Sports Leadership Expert & Former Ice Hockey Coach; Author of "The Power of Pragmatic Passion"; Former VP at Buffalo Sabres

Okatie, SC, USA
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Joe Battista Biography

Joe Battista is a former ice hockey coach, sports executive, author, and professional speaker with a career spanning more than four decades in collegiate athletics, professional sports, and business. Battista spent 26 years at Penn State University in roles including associate athletic director, executive director of the Nittany Lion Club—one of the NCAA's largest booster organizations—director of major gift fundraising for the Smeal College of Business, and 19 years as head coach of the Penn State hockey team. Under his leadership, the team achieved 512 wins and six American Collegiate Hockey Association National Championships. Battista also coached Team USA in the World University Games.

Battista is recognized for his role in bringing varsity ice hockey to Penn State University, helping to secure an $88 million philanthropic gift from Terry and Kim Pegula. This contribution led to the construction of Pegula Ice Arena and transformed the university's athletic landscape. After his tenure at Penn State, Battista served as vice president of hockey and business administration for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and as director of amateur hockey development for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Battista is a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, the Penn State Hockey Hall of Fame, and the Penn Hills Hall of Fame. He has received the American Hockey Coaches Association Lou Lamoriello Award. Battista is an alumnus of Penn State University's Smeal College of Business, holding a degree in marketing.

Battista is the owner of Pragmatic Passion LLC, a consulting firm specializing in keynote and motivational speaking, success coaching, and business development. He also serves as vice president of business development and executive coach for the National Athletic and Professional Success Academy. In this capacity, Battista has coached former professional athletes on career transitions beyond sports.

Battista is the author of "The Power of Pragmatic Passion – 7 Common Sense Principles for Achieving Personal and Professional Success," a book that draws on his experience in sports and business to guide readers toward informed, purposeful decision-making. While Battista is known for his work in hockey, the book addresses a broad audience, including students and professionals seeking guidance on education and career choices. His speaking clients have included Medtronic, Protective Insurance, Baker Tilly, USA Hockey, and the Big Ten Conference, reflecting his expertise in leadership, sports management, and personal development.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 10/13/2026.

Joe Battista Speaking Topics

  • Pragmatic Passion: Dream Big. Keep it Real. Get it Done

    Passion is a difference-maker and people living the most joyful, fulfilling, and successful lives have it. But passion alone is not enough. Passion is necessary, but not sufficient, to be truly successful. By learning about Pragmatic Passions 7 Core Principles you will have a practical, common sense, blueprint for achieving success in your personal and professional lives by using your heart and your head. This high energy and interactive keynote will help you to bring your passion to all aspects of your life!

    **Learning Objectives:

    **The Attendees Will Learn These 7 Core Principles...

    • Purpose: Why discovering your Purpose is critical and must guide you every single day.
    • Attitude: How to choose an awesome attitude toward everything in your life and to T.A.G. others.
    • Sacrifice: Using "The Power of Focus" to manage YOUR time so you can persist and persevere.
    • Servant Leadership: To serve before leading, be "other-centered", and to provide superior service.
    • Inspiration: Surround yourself with people who make you better and find your mentors.
    • Options: Develop outstanding options and make informed choices using critical thinking skills.
    • Nurture: To become a life-long learner and commit to sharing your knowledge and wisdom.

  • The Margin of Excellence

    When we think of a "Margin of Excellence" it usually refers to making a difference in fundraising efforts or increasing profit margins in our business. You will look at it in a whole new way as a measure of the courage it takes to make great decisions. At the margin, at the moment of a critical decision point when the pressure is on, what will you, as a leader, manager, employee, parent, or friend do to be a positive difference-maker? Will you have the COURAGE to make the tough calls at the right moments?

    Learning Objectives:

    The Attendees Will Learn ...

    • To not to be afraid to make decisions...or mistakes.
    • To check your ego at the door and show humility.
    • To be willing to get your self and your people out of their comfort zones.
    • To be problem "preventers" first, problem "solvers" second!
    • To be willing to improvise, adapt, and overcome adversity.

Read More +

Joe Battista Videos

Meet The Author November, 2023 Joe Battista

Meet The Author November, 2023 Joe Battista

Meet The Author November, 2023 Joe Battista Be prepared to get motivated , no matter what your stage in life. Joe Battista shares his insight in his...

Joe Battista (Speaker, Hockey Coach, Author): Pragmatic Passion

Joe Battista (Speaker, Hockey Coach, Author): Pragmatic Passion

Joe Battista is a professional speaker, success coach, and author and was the head coach of Penn State Ice Hockey for 19 seasons. In this episode he...

The Business Builder Podcast with Special Guest Joe Battista.

The Business Builder Podcast with Special Guest Joe Battista.

Welcome to The Business Builder Podcast with Marty Wolff and guest Joe Battista. Joe Battista is the author of Pragmatic Passion and a National...

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  • What topics does Joe Battista speak about?

  • Where does Joe Battista travel from?

    Joe Battista generally travels from Okatie, SC, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Joe Battista is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Pragmatic Passion: Dream Big. Keep it Real. Get it Done, The Margin of Excellence and Nurture Your Dreams by Nurturing Your Money. The estimated speaking fee range to book Joe Battista for your event is available upon request. Joe Battista generally travels from Okatie, SC, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Mike Eruzione, JP Pawliw-Fry, Robert Kriegel, Matthew Kelly and Marques Ogden. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Joe Battista for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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