Real stories have a unique power to inspire action—especially when they are grounded in perseverance, purpose, and lived experience. At our recent onsite event in Denver, two exceptional leadership keynote speakers, Ryan Lavarnway and Mike Oster, delivered messages that brought those qualities to life and reminded us why inspiration still matters.
From professional sports to military leadership, their combined perspectives offered practical lessons on resilience, excellence, and determination.
Ryan Lavarnway: “Why Not Me?” and the Power of Resilience
Former Major League Baseball catcher, World Series Champion, and Olympian Ryan Lavarnway opened the program with a keynote that resonated deeply with the audience. Centered on his signature message, “Why Not Me?”, Ryan shared his journey through the highs and lows of professional sports.
As a sports leadership speaker, Ryan spoke candidly about setbacks, self-doubt, and the unpredictable nature of elite competition. That simple question—Why not me?—became the mindset that carried him through challenges and fueled his persistence.
His keynote demonstrated what becomes possible when courage meets opportunity, encouraging attendees to rethink limitations and embrace reinvention in their own careers.
Mike Oster: Excellence as a Daily Discipline
Shifting from the sports world to military leadership, Mike Oster brought a powerful perspective shaped by decades of service and executive experience. A retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, Mike is a trusted military speaker known for translating discipline and accountability into actionable business lessons.
Mike challenged the audience to rethink excellence—not as a single achievement, but as a habit built through intentional daily choices. His message emphasized clarity, consistency, and purpose, offering practical tools leaders can apply immediately to improve performance and decision-making.
A Shared Message of Leadership and Determination
Together, Ryan Lavarnway and Mike Oster created a memorable experience that blended heart, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. Their stories—one rooted in professional athletics, the other in military leadership—reinforced the same truth:
Ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results when they show up with determination, discipline, and heart.
The Denver audience left energized, inspired, and ready to carry those lessons forward.
Featured Speakers
Ryan Lavarnway – Leadership and Resilience Speaker
Ryan Lavarnway is a former Major League Baseball catcher, World Series Champion, and Olympian. A Yale graduate and NCAA batting standout, he played more than a decade in professional baseball and became a key leader for Team Israel on the international stage. Today, Ryan is a broadcaster and sought-after leadership keynote speaker, known for his Why Not Way approach to resilience, leadership, and reinvention.
Mike Oster – Military Leadership and Performance Excellence Speaker
Mike Oster is a retired U.S. Army Brigadier General, former business leader, and experienced military keynote speaker. Raised on a South Dakota farm, he built his foundation on hard work before leading combat operations, guiding organizations across sectors, and earning advanced degrees in Industrial Management. His keynotes challenge leaders to pursue excellence through discipline, clarity, and intentional action.
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