LP 40 for 40 – Bob Beaudine

The Plano Chamber of Commerce’s signature program, Leadership Plano, celebrates its 40^th anniversary! For the past 40 years, Leadership Plano has been dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.

We are celebrating the impact of the past 40 years by spotlighting 40 Leadership Plano graduates who have paved the way for future generations, created meaningful change for the community, and continue to serve in leadership roles. This celebratory series, Leadership Plano 40 for 40, is Presented by UBS – The Kravitz Group.

Introducing our next spotlight, Leadership Plano Class 12, Graduate, Bob Beaudine, President and CEO – Eastman & Beaudine. Bob is a nationally recognized search executive, author and entrepreneur.

Under Bob’s leadership over the past four decades, Eastman & Beaudine has become one of the nation’s leading executive search firms in professional and college sports and entertainment. After a decade of leading searches for mostly Fortune 500 companies, Bob helped pioneer executive search in professional sports when he was selected to lead the search for the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. The Wall Street Journal named Eastman & Beaudine the “top recruiting firm in college sports,” and Sports Illustrated named Bob the “top front-office matchmaker in sports” as well as the “most influential man in sports you’ve never heard of.” These accolades come as a result of Bob helping to shape the senior leadership teams of NBA, MLB, NFL, and NHL franchises and league offices, in addition to university athletic departments across the nation. Bob’s experience also extends to the PGA Tour, USTA, PBR, U.S. Olympics, NASCAR, UFC, and sportsrelated non-profits among many others. Eastman & Beaudine is also home to an extensive management consulting practice that has served dozens of the most recognizable global brands. Most recently, Bob founded EB 67 Holdings, LLC which retains equity interests in some of the sports industry’s most promising emerging companies.

Bob is also the national bestselling author of The Power of WHO! and 2 Chairs. He has been invited to speak to some of the world’s most recognizable and innovating brands including— Nike, AIG, ExxonMobil, Madison Square Garden, the Los Angeles Lakers, NBC, FOX, and Sabre, among others. Bob has keynoted summits for the likes of Major League Soccer, Sports Business Journal, the NCAA, and may others, and headlined the Texas Conference for Women, at the invitation of the First Lady of Texas. In addition, Bob has spoken to tens of thousands of college students at over 40 universities across the country. His national media appearances include The Today Show, Fox Business Network, Fox & Friends, The Dave Ramsey Show, CBN News, and CNBC’s Power Lunch. Profiles of Bob have appeared in Sports Business Journal, Dallas CEO Magazine, and Success Magazine.

Bob’s leadership extends into the community. He formerly served on the Board of Directors of the World Champion Texas Rangers during their run as back-to-back American League Champions and is currently on the Advisory Board of Directors for the Positive Coaching Alliance, the College Football Assistance Fund, and the Cox School of Business at SMU, his alma mater. He is the former Chairman of the Doak Walker National Running Back Award and Chairman of the Navy Seal Legacy Foundation Dinner. Bob and his wife, Cheryl, have been married over four decades and have three grown daughters and five grandchildren.

1. What first made you interested in participating in Leadership Plano?

Having lived in Plano for 37 years, my love for this city runs deep. To truly appreciate and contribute to a community, it’s essential to connect with its key figures—the movers and shakers who drive progress and innovation. Leadership Plano offered a unique opportunity to engage with not only emerging leaders but also the remarkable individuals who have made Plano one of the best, safest, and most well-managed cities in the country. This program was the perfect platform to deepen my understanding and involvement in the community I cherish.

2. What is the most memorable part of your experience (or what is something that was happening in Plano that you remember about that year)?

The most memorable part of my experience with Leadership Plano wasn’t tied to a single event but rather the realization of why I have always loved living in this city. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to live in many places, but Plano has always stood out as “home” for our family. It’s not just the city itself but the people who make it spectacular. From our outstanding leadership and top-notch education system to our dedicated police force and seamless development projects, everything in Plano seems to work harmoniously to create an enviable quality of life.

Around the time I participated in Leadership Plano, the city was undergoing significant yet thoughtful development, attracting major corporations while maintaining a sense of community and balance. This careful planning ensured that Plano never felt overgrown but rather like an ideal place to live in a complex world. The program allowed me to witness firsthand how our city manages to stay ahead of the curve, making quick, positive changes that benefit all residents. This experience deepened my appreciation for the collaborative spirit that makes Plano one of the most desired places to live in the country.

3. Why do you think Leadership Plano is so impactful to our community?

Leadership Plano is transformative because it educates, develops, and empowers both current and future leaders. I loved how the program provided a deep dive into the inner workings of our city—from education and local government to business, health services, and the arts. It equipped me with invaluable insights into civic, charitable, and business roles, demonstrating how committed involvement can drive positive change in our community.

4. What is one thing you can attribute to Leadership Plano that is a success in your life or career?

One of the most valuable takeaways: Great Leadership is all about people! And if you’re looking to get connected to this amazing city/amazing people, this is the program for you. Through Leadership Plano, I not only developed long-term friendships with my classmates, I had the privilege of getting to know and become friends with many of Plano’s outstanding leaders. Notably, I’ve maintained a lifelong friendship with the family of James Muns, who led our city through a crucial period of development and growth. Today, his son John, whom I’ve also known for many years, continues this legacy as our current mayor, doing a fantastic job. The bonds and connections you make through Leadership Plano will be instrumental in your personal and professional growth, and I am immensely grateful for this experience.

5. Why was your class the “Best Class Ever”?

Our class was the “Best Class Ever” because of the unique blend of timing, camaraderie, and shared purpose. It felt like being back at camp as a kid, where you spend months together, building deep and meaningful relationships. The program was designed to ensure we genuinely got to know each other, fostering friendships that will last a lifetime and encouraging us to support one another in our future endeavors.

What made our class spectacular were the personal qualities of each individual involved that transcended the technical aspects. We came from diverse backgrounds, yet we all shared a common goal: to serve and unite our city, making it the finest and best it can be. The dedication, passion, and collaborative spirit of every member created an environment of inspiration and motivation. Through our collective efforts, we aimed to make a significant impact on Plano, and I’m confident that the bonds we formed will continue to strengthen and enhance our community for years to come. Future participants should know that Leadership Plano is not just a program—it’s a journey that transforms you and builds a network of lifelong friends and leaders dedicated to making a difference.