Eric Bailey

CEO, Leadership Strategist & Former Professional Athlete

Eric Bailey delivers keynotes that spark action. A former pro athlete turned CEO of a multimillion-dollar organisation, he brings the rare mix of leadership in motion and lived experience. His insights aren’t theory — they’re the culture, sales, innovation and performance strategies he uses every day to lead 100+ staff and build winning teams.

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Eric Bailey is a powerhouse in the world of motivational speaking, leadership, and personal development. With over 30 years of experience captivating audiences across 13 countries, he combines the raw, unfiltered power of his personal journey with strategic insights that resonate with individuals at every level, from frontline staff to CEOs.

As the CEO of NLR Group, a $30 million organisation, Eric brings a unique blend of leadership and vision to his speaking engagements. His professional background as a former elite basketball player in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), combined with his role as a highly sought-after speaker and trainer, gives him a deep understanding of culture-building, teamwork, and resilience in both the corporate world and in life.

Eric’s personal story is nothing short of extraordinary. Told he would never walk, read, or live past 14 due to a rare bone disease, and raised amidst the violence of the Watts Riots in South Central Los Angeles, Eric defied every expectation to become a pioneer in the NBL, a successful entrepreneur, and now, a respected CEO. His message transcends adversity, race, and economic barriers, showing that where you start doesn’t have to define where you end up.

Eric’s signature program, “Championship DNA”, distills the mindset and winning strategies that helped him overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Through his high-energy, engaging style, Eric helps individuals and organizations unlock their own potential to thrive in the face of challenges. He brings a message of empowerment, resilience, and strategic leadership, helping teams and organisations develop a culture that is strong, cohesive, and success-driven.

Eric’s speaking is not just about motivation—it’s about real, tangible transformation. He empowers people to push past their limits and think bigger, whether they’re in the boardroom or the field.

He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) – One of the most prestigious designations awarded to speakers worldwide, earned by fewer than 12% of professional speakers.

In 2025, Eric was named Australia’s 2025 Motivational Speaker of the Year by the Evergreen Awards, recognising his exceptional impact in the speaking industry.

Whether delivering keynotes to top executives or engaging with employees on the frontlines, Eric’s dynamic presentations leave lasting impressions, ignite action, and drive results.

Now, as he expands his impact with his new position as CEO, Eric’s message is more relevant than ever: Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about heart.

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From Struggle to Success: Turning Challenges Into Opportunities

Eric’s deeply personal and powerful story of overcoming hardship captures the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. He reveals how adversity can be transformed into fuel for achievement, sharing practical tools for navigating uncertainty, building mental toughness, and staying focused under pressure.

Ideal for: Personal development, resilience, mindset, employee inspiration.

Leadership That Wins: Empowering Vision and Driving Results

In this session, Eric breaks down the essential principles of high-impact leadership. Drawing on his real experience running a multimillion-dollar company, he teaches leaders how to inspire trust, cultivate accountability, empower teams, and create lasting behavioural change.

Ideal for: Leadership teams, managers, emerging leaders, organisational culture.

The Resilient Mindset: Thriving in the Face of Adversity

Eric provides practical strategies for building resilience in everyday life and work. Attendees learn how to maintain focus, avoid burnout, and turn stress into productivity. With relatable stories and actionable insights, Eric equips teams to stay engaged and optimistic — even in the toughest moments.

Ideal for: Corporate teams, high-pressure industries, wellbeing-focused programs.

Championship DNA: Building a Legacy of Excellence

Drawing from his experience as a professional basketball player and CEO, Eric outlines what it truly takes to create a winning culture. This keynote explores resilience, discipline, performance habits, and the mindset of sustained excellence.

Ideal for: Sales teams, performance-driven organisations, leadership retreats.

The Winning Culture: Building High-Performing Teams

Eric reveals the fundamental ingredients of high-performing teams—collaboration, communication, clarity, accountability, and trust. Attendees walk away with implementable frameworks they can use immediately to elevate team dynamics and organisational outcomes.

Ideal for: Corporate culture projects, HR teams, organisational development, team-building events.

Eric has brought our workers closer together, reduced absenteeism and improved communication. Eric displayed substance with style and passion. Rated 10 out of 10! Filtronics Pty. Ltd
He worked with us and gave so much of himself that each staff member and executive leader walked away feeling positive and touched that this man could share such personal reflection in such a motivational way. Even our most negative staff member turned the corner. That says something about the skills, tools, and ability of this man to effect change from the bottom up! Suncorp Financial Services
Eric had a vision that was perfectly aligned to what we experience each and every day. WOW! His ability to engage his audience was infectious and powerful beyond my expectations. I saw grown men cry when Eric relayed his very personal story of birth and setbacks. What makes Eric so unique and effective? He is real! He researched our industry thoroughly and interpreted it brilliantly. His balance of wit, humour and pathos left our team wanting more. RE/MAX Vision Real Estate
Eric was a speaker at our recent AMP Financial Planners Association Conference and was highly regarded and respected as a speaker from our attendees. His talk inspired all to go for it and 'take the shot'. Over ninety five percent of our attendees rated Eric as either Exceptional or Very Good and all stated they would like to have him back to speak. Eric has a powerful message and is energetic in his style....I would have Eric back to speak at any of our future conferences. AMP Financial Planners Association Inc.