Ralph Heath
About Ralph Heath :
Ralph was president of Ovation Marketing, a successful advertising agency he founded over 30 years ago, that worked with the most iconic brands in America (Budweiser, State Farm, Microsoft, Betty Crocker) from a remote Wisconsin location.
With the release of his first book Celebrating Failure: The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes and Thinking Big (published by Career Press), he began a new career as an author, keynote speaker and leadership consultant with a new company he started with two former associates called Synergy Leadership Group.
In 2010, McGraw Hill bought the international rights to Celebrating Failure and Audible, a division of Amazon, bought the audio rights. Celebrating Failure has become a global success.
Ralph is a member of the National Speakers Association. He has taught advertising and marketing courses at the University of Wisconsin. He earned his B.S. in mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He is past president of Mississippi Valley Conservancy and Human Powered Trails, and serves on the board of the La Crosse Fitness Festival.
The U.S.A. Triathlon Association has honored Ralph as a four-time Triathlon All-American. Heath is a two-time finisher of the Hawaii Ironman and a 2008 and 2009 bronze medalist in Wisconsin cycling.
Press coverage of Celebrating Failure: The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes, and Thinking Big
Below are reviews of Celebrating Failure from Time Magazine, Soundview Executive Book Summaries, Smart Business, Blue Ridge Business Journal, and Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.
Time Magazine told its readers:
When you're just about to blow your top over a screw-up, take this smart book off the shelf. Failure has a lot to teach, and Heath tells business leaders to use it creatively.
Soundview Executive Book Summaries said:
Executives who appreciate sound advice delivered in memorable words will greatly enjoy Celebrating Failure.
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel:
Books to help you Dream. While Heath's book is written for a business audience, it is a quick and easy read with lots of anecdotes from his 30 years as the owner of an advertising agency. If the fear of failure is keeping you from reaching your dreams, you need to look at a book like this.
Smart Business:
Heath’s personal experiences with failure provide some of the most important content in the book. It is always comforting when reading a particular business title to know that the author is willing to divulge personal stories to support his or her point.
Blue Ridge Business Journal:
Heath encourages a corporate culture that likewise "embraces failure." While employees need to take responsibility for the fires they start, the prospect of screwing up shouldn't instill the fear of God. Especially when mistakes are made in an earnest attempt to do well on the company's behalf. "Change your response to failure," Heath advises management.
Houston Style Magazine:
I liked this book. It’s easy and quick to read, filled with stories that make their point, and you’ll even get a few chuckles now and then. If you’re looking for a way to energize employees and you have the leeway to do so, this book will make you want to act tomorrow. “Celebrating Failure” is a book you shouldn’t fail to read.
Comments from people who have heard Ralph’s Keynote presentation:
"Ralph Heath is a master storyteller, and the life lessons he shares send a powerful message."
– Jerry Kember, Superintendent, School District of La Crosse, November 2009.
"Thank you for engaging all of us!"
– Michael Sigman, Big Brothers Big Sisters, October 2009.
"In addition to learning from your mistakes you also learned humility. Great job!"
– Bob Goodreau, UBS, October 2009.
"Anyone in a position to get Ralph to present to their company or organization should not hesitate to do so. Ralph is a gifted presenter who will provide an event that will help you and your company prosper.”
– Jon E. Ellefson, Vice President-Investments, Stifel Nicolaus & Company November 2009.
“I want to thank you for your excellent presentation to our students, faculty, and community leaders on Tuesday evening.”
– Bill Colclough, Dean, College of Business, UW-La Crosse, November 2009.
“Ralph's real life examples put to words many management concepts I knew or felt subconsciously."
– Michael J. Juran, President, HAB Inc, October 2009
Comments from a Senator and Authors about Celebrating Failure:
“People from every walk of life can learn something from Ralph Heath’s Celebrating Failure. Heath’s book tells us how even the toughest failures can, in the end, fuel tremendous success.”
– U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
“Fear of failure is perhaps the worst affliction a manager can have because it leads to creative paralysis and inhibited growth. Into this cultural reality now comes Ralph Heath’s reassuring words about failure not only as teacher but as a power that leads to greater success. I highly recommend this helpful book.”
– James A. Autry, author of The Servant Leader
“There is no better way to learn than by experience. Celebrating Failure shows how we can learn from our ‘so-called failures’ to build a path to success. Ralph has found a fresh approach that will reduce the fear of failure and increase your confidence. I highly recommend this book for any sales professional.”
– Jeff Thull, author of Mastering the Complex Sale and Exceptional Selling.
“Ralph Heath shows how and why you can’t go far with a small idea. He and the firm he built personify the power of taking risks and thinking big, built on the philosophy that the more mistakes you’re willing to make, the faster you learn, the better you get.”
– Tim Williams, author of Take a Stand for Your Brand
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