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.

Videos

Request Availability

For Meeting Planners

Photos

Speaker Documents

Speech Topics

Request Availability

Blog Posts

Five Essential Traits of an Exceptional Keynote Speaker

🎤✨ Event pros, you know the right keynote speaker can make all the difference. Selecting...

Mental Health Awareness: The Mark of a Modern Workplace

🌎✨ As we recognize World Mental Health Day, we're shining a spotlight on critical mental...

What’s Holding You Back from Managing Your Energy Effectively?

Have you ever wanted to get more energy in your day-to-day activities? https://youtu.be/hltabhE0QRM Have you...

Use Improv as a Mindfulness Practice and Improve your Well-Being

🌟 Mental Fitness Through Improv & Mindfulness 🌟 https://youtu.be/xuAhzUGZ438 Mental fitness is not just about...

Innovative Event Strategies to Inspire Your Attendees with Courtney Mesmer

https://youtu.be/1erTgGFdyW8 Watch this week’s podcast episode here: YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • Amazon...

Valuable Life Lessons from Parenting & Overcoming Failures

Learn valuable life lessons from overcoming failure and parenting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJTIi-nhq60&list=PLXTlGHk63lLgbS8LN-PENXDzwMdqWAnOm "Life’s greatest lessons come from...

Related Speakers

Fredrik Eklund Top Sales Speaker, Number One Broker in the Nation, Reality TV star of “Million Dollar Listing,” and Bestselling Author

Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour America’s First Black Female Combat Pilot, Former Marine and Cop, Business Consultant, and Author of Zero to Breakthrough

Dara Torres 12x Olympic Medalist, 5x Olympic Veteran, Bestselling Author, Fitness Advocate, Entrepreneur

Dr. Samuel Jones Founder of Transform Now, Inc., Consultant, Motivational Speaker, and Executive Coach

Kyle Petty NASCAR Racing Legend and Analyst, Philanthropist, Author, and Founder of Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Reviews & Ratings

     EXCELLENT  
     Based on 74 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Tim Mooney 
 August 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth was on point and tremendous help before and after the event! Two thumbs up!
  
 
       
   Anthony Veneziale 
 August 14, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is the real deal -- he knows the best speakers to make sure your event is successful. I've had the pleasure of working with Seth and The Keynote Curators and he's top notch. Also, his podcast is chock full of great insights and important topics. Thanks Seth!!
  
 
       
   M.D Milloy 
 August 8, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth is a great host, very inspirational and professional. Highly recommend!
  
 
       
   Aaron Farzam 
 August 3, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote speaker searches have been overwhelmingl for me and my team.  Seth made the process easy.  Our expectations were exceeded. Great company. Highly recommended.
  
 
       
   Dante Fabro 
 July 29, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Keynote Speaker knowledge is unrivaled by Seth Dechtman and his team at The Keynote Curators.  If your event or conference requires a keynote speaker, call The Keynote Curators.  They are thorough and deliver the goods.  Seth makes sure that you get what you are looking for...in spades. Not to mention, Seth is very down to earth and speaks to people as equals. I really appreciate that. I'd recommend The Keynote Curators any day!
  
 
       
   Jamie Wright 
 July 25, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Found out about these folks through The Keynote Curators podcast - really great stuff!!
  
 
       
   Alison Levine 
 July 10, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great podcast with a wide variety of speakers, topics, and themes. You can learn something unexpected from every episode!
  
 
       
   Victoria Matey 
 June 27, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the pleasure of joining the Keynote Curators podcast as a guest. My experience collaborating with Seth and his team was great - fast, efficient, and most importantly, they are all wonderful human beings!
  
 
       
   Justin Chaffee 
 June 20, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Keybnote Curators and Seth Dechtman are a class act.

Timely, professional, and most of all hit the mark. Cannot recommend them with more emphasis.

If you need a speaker for your event conference or any program, do not hesitate to contact Seth and his team.
  
 
       
   Brandon Grimm 
 June 12, 2024
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Seth Deckman is the only Keynote Curator you’re ever going to need for your events and conferences that require the best Keynote speakers. His attention to detail and true concern about meeting your event’s needs to go above and beyond. I cannot recommend him highly enough call him as soon as you have your speaker need for your next conference or meeting.