game annalist for the Utah Jazz and the University of Utah Men’s Basketball. He and his wife Sindi live in Salt Lake City, Utah with their three children.
By applying the lessons that Thurl illustrates, your people can learn to play for the team’s victory not just for their own glory. He teaches audiences to understand everyone’s role, such as when to step in when needed, and how to fall back into position – all aimed at helping the whole team win.
Learn from the examples Thurl shares about how leaders are needed in every position on the court. Learn that a winning game plan requires every team member to be a team leader on every play. Learn the steps to allow leadership to flourish in your organization.
Twice Thurl’s teams have come from far behind to win national championships. Your corporate team can do the same. No matter what the obstacles are, or what the ‘experts’ say, your organization can learn tested principles about accomplishing goals.
What are the elements of power? of satisfaction? On the court, in the boardroom, or in the family room the issues are the same. The keys to incredible effectiveness lie in underrated values: fair play, honesty, trust, integrity, and respect. Learn and laugh with Thurl’s short tales and tall truths and discover what matters most to you.
Want to bring Thurl Bailey to your next event? Please tell us a little about your event, and we will get back to you shortly!