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What I Learned from 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine
Dr. Thom Mayer has led a life at the forefront of leading through some of the most prominent crises of our generation, including serving as the Command Physician at the Pentagon on 9/11, Incident Commander for the US’s first bioterrorism incident, Medical Director of the NFL Players Association, and leading a Mobile Emergency Team during the Ukraine invasion. This keynote is a contrarian approach to leadership, which is: Leadership is worthless…because it is a noun – something you say. But Leading is priceless…because it is a verb – the things you do, all day, every day, in every walk of life.
Dr. Mayer challenges his audiences to ask the right question – “How will I lead myself and my team today?” By helping them to embrace that leading occurs – no matter what job you do – in everything you do, he inspires others to lead themselves, their teams, and their families
Filled with stories and examples from Dr. Mayer’s career as “The Master of Disaster,” leading at the forefront of crises on the world stage, this presentation challenges but also inspires new and practical approaches to leading your life in times of crisis.
A Key Aspect of Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless
In his book “Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless” Dr. Thom Mayer presents many actionable yet contrarian concepts. One of the most intriguing of these is the idea of “Making Failure Your Fuel,” which builds upon the idea that innovation, which is an essential skill in these turbulent times, occurs not at the speed of genius, creativity, or intelligence, but rather at the speed of…trust. And the only way we can trust ourselves and our teams to innovate is to develop and perfect the talent of making failure our fuel.
Using stories and personal experiences from the NFL, the US Women’s’ National Soccer Team (including Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach), 9/11 at the Pentagon, Ukraine, Capital One, and world history and literature, this talk examines the details of using failure to motivate success, including:
As Senator Mark Warner said in his comments on Dr. Mayer’s book, “Perhaps the greatest lesson Dr. Mayer has to offer is not to be discouraged by failure, but rather to use it as fuel-to take risks and get yourself back in the game. Leaders of all stripes can learn much from reading this book.” You can learn much from this talk.
Dr. Thom Mayer is an internationally recognized expert in leadership, crisis management, and emergency medicine. As the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, he has played a pivotal role in managing some of the most high-profile challenges in professional sports, including the NFL’s response to concussions and the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to lead […]
Dr. Thom Mayer is an internationally recognized expert in leadership, crisis management, and emergency medicine. As the Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, he has played a pivotal role in managing some of the most high-profile challenges in professional sports, including the NFL’s response to concussions and the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to lead through crises extends beyond sports; Dr. Mayer’s expertise in disaster leadership was instrumental during the Pentagon response on 9/11 and the inhalation anthrax attack at the U.S. Capitol in 2001. With a career spanning decades of groundbreaking work, he brings unparalleled insight and inspiration to every audience he addresses.
Dr. Mayer is also a prolific author and thought leader, with his latest book, “Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless,” offering transformative perspectives on the essence of effective leadership. His engaging and authoritative presence leaves audiences not only informed but also motivated to implement actionable strategies for success. A senior lecturing fellow at Duke University and clinical professor at George Washington University, Dr. Mayer combines academic rigor with real-world experience, making him a trusted voice on leadership and resilience.
Description
Dr. Thom Mayer’s illustrious career is marked by a deep commitment to leadership in high-stakes environments. As the founder of Best Practices, Inc., he has consistently set benchmarks in emergency medicine, providing innovative solutions that have improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency. His leadership acumen was put to the test during some of the most defining moments in recent history, including his decisive actions during the Pentagon response on September 11, 2001, and the anthrax crisis at the U.S. Capitol that same year. These experiences underscore his ability to remain composed and effective under pressure, qualities that resonate deeply with leaders facing their own organizational challenges.
In his role as Medical Director for the NFL Players Association, Dr. Mayer has been at the forefront of health and safety initiatives, shaping protocols that protect the wellbeing of players both on and off the field. His expertise was critical during the NFL’s navigation of the concussion crisis and the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to lead through complexity and uncertainty has made him a sought-after advisor across industries.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Mayer’s impact as an educator is equally profound. At George Washington University and Duke University, he has mentored countless leaders, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel. His dynamic speaking style, enriched by real-life examples and practical takeaways, ensures that his sessions are as engaging as they are educational.
Dr. Mayer’s latest book, “Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless,” encapsulates his philosophy that true leadership transcends titles and positions. The book offers a compelling roadmap for those seeking to inspire, influence, and achieve lasting impact. By distilling complex leadership principles into accessible and actionable advice, Dr. Mayer has cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Why Event Planners Should Book Dr. Thom Mayer
Dr. Thom Mayer is the perfect speaker for event planners looking to inspire and empower their audiences with proven strategies for leadership and crisis management. His extensive experience in both healthcare and sports leadership provides a unique perspective that resonates with diverse groups, from corporate executives to frontline professionals. His track record of managing crises like 9/11, the anthrax attacks, and the NFL’s concussion and pandemic challenges highlights his ability to deliver actionable insights under the most demanding circumstances.
Audiences consistently praise Dr. Mayer’s engaging and relatable style, which blends storytelling with evidence-based strategies. His ability to connect with individuals from various backgrounds ensures that everyone leaves his sessions equipped with the tools to lead more effectively. Event organizers value his professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to exceeding expectations, making him a reliable and impactful choice for any occasion.
Dr. Mayer’s content is highly customizable, allowing him to tailor his message to the specific needs of each audience. Whether focusing on crisis management, leadership development, or resilience, his presentations deliver a blend of inspiration and practicality that drives meaningful change. His authenticity and passion for empowering others shine through, ensuring that his message leaves a lasting impression.
Summary
Dr. Thom Mayer is a distinguished leader, educator, and speaker whose expertise spans crisis management, emergency medicine, and organizational leadership. From his groundbreaking work with the NFL Players Association to his pivotal roles during national emergencies, Dr. Mayer exemplifies resilience and innovation. His engaging presentations and thought-provoking insights inspire audiences to embrace leadership with confidence and purpose.
Event planners seeking a speaker who combines credibility, experience, and relatability will find Dr. Mayer to be an exceptional choice. His ability to distill complex concepts into actionable advice ensures that every audience leaves with a clear path to success. With Dr. Mayer at your event, you are guaranteed a speaker who will not only educate but also energize and empower your attendees.
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#ThomMayer #LeadershipSpeaker #CrisisManagement #EmergencyMedicine #NFLLeadership #DisasterLeadership #InspirationalSpeaker #Resilience #LeadershipDevelopment #StrategicLeadership
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Author Books | Magazine Covers
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