Murray has been a speaker and trainer since 1984 creating a niche with custom tailored keynotes. While all speakers aspire to personalizing their presentations, Murray developed that skill as an educator, teaching at every level from grade school to graduate school! His ability to identify the needs of each student and zero in on best practices for their learning have served him well for researching an organization, reading his audience and creating an interactive presentation.
Murray was a passionate teacher. In 1982 he was honored as Vermont’s Teacher Of The Year for Physical Education and in 1983 received the Outstanding Educator Award from the national association, AAHPHRD. He taught in a city school district, a small rural school and a major university; coached teams that won state championships and teams that never won a game; and 40 years later is still coaching youth sports in his community.
At the same time he was achieving educational honors, Murray was winning his first of four National Championships in the Triathlon. He took a sabbatical in 1984 to train and race internationally, work on an advanced degree in educational leadership and co-author a textbook. Two times he has been one of the top finishers in the Ironman Triathlon World Championship in Hawaii. This break from public education enabled Murray to blend two passions – racing at the highest levels and teaching outside the structure of a classroom. His audiences now get the best of both worlds… a dynamic, interactive teaching style and focused, world class mindset.
As his speaking career became more demanding, Murray retired from triathlons but kept his hand in athletics with ski racing. At age 50, racing the finest skiers from Europe and Scandinavia, Murray won the masters World Championship in cross-country skiing. Now in his early 60’s, he still competes among the top in his age division at the masters skiing world championships.
Murray has been married to Janie for 40 years and they live in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Their rustic post & beam home, nestled in the shadow of Mt Mansfield, is in stark contrast to Murray’s international travel schedule, but offers the balance he often incorporates into his presentations.
Janie and Murray have raised two sons who are elite mountain guides based in Chamonix, France and Crested Butte, Colorado. Jeff and Steve are among a handful of Americans with the IFMGA/UIAGM international guiding license so Murray enjoys ski mountaineering expeditions with them that often find their way into his presentations. The elements of risk, adaptability and toughness are natural connections to Murray’s message as organizations work through these tough economic times.
Successful speakers are skilled storytellers. Murray draws on his teaching skills, athletic success and business savvy to engage an audience and weave a message that is easily applicable to their own work and personal lives.
Categories: Educator - Leadership, Educator - Motivation and Inspiration
