Thurl Bailey

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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Reviews & Ratings

     Excellent  
     Based on 56 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Waldo Waldman 
 May 19, 2024
 
 
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 May 17, 2024
 
 
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 May 10, 2024
 
 
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 April 24, 2024
 
 
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 March 22, 2024
 
 
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 November 18, 2023
 
 
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 November 7, 2023
 
 
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 October 23, 2023
 
 
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As someone deeply involved in the intersection of marketing and technology at AImpact, I find the process of selecting the right keynote speaker to be a critical part of any successful event. Seth Dechtman's "The Keynote Curators" podcast is nothing short of a godsend for anyone facing the challenges and opportunities that come with this task.

Seth brings an almost poetic understanding to the power of words, acknowledging that a speech isn't just a scheduled event but a transformative experience that can change the dynamics of an entire room. His enthusiasm for the craft is contagious, making each episode a joy to listen to.
  
 
       
   Nicole 
 September 14, 2023
 
 
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 August 28, 2023
 
 
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