Ralph Heath is a keynote speaker that helps others embrace risk, think big, and make their own health a priority.
The organization with the strongest leadership most often performs best, and Ralph’s keynote focuses on innovative leadership philosophies that improve work place and family leadership. Ralph shares his authentic stories of real life business and family experiences in a way that guides his audiences to new perspectives on leadership. Ralph makes it easy for leaders to adapt his philosophy and apply his leadership principals to future life experiences.
Ralph has two keynote addresses. The first is called “Thoughtful Leadership” and is based on his best selling business book, Celebrating Failure; The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes and Thinking Big, and his blog Thoughtful Leadership and Marketing.
His second keynote, “Health and Wellness in the Workplace,” leads individuals and organizations toward a less stressful and healthier lifestyle. Ralph received national attention for his innovative health philosophies in the 80’s and 90’s, many of which are now being adopted by leading companies.
Ralph talks about the importance of leading from the back, which sounds counter-intuitive, yet it can be the single most effective tool a leader can use to encourage others to come to the front and take ownership in their actions.
Ralph demonstrates to leaders how giving up control can dramatically improve the morale and productivity of an entire organization and when used at home, can inspire our children to accomplish things we never thought possible.
Ralph’s leadership philosophy embraces the importance of taking risks, learning from mistakes and always thinking big. Ralph literally wrote the book on continuous improvement and celebrating failure as a path to success. For over 30 years he was founder and president of ad agency Ovation Marketing, located far from Madison Avenue, that routinely did business with some of the most iconic brands in America, including Budweiser, Betty Crocker, Microsoft, State Farm, and others.
Ralph is a chronic entrepreneur now leading an encore performance with two partners at Brand Activation organization Synergy Leadership Group, once again competing successfully for Fortune 500 business against the best in global branding.
Ralph is a four-time Triathlon All-American whose strength (and weakness) is his inability to accept no for an answer and instead find a new path to yes. His never surrender leadership style brings out the best in those around him.
Ralph spent 15 years attempting to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman World Triathlon Championships, and 3 days after qualifying and accomplishing his cherished goal he crashed on a routine training ride, breaking a collarbone and several ribs, yet went on to compete in the world championship event in spite of his injuries.
Here are comments from people that have heard Ralph speak:
"Ralph Heath is a master storyteller, and the life lessons he shares send a powerful message."
- Gerry Kember, Superintendent, School District of La Crosse, November 2009.
"Thank you for engaging all of us!"
-Michael Sigman, Big Brothers Big Sisters, October 2009.
"In addition to learning from your mistakes you also learned humility. Great job!"
-Bob Goodreau, UBS, October 2009.
"I had the privilege of inviting Ralph Heath to speak to our group. The club’s attendance was never bigger nor the club’s feedback more positive. Ralph uses real life examples of failures in the advertising agency business and how his company was able to learn from the failures to be successful. Anyone in a position to get Ralph to present to their company or organization should not hesitate to do so. Ralph is a gifted presenter who will provide an event that will help you and your company prosper.
-Jon E. Ellefson, Vice President-Investments, Stifel Nicolaus & Company November 2009.
I want to thank you for your excellent presentation to our students, faculty, and community leaders on Tuesday evening. Your lecture, The Leadership Manifesto, was very well-done, informative and interesting. I have received many positive comments from the approximately 200 attendees.
-Bill Colclough, Dean, College of Business, UW-La Crosse, November 2009.
“Ralph's real life examples put to words many management concepts I knew or felt subconsciously. I especially enjoyed the "burning the pile of purchase orders" story as a vivid example of how to enforce taking ownership."
-Michael J. Juran, President, HAB Inc, October 2009.
Ralph gently nudged teachers to think about rules and failure in a new light, in their own lives and in the lives of their students. His presentation inspired educators and community members to think big, take chances and learn from mistakes. His presentation was concise, clear, humorous and effective. All in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the topic and delivery.
-Geva Thole Executive Director La Crosse Public Education Foundation
"I had always feared failure, but after listening to your speech I have a new appreciation for the value failure delivers to my learning. Outstanding presentation!"
-UW-La Crosse student, November 2009.
After hearing Ralph speak:
- You’ll understand how to more easily introduce change into your organization.
- You’ll embrace failures as opportunities to learn and grow.
- You’ll pause and celebrate successes for maximum impact.
- You’ll create an environment for innovative company thinking.
- You’ll learn why it is important for thoughtful leaders to be exceptional listeners.
- You’ll learn why it is important for thoughtful leaders to demonstrate compassion.
- You’ll better understand the art of story telling and how to take a failure within your company and turn it into an inspirational tool to achieve future success.
- You’ll learn how to remove fear from within your organization and free your work force to be far more innovative.
- You'll understand the importance of health in the workplace and how it can contribute to profitability.
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