Dr. Ron Braund Biography

For more than 30 years, Dr. Ron Braund has observed and managed the dynamics of personal, family and corporate relationships as a clinical therapist, corporate and family business adviser, and relationship specialist.  In 2006, Braund was tapped by his friend, PGA golfer and Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger, to assist in developing a strategy to bring the Ryder Cup trophy back to American soil after a nine-year drought.  For two years Braund attended PGA tour events, observing players' interactions with others and their reactions to both triumph and adversity.

Cracking the Code (Looking Glass Books, June 2010) is the untold, inside story of the system that helped America win back the Ryder Cup.  Amid a riveting account of crucial holes during the grueling, three-day event, authors Azinger and Braund lay out the core principles - the code - of their innovative plan to reclaim the Ryder Cup.  Primary was the radical division of the 12-man squad into three, four-man "pods" - groups paired based on personality styles rather than golf playing styles. 

"I was able to help Paul identify players' behavioral types and give insights into how to understand and work with each," said Braund.  "We didn't go into the Cup trying to change players but, instead, we tried to understand how to work with each personality to bring out the best."

Braund earned a master's in counseling from Richmont Graduate University and a doctorate in counseling from L. Rice Seminary.  In addition to his clinical practice, for 14 years he hosted Marriage & Family Today, a daily radio program, and has authored or co-authored four books including Understanding How Others Misunderstand You (Moody, 1990) and The Strong-Willed Child or Dreamer? (Thomas Nelson, 1996).  Braund is president of Family Business Transitions, facilitating generational transfer and succession planning to achieve personal and philanthropic goals.  His clients include the owners of Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, family foundations, corporate executives and professional athletes.  He and his wife Ginger reside in Marietta, Ga., near their family, Rich, Adam and his wife Anna.

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Dr. Ron Braund

Expertise: Behavioral health therapist, corporate business adviser and relationship specialist

President: Family Business Transitions, facilitating generational business succession planning for clients including the owners of Chick-fil-A, Hobby Lobby, family foundations, corporate executives and professional athletes

Education: Master's and doctorate in counseling from Richmont Graduate University and L.  Rice Seminary, respectively

Author: Five books including Cracking the Code (Looking Glass Books, 2010), Understanding How Others Misunderstand You (Moody, 1990) and The Strong-Willed Child or Dreamer? (Thomas Nelson, 1996)

Passion: Founder of Mission Specialties Inc., whose purpose is empowering leaders to serve neglected and abused children in the U.S. and around the world