RYAN LAVARNWAY
About Ryan Lavarnway
Ryan Lavarnway is proof that resilience, adaptability, and determination can lead to incredible success- no matter the odds.
As someone who’s been added to and removed from Major League Baseball rosters more than anyone else in history, Ryan’s story isn’t just about success—it highlights the power of perseverance. Overcoming every obstacle, he built an impressive 10-year MLB career as a catcher, became a World Series Champion, and competed as an Olympian.
Ryan’s journey started at Yale University, where he was an NCAA Batting Champion and All-American. Drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2008, he went on to play for some of baseball’s most iconic teams, setting records and leaving his mark on the sport.
On the international stage, Ryan proudly represented Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the 2021 Olympics. As the first captain of Team Israel’s National Team, he earned MVP honors and led with passion and purpose, cementing his place in baseball history.
Now, Ryan’s taking his winning mindset beyond the diamond. As a sought-after speaker and mentor, he’s helping corporate teams, sales professionals, and aspiring athletes unlock their own potential. Drawing from his personal journey, Ryan shows how embracing challenges, staying adaptable, and fostering an unshakable belief in yourself can create success.
With humor, humility, and real-world experience, Ryan doesn’t just inspire—he empowers audiences to take bold steps toward big goals, no matter where they’re starting from.
Watch Ryan In Action
Speaking Topics
How winning teams build the mindset, ownership, and culture to do what they previously thought was impossible.
Every organization has a culture that defines what its people believe is possible—and what they quietly believe is not.
Ryan Lavarnway helps teams rewrite that story.
Drawing on lessons from his 10-year Major League Baseball career, his role as an Olympian and World Series Champion, and his current work developing leaders for the Chicago Cubs, Ryan shares the game-changing mindset that separates good teams from great ones.
Through real stories and actionable strategies, audiences discover how to:
- Shift their mindset from self-doubt to self-belief.
- Take ownership of performance, even when results are outside their control.
- Build a culture of belief where individuals step up, leaders raise the bar, and teams achieve what others think is impossible.
Ryan’s blend of humor, humility, and hard-earned experience makes this keynote both inspiring and practical.
Your audience will leave not only motivated, but committed—ready to step up, take ownership, and say, “Why not us?”
Testimonials
We appreciate you and the intentionality you put into your presentation to our teams. The feedback from our audience was amazing and your story truly resonated! Behind the scenes, we really enjoyed getting to know you and appreciate the ease in which you operate. We too look forward to staying connected and will most certainly be sharing your name with our sister brands!
Mary Beth Schwanke - CFO, International Pizza Hut Franchisee Holder AssociationRyan was beyond excellent. He arrived early and came to our evening reception the night before the event and hung out with the executives. He delivered beyond everyone's expectations. He started the day off and every break out session and all team meetings Ryan's words were repeated all day. I would recommend him to everyone looking for a dynamic speaker.
Guillermo Locht - Global VP Operations, Hubbell IncorporatedI really appreciated how you learned about us as a company and incorporated that into the message. Made us feel like you were talking to each of us
President of Sales - HubbellJust wanted to tell you what a great job you did today. Everybody in the group really enjoyed the time they spent with you and took home some great macro ideas that can change their life. Not many speakers achieve that.
Nigel Alexander - Vistage ChairThank you Ryan – I think it would be great to have you come every year! The team very much enjoyed your presentation and spending time with you… your style is approachable and open which created a great atmosphere! Norm has never said he wants to start doing a Team email, and I’ve been suggesting that he do it for years…. You got thru!!!
Catherine Wicklund - Vistage ChairRYAN WAS FANTABULOUS! I truly had an amazing time and was extremely grateful that I was able to hear perspectives from him and my peers. Their examples really helped me reflect with the way I lead and manage. Thank you for much for this opportunity!
Angel Wang - Venetian Women’s Leadership CircleEngaging, compelling, and charismatic, Ryan is infectiously energetic. He encourages full participation from his audience, understanding that active engagement over passive listening is key to an enduring and impactful message. Versatile and concise, Ryan did the research necessary to tailor his message to our unique objectives, ensuring that the takeaways were both relevant and inspiring. Ryan translated his expertise into practical steps of application so the members of our team can attain their objectives, individually and collectively. Highly recommend him to any team and organization.
Mark Goodman - Baseball Coach, Colorado School of MinesWe recently had Ryan speak to our leadership team, sales team, and selected guests. His talk, ‘Why Not Me? Why Not Now?’ had all of us thinking, ‘You’re right! Why not ME? Why not NOW?’ Ryan is a gifted storyteller who was able to relay his experiences as an MLB, World Baseball Classic, and Olympic baseball player to the challenges we face in our business. Imagine being fired from your dream job 26 times. That’s how many times Ryan was cut and sent back to the minor leagues. Ryan tactfully compared his experiences in the world of baseball to the challenges we face growing our business in the “real world.”
John Eichmann - Managing Partner, Virtus InsuranceEngaging, compelling, and charismatic, Ryan is infectiously energetic. He encourages full participation from his audience, understanding that active engagement over passive listening is key to an enduring and impactful message. Versatile and concise, Ryan did the research necessary to tailor his message to our unique objectives, ensuring that the takeaways were both relevant and inspiring. Ryan translated his expertise into practical steps of application so the members of our team can attain their objectives, individually and collectively. Highly recommend him to any team and organization.
Charlie Silverberg - Account Manager, Specialty Sales, New BalanceFeatured In
Ryan Lavarnway is featured on these Amplify Speakers lists
College, Campus & Student Speakers · Athlete & Sports Keynote Speakers · Olympic Keynote Speakers · Peak Performance Keynote Speakers · Pro Athlete Speakers · Resilience Keynote Speakers