Biography

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 NBA Draft. Thurl spent twelve of his sixteen-year professional basketball career in the NBA, 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 “NBA’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 NBA’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 essential 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 analyst 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.

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Videos

UVU: Thurl Bailey -- 2014/2015

Thurl Bailey: "Thurl Bailey speaks...and sings!"

Thurl Bailey talks about the impact Coach Valvano had on his players

Thurl Bailey: "Power in Potential"

Thurl Bailey - Full Interview

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Speech TopicsExpand each topic to learn more

Will The Real MVP Please Stand

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.

Don’t Pass The Buck – Pass The Ball!

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.

Our Winning Defied All Logic

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 Matters Most

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.

Blog Posts

Transform The Worst Day of Your Life Into Your Greatest Strength

Keynote speaker Torsten Gross shares how transformed tragedy into triumph, proving your worst day of your life might become your greatest strength.

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How Purpose Transforms Adversity Into Achievement with Tez Steinberg

Get insights on how purpose transforms adversity into achievement with ultra-endurance athlete Tez Steinberg's powerful lessons from rowing solo across oceans.

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8 AI Speakers Who Turn “Cool Demo” Into Event Engagement (2026 Lineup)

The right AI speakers don't just wow audiences—they change what your team does on Monday. Book impact-driven keynotes for 2026.

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Events That Create WOW! Moments Through Audience Connection

Learn ways to best engage audience in your events with personalized experiences that create unforgettable lasting impressions.

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Why Olympic Champions Prioritize Rest and Sleep to Enhance Performance

Sleep performance enhancement strategies from Olympic champion Apolo Ohno reveal why quality rest trumps training for peak results.

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Soul-Centered Leadership Transforms Success Beyond Traditional Metrics

Former Harley-Davidson CMO Shelley Paxton reveals how finding your soul's purpose transforms leadership success and creates thriving workplace cultures.

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