About Eric

Who Is Eric?

Who Is Eric Bailey, CSP? When organizations want more than inspiration — when they want lasting impact — they call Eric Bailey.

Eric Bailey is a globally respected motivational speaker, Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), business CEO, former elite athlete, and the creator of the Championship DNA™ framework — a proven system for building resilient leaders, high-performing teams, and cultures that thrive under pressure. Eric doesn’t just talk about performance. He has lived it — on the court, in the boardroom, and on the biggest stages around the world. From Elite Sport to Elite Leadership Eric’s story is anything but ordinary. Beginning in 1982, Eric became a pioneer of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), playing 13 seasons at the highest level with the Hobart Devils, Melbourne Tigers, and Gold Coast Rollers.

During the league’s formative years, he helped shape professional basketball in Australia — competing alongside legends and setting new standards for excellence. His dominance extended into the SEABL (now NBL1), where Eric served as player-coach, general manager, team captain, and leader. In his final SEABL season, he delivered one of the most remarkable performances in league history: 49.6 points per game 13 three-point shots in a single game A benchmark that still defines elite performance today Eric later went on to coach at the highest levels of women’s basketball — including Head Coach of the WNBL Brisbane Blazers and Offensive Consultant to the Australian Opals, working with Australia’s best athletes to perform under pressure. A CEO Who Leads From the Front Today, Eric brings that same championship mindset into business.

He is the CEO of the NLR Group

A $10 + million national restoration company operating in one of Australia’s most demanding industries — water damage, mould, fire, and complex remediation. Under Eric’s leadership, NLR has become known for: strong, values-driven culture operational excellence accountability and resilience developing people, not just profits Eric understands the real-world pressures leaders face — because he faces them every day. That’s why executives trust him. That’s why teams listen. And that’s why his message sticks. A Speaker Who Builds Champions — Not Just Motivation With over 33 years as a professional speaker, Eric has delivered keynotes, workshops, and leadership programs to more than 4 million people across 13 countries.

He has worked with: corporate leaders and executive teams professional athletes and coaches schools, educators, and youth organizations government, community, and industry groups Through his long-running youth program “Don’t Foul Out”, Eric has inspired over 1 million students, partnering with organizations such as Nike, Foot Locker, RACQ, and McDonald’s to help young people build resilience, leadership, and life skills. Championship DNA™ — Performance When It Matters Most At the heart of Eric’s work is Championship DNA™ — a powerful framework designed to help individuals and organizations: build unshakeable resilience lead with clarity and confidence perform under pressure stay focused when it matters most turn adversity into advantage This isn’t theory. It’s drawn from elite sport, executive leadership, and lived experience — delivered in a way that is practical, relatable, and immediately actionable.

Audiences don’t just leave inspired.

They leave equipped. Recognized Excellence. Global Credibility. Eric’s credibility is recognized worldwide. Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) — held by fewer than 12% of professional speakers globally Australia’s Best Motivational Speaker – Evergreen Awards (2025) Author of Going for Gold: Living Your Personal Best Ambassador for Adopt Change, advocating for vulnerable children and young people across Australia He lives in Brisbane, is a proud Australian citizen, and is a father and grandfather — deeply connected to community, legacy, and purpose. Why Event Organizers Book Eric Bailey Because Eric doesn’t just turn up and speak.

He prepares deeply for your organization understands your people, your pressures, and your goals delivers a high-energy, interactive, and authentic experience leaves audiences motivated and ready to act Whether it’s a conference keynote, leadership offsite, corporate event, school program, or executive workshop — Eric Bailey delivers impact that lasts long after the applause fades.

If you’re ready to elevate your people, strengthen your culture, and build performance that holds under pressure — Eric Bailey is the speaker your audience will remember.

CLIENTS AND COUNTING

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

COUNTRIES VISITED

2025 ENGAGEMENTS BOOKED

ERIC BAILEY’S EDUCATION PARTNERS

Clients consistently describe Eric as an authentic, high-energy, and impactful speaker who connects deeply with students, educators, and leadership teams.

In an industry where long-term partnerships are rare, Eric Bailey stands out. Many of his partners have worked with him for 10+ years, inviting him back year after year because of the real impact he creates.

Here is a select list of education institutions that have partnered with Eric for 15+ years of consistent, yearly presentations, with many of these relationships continuing into 2026.

SECURE A CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE

Stop playing for the whistle and start playing for the win. Bring an “In the Trenches” CEO to your stage to ignite a high-performance culture that never settles. Click below and let our team help you design a customized keynote that empowers your leadership team.

About Eric

Who Is Eric?

ERIC BAILEY’S EDUCATION PARTNERS

SECURE A CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERSHIP KEYNOTE

Follow us on LinkedIn