Mariah Burton Nelson

MARIAH BURTON NELSON
An Athletic Approach to Leadership and Life

As an award-winning athlete, author, journalist, speechwriter and speaker, Mariah Burton Nelson has played a leading role in redefining what it means to be a female athlete. She has written books, articles and speeches on a variety of subjects, mostly related to sports and success -- plus one on forgiveness, and she now serves as Executive Director of the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation.

What's New?

Visit the Blog: Beyond Workouts: Discovering and celebrating the playful athlete within. Come chat! www.BeyondWorkouts.wordpress.com
New Article: Shooting for Success: Associations Now Magazine, November 2008.
New Book: Making Money on the Sidelines. For coaches, teachers, professors and other physical activity professionals who want to earn the revenue they desire and deserve. Business skills for non-business people. A simple, user-friendly guide to pricing, promotion, and profit. 2008.
New Award: 100 Most Influential Sports Educators in America. In 2007, Mariah Burton Nelson was given this honor by the International Institute for Sport. Other awardees: Tiger Woods, Bud Greenspan, Phil Jackson, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, Billie Jean King, Mike Krzyzewski, Robert Lipsyte, Donna Lopiano, Cal Ripken, Jr., Bill Russell, Dawn Staley, Vivian Stringer, Pat Summitt, John Wooden, and others.
Magazine Cover: Mariah was featured on the cover of Speaker Magazine (2007) for an article about her work and her life, entitled "Straight, Authentic Talk."
Career Update: In 2006, after 19 years as an author, journalist, and professional speaker, Mariah Burton Nelson started playing on a new team, as Executive Director of The American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation.

What's Enduring?

MISSION: To demonstrate courage, compassion, creativity, excellence, humor, and athleticism as I write and speak the truth as I understand it.
JOURNALISM: Original, thought-provoking articles in Newsweek, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USAToday, Glamour, Redbook, and more since 1980.
BOOKS: Author of six pioneering, award-winning books, since 1991.
ATHLETICISM: Swimming (first meet at six); five high school varsity letters; basketball (Stanford University, then European and US Pro leagues); rowing, water polo, golf, weight-lifting, cycling, and now back to Mariah's original sport, swimming. Mariah also coaches her mother, Sarah, who set two Arizona breaststroke records for women aged 75-79.
MOTTO: Think of yourself as an athlete. I guarantee you it will change the way you walk, the way you work, and the decisions you make about teamwork, leadership, and success.
VALUES: Integrity, honesty, courage, clarity, since 1956. :-)

Watch video of Mariah Burton Nelson, author, athlete and professional speaker

Find out about Mariah's latest book, Making Money on the Sidelines