Richard J. Bryan, CSP

Leadership & Business Growth Expert

RICHARD DRAWS ON HIS DIRECT EXPERIENCE AS A SUCCESSFUL CEO
But the Journey Started in a Crisis!

At just 28, Richard was thrust into the role of CEO when his father suddenly had to retire due to illness. Overnight, he became responsible for the family’s 100-year-old, $120 million automotive dealership in the UK. The situation he inherited was dire: the company was $5 million in debt, losing $3.5 million annually, and only six months away from bankruptcy. On top of that, the team lacked alignment, competitors were relentless, and key manufacturer partners were losing confidence.

After a tough start – and plenty of hard-earned lessons – Richard hired a mentor and turnaround specialist named Frank, a former Special Forces officer with a fine-arts degree and a gift for common-sense leadership. With Frank’s guidance, Richard clarified his role as a leader, built a culture of A-Players, implemented proven systems, and steered the business to consistent profitability year after year.

Under his leadership, the company not only survived but thrived – achieving strong, sustainable, year-over-year growth in a highly competitive industry.

Through this journey, Richard discovered his core leadership strength: identifying exceptional talent and developing individuals into a cohesive, high-performing team united around a shared vision. As he often says, “Leaders must create an environment with the right culture and the right people. It’s hard work, but when you get it right, revenue growth always follows.”

After a decade as CEO, Richard sold the business. Today, he is a sought-after keynote speaker, CEO coach, and author who equips leaders in every industry with practical, battle-tested strategies for business growth and succession.

He is a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and a long-standing member of the National Speakers Association, where he also served on the NSA Colorado Board. Richard and his wife live in Evergreen, Colorado, and their two grown children are off pursuing their own adventures. He frequently spends time in his hometown of Bristol, England, where he owns a successful commercial real estate business.

A few of Richard’s Clients

Media & Blog Posts

Recent Posts

The Gift of Feedback

The Gift of Feedback

I recently spoke to YPO Guatemala, in Guatemala City, which was a great experience. I shared with them a three hour interactive workshop on leadership succession planning. What made it a great experience was their willingness to participate fully in the discussion and group exercises as well as their warm generosity in the way that they hosted me while in Guatemala.

7 Signs You May be a Bad Boss

7 Signs You May be a Bad Boss

Nobody likes to think of themselves as a bad boss. But in my travels through the leadership keynote speaker world, I’ve met so many current and aspiring leaders. And whether they’re newly minted managers or seasoned C-suite types, regardless of their leadership tenure, it’s quite common for people to have a few blind spots around their own leadership styles.

Get your copy of Richard’s practical and inspiring ebook, drawn from his popular book: “Top Leadership Lessons from Being Frank.”

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