Benj Gershman
Musician, Podcast Host & Community Activist
Benj Gershman
Musician, Podcast Host & Community Activist
Biography
Benj Gershman is an American musician, podcast host, and community activist committed to improving lives through music, storytelling, and advocacy.
As an original member of the band O.A.R., Benj has had the honor and privilege of meeting people from all walks of life while performing on his annual national tours in the U.S.’s most iconic venues and recording in some of the most industry-respected studios.
As a philanthropist and advocate at heart, Benj helped establish Heard the World in 2006, a non-profit fund that has donated over $1M dollars to youth and education programs worldwide. He also founded Look At Life, an artist collective based in New York City that pioneered leveraging online media contests to help artists secure art exhibitions in real estate developments, hotels, and event venues such as world-renowned Central Park Summerstage.
Benj also created and hosts the podcast and platform, What Could Be Bad, which elevates and de-stigmatizes mental health conversations through personal story-telling. During the first two seasons, he has hosted guests like Flavor Flav, Chef Robert Irvine, Brady Watt, and Noelle Scaggs, and more.
Speaker Videos
TED Talk
Speech Topics
The Band Effect: How Great Teams Create Harmony
Benj Gershman, original member of the multi-platinum band O.A.R., shares hard-earned lessons from decades of navigating uncertainty, setbacks, and success on the road. His stories reveal how teams overcome adversity by leaning into trust, adaptability, and shared purpose. Translating the realities of life on tour into the rhythm of business, Benj shows how challenges can become catalysts for growth. His message reminds organizations that the toughest moments often tune the team to its strongest frequency.
Conducting Leadership: How to Lead with Rhythm, Trust & Purpose
Leadership, much like music, depends on timing, harmony, creativity and trust. Drawing from three decades on stage and behind the scenes with the multi-platinum band O.A.R., Benj Gershman reveals how the principles that keep a band thriving can elevate team culture and performance. His stories blend creativity and accountability, showing leaders how to align vision with authentic connection. Through rhythm, trust, and purpose, Benj helps organizations find their own tempo—where leadership inspires culture, and culture sustains success.
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