Thom Mayer, MD

 

REVIEWS

BOOKS
Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless
“Leadership is one of greatest gifts that the world has to offer. As he always does in his books, Dr. Mayer explores the subject in detail and with pertinent, real-world examples from his outstanding work over the years, including 9/11, the NFL, and Ukraine. What is clearly ‘priceless’ is Dr. Mayer’s perspective on relationship-based leadership, his passion for doing rather than talking, and embracing the fact we are all leaders – no matter where we are in our careers or lives.”
Mike Krzyzewski, Former Duke (1980-2022), Army (1975-80) and United States National Team (2005-16) Head Men’s Basketball Coach

"Thom Mayer, MD, has valuable leadership lessons for all of us. In Leadership is Worthless…But Leading is Priceless, Mayer brilliantly shares what he learned as the top doctor for the NFL Players Association, in Ukraine, and at the Pentagon on 9/11."
Arthur C. Brooks, Professor, Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School, and #1 New York Times bestselling author

"This book is “badass”, to borrow an apt term from its author Dr. Thom Mayer, an American hero of 9/11 and an accomplished physician leader for the NFL Players Association, among other noteworthy endeavors. The reader is treated to a fast-moving torrent of anecdotes, aphorisms, quotations, witticisms, and wisdom, from which one emerges inspired, ready for action and eager to lead."
Dr. Sandy Williams, Duke University

“Dr. Thom Mayer’s book on leadership is enhanced by a rich series of personal examples drawn from his own life and extraordinary experiences. Perhaps the greatest lesson he 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.”
U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA)

“Dr. Thom Mayer’s new book is not an easy read. You cannot ‘flip through it.’ It challenges us to rethink the way we approach the next five minutes, the next two minutes. Please don’t ‘read’ this book. Dive in deep, reflect, and I, yes, guarantee it will change your life and the lives of those you work and play with. It is that good, that profound, that powerful.”
Tom Peters, New York Times Best-Selling Author including Excellence Now: Extreme Humanism

“At Bernstein, we work with many of the most successful, influential, and innovative leaders on the planet. Dr. Thom Mayer stands out with his unique high stakes leadership experience, uncanny storytelling ability and unique aptitude to always find the right historic quote. His gift to inspire others through anecdote and turn hard earned life lessons into actionable advice is unapparelled.”
Adam C. Sansiveri, Senior Managing Director, Bernstein Private Wealth Management

"Dr. Thom Mayer has created a masterpiece….a “must read” for any person who aspires to lead others in any form or fashion.   From the horrors of 9/11….to the gridiron intensity that is uniquely the NFL…to the unthinkable modern day battlefield in the Ukraine, Dr. Mayer has had  a front row seat to history and a unique viewing of those individuals who have inspired others to perform above and beyond their daily mission.
Leadership is about one thing:  decision-making.   Once you read “Leadership is Worthless” you will be better prepared to evaluate what needs to be done….and exactly what you need to do in order to do it."
Harry Rhoads, Jr., Co-founder, Washington Speakers Bureau

"Dr Thom Mayer is an original, as is immediately evident in the provocative title of this must-read book. Through the lens of his riveting experiences, Thom invites us on a personal journey, urging us to embrace leadership not as a distant accolade, but as an ever-present action, to be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Mayer captures the heart of leading as an everyday activity , urging us to lead with purpose and presence. Thank you, Thom, for this fresh look at leadership."
Herman A Taylor, Jr, MD, MPH, Endowed Professor and Director, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine 

"The title alone should assure this is anything but another cliché ridden book about leadership.  The man nicknamed “the master of disaster” brings his unprecedented experience from the NFL Players Association, to the Pentagon on 9-11 and his deployment to Ukraine to offer thought provoking observations and memorable stories applicable to any industry.  You will derive Deep Joy (and learn the meaning of the phrase) from reading Doc Mayer’s sublime text."
Andrea Kremer, Pro Football Hall of Fame Journalist 
 

KEYNOTE SPEECHES
Changing Lives
“Your keynote was a massive success and resonated with everyone, moving them from laughter to tears. You are changing lives with your powerful message.”

World-class Communicator
“Thom Mayer, MD is a humble genius and a world-class communicator! His talk captivated a global audience and brought them to tears, while motivating them for action.”

Totally Captivated Audience
“I have heard most of the world-class speakers and honestly, I have never heard anyone who so totally captivated an audience like you did. You wove stories, quotes, philosophical insights, and historical vignettes into a moving, meaningful fabric that affected us all deeply.”

Infectious Humor
“Dr. Mayer’s incredible leadership and infectious humor are gifts for all of us.”

Touching Hearts and Minds
“You brought a truly superb and essential element to our Summit that will live long in the hearts and minds of all those who were privileged to hear you.”

Had Them Enthralled
"At Bernstein, we work with many of the most successful, influential and innovative business leaders, artists, athletes and inventors on the planet. It is not easy to find speakers that can truly engage this type of audience, but Dr. Thom Mayer had them enthralled. His ability to craft a message and inspire listeners through anecdote, and the always well-placed quote, is unapparelled. Thom remains one of the most requested speakers Bernstein Private Wealth has had."

Talk was simple, eloquent…and devastatingly penetrating
“Dr. Mayer’s talk was simple, eloquent…and devastatingly penetrating. In the 10 years of our leadership program, this was the best session we have had-and we have the world’s best!”
~Duke University Leadership Institute

Oklahoma Hospital Association
"HE DID A GREAT JOB. Our folks really liked his presentation."

MultiCare
"Fantastic - Dr. Mayer did a masterful job weaving in details about our organization and really understood what our leaders needed to hear. He talked about the things that concerned them the most while also celebrating our highlights. I have worked with speakers for years but never before has one made it so personal, so relevant for our organization. Thank you, Dr. Mayer, for an inspirational and motivational presentation!"

creativeMINDS Data
"Dr. Mayer was incredible! He kept our audience engaged and they really enjoyed his stories."