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
Executive Coaching For CEOs: The Investment I Resisted… And Wish I’d Made Sooner
Succession Without Disruption: Why Smart Business Owners Start Planning Earlier Than They Think
5 Intentional Steps Leaders Take to Create and Sustain Great Culture
Why Growth at All Costs is Too Expensive—and What to Do Instead
Strategic Leadership: Stop Trying to Do it All and Start Getting More Done
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Recent Posts
Succession Planning in the Generational Shift
In my travels on the succession planning keynote speaker circuit, I’ve begun to field questions about developing the next generation of leaders during this incredibly pivotal time as baby boomers exit the workforce in droves. It seems like just yesterday we were talking about Millennials entering the workforce, doesn’t it? Today, with the oldest in this massive and complex demographic turning 40, they’re on the verge of overtaking X-ers as the dominant generation. They’re established employees, managers and even company leaders. So it’s time to start thinking about how they see the world—and how these different views might impact your company’s culture.
10 Tips for Surviving in a Business Turnaround
Although it certainly didn’t feel like it at the time, I was incredibly lucky to take the reins of the family business at the tender age of 28, which enabled me to realize very quickly that I needed guidance from experienced outside sources. Because of that guidance, I was able to not only witness how to execute a successful business turnaround…but learn valuable lessons at every turn.
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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