Ryan Holiday

Ryan Holiday is one of the world’s bestselling living philosophers, the author of over 15 books including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and The Daily Stoic, which have collectively sold over 10 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages. He speaks on resilience, leadership, and mental toughness, bringing the ancient wisdom of Stoic philosophy to modern business audiences. Ryan’s books have spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists and are taught in colleges and executive programs worldwide.

Making Ancient Wisdom Actionable
Ryan’s work has introduced millions of readers to the practical philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, showing how these 2,000-year-old ideas remain urgently relevant to today’s leaders. His books have been recommended by NFL coaches, world-class athletes, military commanders, and Fortune 500 CEOs. Before his writing career, he served as Director of Marketing for American Apparel and advised bestselling authors and musicians on media strategy.

The Bookstore and Beyond
Ryan founded The Painted Porch, an independent bookstore in Bastrop, Texas, and hosts The Daily Stoic podcast. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Guardian. His keynotes deliver powerful, philosophy-driven frameworks for resilience, ego management, and building the mental discipline that helps leaders and teams thrive through adversity and constant change.

Stoicism: What Ancient Wisdom Can Teach Us

In an age of constant change and unpredictability, the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers timeless tools to navigate life with resilience and purpose. This topic explores the core principles of Stoic thought—embracing what you can control, letting go of what you can’t, and finding strength in adversity. Through engaging anecdotes and practical applications, audiences will discover how Stoicism can empower them to thrive under pressure, maintain inner peace, and make thoughtful decisions in their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re seeking clarity in chaos or a framework for enduring success, this talk delivers actionable insights from the past that resonate deeply with today’s challenges.

The Obstacle is the Way

In this talk, Ryan delves into the wisdom of history’s greatest figures and how they used obstacles as the stepping stones to success. From ancient philosophers to modern-day business leaders, he shares examples of how embracing the challenges that stand in our way can help us achieve our goals. He’ll show how to turn setbacks into opportunities, how to use adversity to your advantage, and how to find hidden opportunities in every obstacle. By the end of this talk, audiences will have a new perspective on the challenges they face and be equipped with practical strategies to overcome them. This talk is perfect for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to gain an edge in today’s competitive marketplace. It’s time to stop seeing obstacles as roadblocks and start seeing them as the path to success.

Ego is Your Enemy

Sharing insights and strategies from the wisdom of ancient thinkers and contemporary leaders, on how to manage and transcend the ego, Ryan discusses how the ego can hold us back at every stage of life and how to be liberated to accomplish the world-changing work you’ve set out to achieve. Ryan will provide practical understanding to identify when your ego is getting in the way, how to separate your sense of self from your actions, and how to cultivate humility and self-awareness. By the end of this talk, you’ll have a deeper grasp of your own ego and the tools to conquer it, allowing you to achieve your full potential and make a real difference in the world.

The Perennial Seller: Creating Work That Stands the Test of Time

What separates a fleeting trend from a book, brand, or idea that remains relevant for decades? In this keynote, Ryan Holiday reveals the secrets behind creating and marketing work that endures. Drawing from his experience selling millions of books, reviving ancient Stoic philosophy for modern audiences, and advising top brands, Ryan shares the key principles that help products and ideas break through the noise—and stay relevant for years to come. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, author, or creative, you’ll learn how to build something that doesn’t just capture attention today but continues to sell, inspire, and impact people long into the future.

The Four Virtues of Stoic Leadership: Wisdom, Courage, Discipline, and Justice

Embracing the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and applying the principles to modern leadership, Ryan shares how to lead with integrity by aligning your actions with your values, how to build resilience in the face of adversity, how to lead with wisdom by understanding the bigger picture, and how to lead with equanimity by maintaining a sense of balance and perspective. In this presentation, Ryan dives into Stoic principles and tools to apply them in your own leadership journey, regardless of whether you are a business leader, entrepreneur, or just looking to lead with integrity, resilience, wisdom, and equanimity. It’s time to embrace the Stoic philosophy and lead with a new perspective. Concepts within this talk have had profound impact and value amongst all branches of the U.S. Military and across major league sports; teaching leaders how to build and manage high-performing teams.