Biography

Using compelling personal stories, Robert Danzig centers his talk around a key concept he calls threads of life. In his own words … “threads of life are the people who crossed my path and gave me their gifts… and in giving me their gifts, I was able to grasp the threads that they were offering and weave these, over time (unconsciously & unwittingly), into a tapestry that became part of the story of my life and career.” Part of Robert Danzig’s message is the need to be aware of the gifts that are offered to you and to share the gifts that you have. In the spirit of his presentation, Bob leaves each member of his audience with a small gift, one he calls Vitamins for the Spirit. Bob is thankful for his ability to assist others.

Bob is also a highly successful corporate executive. He is an author. He is also one of the nation’s most spellbinding motivational speakers.

His business career has spanned 46 years with The Hearst Corporation from office boy to the ranking senior executive of one of the country�s leading newspaper companies, with 6,000 employees across the nation, in cities like Houston, San Francisco, Seattle and San Antonio.Bob has also had leadership roles in the Newspaper Association of America, Newspaper Advertising Bureau, New Directions for News and the American Press Institute. He is the author of two books, “Vitamins for the Spirit,” and “The Leader Within You.”

He got his first job as an office boy at the local newspaper 46 years ago. That job turned into a career. Eventually, Bob became publisher of the Albany Times Union and Knickerbocker News, and he became general manager of the Hearst Newspapers nationwide. Since then, the Hearst group has had a renaissance of talent, technology and reputation. Annual sales have soared to exceed $1 billion, and cash flow has grown a hundredfold during Danzig’s tenure. On a typical day, about three million people will read one of Hearst’s daily newspapers in cities such as Houston, San Antonio, San Francisco and Seattle. Danzig also served as corporate vice president and member of the board of directors.

Bob graduated with high honors from Siena College in Albany and later received its award for outstanding career achievement. In May 1997, Siena College conferred on him an honorary Ph.D.

That’s not bad for a young man who grew up in five foster homes and got a college degree at night and on weekends. He was inspired to succeed, he says, by the people he met along the way. His great joy is being able to lift the spirit of others by sharing his experiences, and he does that very well. Despite a demanding business schedule, he has built a second career as a motivational speaker. He talks to thousands of people all over North America each year.

Bob Danzig, former President of the multi-billion dollar powerhouse Hearst Newspapers, has touched the lives of millions of people around the world. Today, he is one of the nation’s most spellbinding speakers, named to the Speaker’s Hall of Fame in 2007.

With a passion for lifting the human spirit, Bob brings his timeless message of leadership and success to audiences all over North America. Sharing his personal experiences and accomplishments, he often speaks about his challenges growing up in foster care and his impressive rise in the newspaper industry. Bob uses these stories to encourage audience members to reach higher and exceed their expectations – to embrace their vision and create the life they deserve.

It has been said: “Bob Danzig is one of those magical people who, when he enters a room he fills it, and when he begins to speak he owns it.” With humor and a magnetic sense of purpose, Bob plants seeds of hope, confidence and leadership every time he speaks.

Keynote Topics:

DISCOVERING THE LEADER WITHIN YOU
In this, his most requested talk, Bob identifies inherent leadership powers within each of us. Though we might not be aware of them, these powers are a part of our fundamental makeup. They simply need to be discovered, brought to the surface, nurtured, and buffed to a brilliant shine.
Organizations rely on confident leaders to help them achieve their visions and goals. This keynote speech highlights the individual powers within us all, which are waiting to be tapped. The awareness of these powers will help individuals strengthen their leadership abilities, which in turn will help strengthen the organization.

COMMON POWERS IN CREAM OF THE CROP PERFORMERS
As Dean of the Hearst Management Institute, which embraces about two percent of our 25,000 employee colleagues, I witness the common powers in these peak performers. This topic identifies those powers and uses the magical power of story telling for audiences to discover, nurture, and master those same powers.

HARVESTERS OF HOPE
This keynote speech will inspire your colleagues and praise their devotion to being “seed planters of hope.” Tailored for healthcare and community-service organizations, it identifies, amplifies, and celebrates those common qualities that affirm the noble purpose of such organizations.
“Harvesters of Hope” is an oasis for healthcare and community-service professionals. It provides them an intermission from their day-to-day routines, applauds their dedication, and celebrates their commitment to helping others.

THREADS OF LIFE
We are each the product of the influence of others. Those unforgettable people that make a difference in our lives are the threads that create our life’s “tapestry.” Bob shares his experiences and explores the benefits of not only having such threads in our own lives, but also the importance of being such a thread in the tapestries of others. The audience members are invited to bask in their own special life threads.

PERSONAL RARITY
Every person matters. Every person in your organization is unique—every person deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated for the gifts he or she brings to your organization. Every person deserves to know that he or she is unique in the universe.
Bob describes a journey of appreciation for the potential in everyone. His stories affirm the singular ways in which people have touched his life—and how those threads have improved his personal and professional lives, as well as how the help of those threads have in turn allowed Bob to become a nurturing thread in the tapestries of others.

WORKSHOP: THE SOFTER SIDE OF SUCCESS (ONE HOUR)
A post-keynote workshop based upon the simple truth that every organization seeks success. In this interactive one-hour workshop session Bob spotlights those characteristics that breed excellence in every organization. Stories surround each major point and make the insights more memorable. Those Softer Values include: Mindset, Motivation, Attitudes, Nurturing, and Self-Esteem.
*Keynotes typically run 30-45 minutes each.

“I think everyone who was present at your wonderful talk found it wise as well as inspiring. We are grateful that you chose to share some of that wisdom with us.”
– Lewis Burke Frankes, The Writing Center Director, Marymount Manhattan College 

“I have no hesitancy in declaring to anyone within earshot that it was the best speech I have ever heard. Thank you!”
–Daniel Button, President’s Office, Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities

“To suggest that your presentation was remarkable is an understatement and does not truly reflect its impact on both my students and myself.”
–John H. Shannon, Dean, Seton Hall University

“Once again, thanks for visiting us. I hope you will return again next year. Good luck with your leadership book.”
– Paul Steinle, University of Miami

“I cannot remember the last time that I was so deeply moved by a speaker. You provided a living confirmation of what we are teaching.”
–Tom Milton,  Business Administration Chairperson, Mercy College

Bob Danzig’s is “one of the best sessions I’ve attended in more than 25 years of going to conventions.”
—Linda Owens Whitlaw, University of South Carolina

“Bob, What can I say? As a motivational speaker you are superb. As a man who can speak comfortably with everyone, just amazing. As a person who moves and inspires people and holds both a mirror and a light of hope to all,simply incredible. As a human being on your own challenging journey,your openness is totally refreshing as is your willingness to take new paths when it’s the right time. Thanks you so much for leaving the good folks of Elizabeth breathless with your insights and encouragement.” –William H. Webb, ACSW, Executive Director, Family & Children’s Services

“Bob, your visit not only touched the hearts of the children and adults who heard you speak – it also impacted my co-workers and I as we move forward in our ‘noble’ work. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with all of us. You are so generous with your time and talents, and I feel very blessed to have met you. I truly hope you return in the very near future.”
–Linda Sommerville, Child and Family Services, Traverse City, Michigan

“I can not thank you enough for coming in today. The lights really do get turned on with the Sales & Marketing staff when you speak with them. Your messages drive them and they leave the meeting motivated and encouraged. You are an inspiration and a mentor from afar! I learn by watching carefully and you have been instrumental in that process.”
Your biggest fan and a success facilitator,
–Lilia Castillo Jones, Sr VP Sales & Marketing, Hearts Media Services, San Antonio Express

“I heard as always that you hit a huge “Home Run” when you were here last week and left the WPBF fans screaming for more!!! I am so disappointed that I missed you. So many employees commented to me on what a wonderful and motivating talk you gave. I can never thank you enough for your generosity of time with us. Our staff always takes it ten notches up after you leave…they are energized and inspired by you Bob. You really are a renaissance man. Thank you again for everything, and I hope to see you soon! – Caroline Taplett, President WPBF News

“Bob Danzig is a compelling, masterful storyteller with a message to match.”
—Walter Anderson, Editor, Parade Magazine

“Your wonderful anecdotes, skillful delivery and warm relating to the audience held them spell bound.  —Mary L. Martin, Associate Director, American Press Institute

“I cannot remember the last time I was so deeply moved by a speaker.
—Tom Milton, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, New York

“Your stories and your passion inspired those of us in the room to continue to lead with our hearts even when they are heavy with concerns about funding, management and the ability to reach those we need to reach…not to mention the overwhelming reality that there is so much more that should be done. Your opening remarks were uplifting and it was refreshing to step out of the forest …smell the raindrops on each tree branch and delight in knowing that we each do make a difference …one touch at a time!”
—Barbara Bush, Director of Development, Community Residences

“Your speech was a big hit, engaging us, entertaining us, and moving us. Your recognition of several Sunrise Associates and the incorporation of their accomplishments into your themes was especially well done and showed careful research.”
—Richard Chandler, Chairman/CEO Sunrise Medical Inc.

“Yours is the very best American success story and your message meant a great deal.”
–Lillian Kopenhaver, Associate Dean Florida International University

“Thank you for providing an important thread of inspiration and information for the lives of students and faculty.”–Ernest Cd. Hynds,Journalism Department Chair, University of Georgia

“Thank you again for giving back what you’ve learned throughout your career. It would be a tremendous help for me to have the benefit of your knowledge and advice.”
–Alexander Major, President, Major Health Services

“Everyone appreciated the bright light you shed and the clarity, eloquence and passion with which you voiced your convictions about leadership.”
–Anthony Oettinger, Program on Information Resources Policy Chair, Harvard University

“Your passion is evident in your presentation, and the manner in which you personalize your message is compelling.” – John F. Flynn, President, YMCA

“Thank you for speaking at our sales rally. It was clear that you are well acquainted with ‘walking the walk,’ not just ‘talking the talk’ when it comes to pursuing the most difficult goals.”
– Dwight M. Brown, VP of Advertising, Houston Chronicle

“Your wonderful anecdotes, skillful delivery and warm relationship with the audience held them spellbound.” – Mary Lynn Martin, Associate Director, American Press Institute

“I just wanted to tell you how inspiring I found your talk. Thank you for reminding us of what is most important.” – David Hughey, The Herald Sun, Durham, NC

“It was both a pleasure and privilege to hear your inspirational talk. You certainly make a terrific impression.”–Jon Knott, Albany Times Union

“Your speech to the conference was a big hit, engaging us, entertaining us and moving us. I would have liked to hear more of your personal profiles, because each was so poignant and relevant to us all.”    –Richard Chandler, CEO, Sunrise Medical

“I wanted to share with you how much everyone enjoyed the Raving Fans concept and especially your energetic style of presentation.”    — Donna Werner, Director of Training, Bethpage

“We have been very pleased with your rare knack for teaching and encouraging all of us at In2 Change to understand the secrets of creating Raving Fans.”                                                                          –Mike and Cheryl Piha, In2 Change

“If you’ve got passion and conviction you’re more likely to be inspiring to others as a leader. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed [Bob’s] book.”    — Ted Turner, Founder of CNN

“Bob Danzig expertly identifies the champion in us by showing what and who champions really are … Bob’s belief that we’re all champions in the making is both uplifting and contagious!”                    — Sharlene Hawkes, Former Miss America, award-winning ESPN reporter, motivational speaker and author