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BRYAN BURNSTEIN

Performance strategist and thought leader with over 20 years working at the intersection of elite sport and business. Highly motivated, strategic, and independent professional with proven expertise in managing multiple complex projects and ensuring alignment with business strategy.

Summary

Bryan Burnstein is an accomplished strategic leader specializing in health and human performance. With a robust background in optimizing performance strategies and aligning objectives with organizational goals, Bryan has driven significant improvements in team and individual performance. His roles at Kitman Labs and Cirque du Soleil demonstrate his expertise in integrating diverse performance disciplines and fostering impactful collaborations. He brings a wealth of experience in technical product marketing, advertising, and market research. He has a proven track record of driving brand visibility and increasing market share. Bryan has collaborated with key stakeholders to align objectives and enhance performance strategies, resulting in impactful thought leadership content and data-driven decision-making. His expertise extends to optimizing internal processes and elevating brand visibility through engagement at internal and external events. As an educator, Bryan has shaped future professionals in health and performance science. He holds an MS in Human Performance and Injury Prevention and an Executive Leadership Programme certification from Oxford, underscoring his dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.

Work experience

The Circus Arts Conservatory | Sarasota

2024-11Present

Vice President, Program Development & Youth Performance Management

Kitman Labs

2020-032024-07

Senior Performance Strategist

  • Aligned with executives and senior leadership in partner organizations to understand their objectives, performance goals, and challenges, ensuring successful implementation of strategic partnership plans.
  • Provided critical analysis and insights to partner organizations, enhancing performance strategies and facilitating data-driven decision-making to impact critical success factors.
  • Collaborated with sales and marketing teams to drive a year-over-year increase in brand visibility and market share, resulting in the highest retention rate in the company.
  • Developed impactful thought leadership content, adhering to high-quality standards and resonating within the industry, positioning Kitman Labs as a leader in performance intelligence.
  • Supported cross-functional teams in optimizing internal processes, resulting in greater operational efficiency.
  • Orchestrated engagement at internal and external events, elevating brand visibility and industry leadership for Kitman Labs, leading to increased recognition and business opportunities.

California University of Pennsylvania

2008-082022-06

Instructor

Department of Health Science & Sport Studies Global Online Graduate Program

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

2007-082019-12

Head of Performance Science

  • Orchestrated the integration of strength & conditioning, performance nutrition, and mental performance programs, alongside assessment protocols and performance data platforms, resulting in enhanced performer durability and overall performance.
  • Collaborated closely with coaching and performance medicine managers to develop and implement comprehensive athlete support strategies, ensuring the well-being and optimal performance of nearly 1800 performers worldwide.
  • Fostered partnerships with high-performance organizations and researchers globally, gaining valuable insights into leading practices in athlete support and high-performance culture, and leveraging this knowledge to drive continuous improvement within Cirque du Soleil.
  • Represented the company as an industry leader at international sports sciences events, expanding networks and fostering collaborations with key industry stakeholders, ultimately enhancing the organization's reputation and influence.
  • Maintained consistent and effective communication with stakeholders, explaining complex concepts and strategies in a clear and concise manner.
  • Ensured clarity and comprehensibility in all communications, avoiding jargon and industry-specific terms.
  • Consistently achieved milestones and objectives, positioning Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group as a leader in the field of performance science.

Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club

2003-082007-08

Head Athletic Trainer / Strength & Conditioning Coach

  • Managed all aspects of player health and well-being as the Head Athletic Trainer and Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Saginaw Spirit Hockey Club, ensuring optimal physical preparation and medical care for the team.
  • Collaborated with team physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide the highest standard of care for players, ensuring their well-being both on and off the ice.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive strength and conditioning programs tailored to individual player needs, resulting in improved performance and reduced risk of injuries.
  • Consistently adhered to industry regulations and best practices, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety guidelines.
  • Maintained clear and concise documentation of player injuries, treatments, and progress, facilitating effective communication with coaching staff and medical professionals.
  • Handled billing and insurance processes, ensuring timely and accurate reimbursement for medical services provided to players.
  • Managed team travel logistics, including transportation, lodging, and meals, ensuring smooth and efficient travel arrangements for both home and away games.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing multiple responsibilities and tasks simultaneously.

Education

Said Business School at University of Oxford

2022-112023-02

Certificate: Executive Leadership Programme

California University of Pennsylvania

2004-072005-07

Masters of Science

Human Performance & Injury Prevention

Central Michigan University

1998-082002-12

Bachelors of Science

Sports Medicine

Licenses & certifications

  • CITI Research Mentor
  • National Athletic Trainers’ Association Board of Certification
    • Certified Athletic Trainer (2003 - 2021)
  • National Strength & Conditioning Association
    • Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (2003 - 2022)
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine
    • Performance Enhancement Specialist
    • Fitness Nutrition Specialist
    • Corrective Exercise Specialist
  • USA Weightlifting
    • Advanced Sports Performance Coach
  • Program of Athletic Coaches’ Education
  • eCollege Certified Online Instructor

publications & presentations

  • Burnstein, B., Allen-Burnstein, B. (2022). Chapter 1: NASM Sports Performance Training – Introduction to the Performance Training Profession. Publisher TBD.
  • Burnstein, B. (November 2019). Enhancing Performance with Data & Technology. Barca Innovation Hub Sports Technology Symposium. Barcelona, Spain.
  • Burnstein, B. & Richard, V. (October 2018). Innovation & Creativity: Managing Changes from Global to Local Perspectives. Leaders in Performance. London, UK
  • Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, A., & Benning, S. D. (2018, October 11). Empirical Development of a Screening Method for Mental, Social, and Physical Wellness in Amateur and Professional Circus Artists. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts. Advance online publication.
  • Barker, L., Mercer, J., Burnstein, B. (2018). Acceleration profile of an acrobatic act during training and shows using wearable technology. Sports Biomechanics, DOI: 10.1080/14763141.2018.1460394
  • Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Galante, M. B., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., Gavrilova, E., Funk, A., Light, Benning, S., (2018). Wellness screening in Circus: Mental, Social, and Physical Health Factors Interfering With Performance. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts.
  • Burnstein, B. (July 2017). Creating a Culture of Data-Informed Decision Making. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
  • Galante, M., Donohue, B., Gavrilova, Y., Phillips, C., Burnstein, B., Aubertin, P., & Corral, A. (2017). The relationship between problem-solving skills and factors associated with performance in the world’s elite circus artists. Journal of Performance Psychology.
  • Burnstein, B. (May 2016). Beneath the BigTop – Using Technology and Data to Support Circus Performance. The Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association Annual Conference. Kansas City, Missouri.
  • Burnstein, B. (September 2015). An Innovative Approach to Managing Circus Performance. Innovation Enterprise – Sports Analytics Innovation Summit & Wearable Technology in Sport Summit. San Francisco, California.
  • Burnstein, B., Steele, R., Shrier, I. (2011). Reliability of fitness tests using methods and time periods common in sport and occupational management. Journal of Athletic Training 2011:46(5):505–513.

skills

SKILLS

Analytical Skills, Attention to Detail, Budget Management, Business Process Improvement, Business Relationship Management, Change Management, Cross- functional Team Leadership, Data Analysis, Decision- Making, Event Planning,
Executive-level Communication, Go-to- Market Strategy, Handle Confidential Information, High Stress Environment, Injury Prevention, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Leadership, Organization Skills, Performance Appraisal, Project Management, Public Speaking, Sports Management, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Initiatives, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Planning, Strategic Vision, Teaching, Team Coordination, Team Leadership, Team Management