Brian Grant Speaker Biography
Former NBA Player and Parkinson’s Advocate
Brian Grant was an NBA player, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12-year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their best, even when it seems impossible.
Football
Brian started his career at Xavier University where he was Player of the Year twice for the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. He was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, in the 1994 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career continued with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. During this time, Brian also served underprivileged youth and sick families in his community. His contributions earned him the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.
Parkinson’s Disease
In 2006, Brian retired from professional basketball. Only two years later, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 36. It was hard for him to believe that his athletic body couldn’t push through the pain or get better with time. He was scared and humbled, yet fiercely determined to be as healthy as possible. This motivation launched the Brian Grant Foundation, for those with Parkinson’s who want to lead active and fulfilling lives.
Inspirational Keynote Speaker
Since then, Brian has become a sought after keynote speaker. Companies and organizations nationwide are drawn to his authenticity and captivated by his stories that unite us as people, regardless of age or background. Brian is also on the Trail Blazers Alumni Ambassador Corp and he loves to fish, surf, and enjoy the mountains in Oregon.
Brian learned from his coaches that you can’t always control the ball, but you can control your effort. As a father of eight, he wants to show his kids that quality of life takes sweat and determination, but the results are always worth it. Brian has a range of topics that WILL inspire positive action within your group.
Brian Grant Speaking Topics
How to Rebound in Life & Work
Retired NBA superstar Brian Grant was known for his tenacious rebounding and fearless attitude on the court. Today, as a patient and leader for Parkinson’s disease, he demonstrates what it takes to keep forging ahead when life puts obstacles in your path. In this presentation, your team will be captivated by the vulnerable way in which Brian shares his journey. Audiences feel inspired to take on their fears, remember their priorities, and overcome what stands in the way of personal and professional success. You’ll learn how to: • Own your situation, in order to build a new reality. • Tune out negative voices, so you can hear the good around you. • Recognize disappointment and trust there’s a reason. • Find community that supports the direction of your future. Powerful teams are made up of leaders who know how to endure change. Brian shares unforgettable stories about the hurdles he has faced as a father of eight, an active philanthropist, a professional athlete, and in his most difficult position yet, as a person who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s. Brian’s message will motivate your team to overcome stress, embrace adversity, and to get back on their feet when surprises knock them off course.
How Winning Teams Are Created
Business is like sports in that every member of the team must collaborate with fierce dedication and drive. If you want to lead your organization to peak performance, you’ll be enthralled with Brian Grant’s stories of being an underdog and warrior in his 12-year career on five NBA teams. In this presentation, Brian shares five effective strategies to bring out the best in people, so they can exceed expectations and achieve the greatest possible success. These lessons came from his professional experience in sports and philanthropy, and in managing his healthcare team to treat symptoms from Parkinson’s disease. You’ll learn how to: • Get everyone committed to their collective and individual goals. • Keep egos in check, so that everyone is accountable and rewarded. • Distinguish each person’s role to build clarity of purpose and trust. • Give an extra 20% effort when you’re tired and want to quit. • Keep your customers/fans happy by knowing what makes them tick. Corporate culture thrives when teams are cohesive. Brian’s insights will improve functionality and uplift the vibe of your organization. There’s nothing worse than watching people waste their potential and be disengaged from those around them. This talk is designed to create tangible results and instantly shift the rapport of any team who wants to grow and win together.
How to Authentically Engage Your Local Community
In this moving presentation, Brian Grant explains what he learned about community and authenticity in his 12-year career in the NBA, and now as a Parkinson’s patient and advocate. Would you like your team to attract loyal fans and dedicated clients? Brian believes there’s no need to convince or persuade. This high-energy talk will leave you laughing and empowered to communicate more of your true self in order to grow your business. You’ll learn how to: • Be your own fan first, so others will know how to follow. • Question the intention of your goals to get better results. • Share your story with honesty, without revealing too much. • Understand others perspectives to monitor your response. • Give back to your community and include others in your mission. When we make strong connections, the benefits can last a lifetime. Hear how Brian embraced who he was, faults included and was given a second chance by a few special people who saw his potential. Could your team use a strategy for reaching out to those who matter? Allow Brian to help them maximize their strengths and find community that supports them unconditionally.
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Brian Grant Speaker Testimonials
WOW! Brian's ability to be vulnerable and to connect with the audience and sense of humor came shining through is his keynote address.
- Karen St Clair, Co-Chair | New Mexico Parkinson's Coalition Conference
I can’t thank Brian enough for openly and honestly sharing his story. One I’ve certainly not forgotten either, and won’t. #trulyinspiring
- Brad Jersey, Executive Vice President | ETZEL
Brian's message was both honest and courageous. The audience loved meeting a basketball legend, and they left feeling bonded, supported, and inspired to live life to the fullest.
- John Krumbhulz | Eastern Iowa Parkinson's Symposium
