From Crisis to Leadership
Richard Bryan’s leadership journey began under extraordinary circumstances. At only 28 years old, he found himself leading his family’s century-old, $120 million car and truck dealership in the UK after his father was forced to retire due to illness. The company was losing $3.5 million a year, morale was low, and there was no clear leadership succession plan. Many would have walked away, but Richard chose to lead.
With the guidance of a trusted mentor, he learned how to define his role as a leader, focus on the right priorities, and build a team of high-performing “A-Players.” Through resilience, strategic decision-making, and a renewed vision, Richard turned the business around, growing profitability, adding six new car franchises, and establishing a foundation for long-term success.
Lessons in Leadership and Succession
Richard’s experience taught him that great leadership is about more than strategy, it’s about people. He became passionate about the art of leadership succession and how developing future leaders is key to sustainability. These lessons became the cornerstone of his speaking and coaching career.
Through his powerful keynote presentations, Richard reveals how to build trust, accountability, and alignment within organizations. His approach combines practical insights from real-world experience with engaging storytelling, leaving audiences inspired and equipped with tools they can immediately apply.
From Automotive to Real Estate
After a decade as CEO, Richard sold the dealership to another UK-based group and transitioned the family business into real estate investment and development. This shift allowed him to explore new industries while continuing to lead and grow teams. Today, his real estate ventures in both the UK and the US reflect his long-term commitment to strategic growth and sustainable business practices.
Global Speaker and Executive Coach
Now based in Evergreen, Colorado, Richard Bryan is an international leadership keynote speaker and executive coach. Drawing from over 25 years of business ownership, he works with CEOs and leadership teams across multiple industries to help them achieve predictable growth, strengthen their culture, and develop the next generation of leaders.
As a Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) and member of the National Speakers Association, Richard brings credibility, authenticity, and energy to every stage. His sessions are known for blending inspiration with actionable takeaways, helping organizations bridge the gap between vision and execution.
Why Book Richard Bryan for Your Event
When you book Richard Bryan for your next event, you get more than a speaker, you get a leader who has been in the trenches. His story of transforming a struggling business into a thriving enterprise resonates with executives, entrepreneurs, and managers alike.
Richard’s presentations can be tailored to focus on themes such as:
Building high-performing teams
Leadership succession and culture
Driving sustainable business growth
Lessons from leading through crisis and change
Personal Values and Impact
Richard’s philosophy centers around integrity, clarity, and collaboration. He believes leadership is not about having all the answers but about creating the environment where others can thrive.
Though based in the US, he frequently returns to his hometown of Bristol, England, where he continues to manage a successful commercial real estate business. His dual experience in UK and US markets provides him with a unique, international perspective on business leadership.