Ryan Holiday

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author & Founder of The Daily Stoic

Ryan Holiday

About

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author & Founder of The Daily Stoic

Few writers have done more to bring ancient, timeless wisdom and cutting-edge marketing strategies together than Ryan Holiday. His philosophically driven bestselling books have sold over 10 million copies and spent more than 200 weeks on bestseller lists. His books are taught in colleges and marketing programs around the world, including Trust Me I’m Lying, which revealed the massive vulnerabilities (and opportunities) in the global media system in 2012. He has directly influenced Super Bowl-winning teams like the New England Patriots, NBA Champions like the San Antonio Spurs, and Olympic Gold Medalists, as well as sitting Senators, military leaders and some of the biggest and most important companies in the world like Google, Twitter and Microsoft.

At the core of Ryan’s teachings is Stoicism, popularized through his New York Times Bestselling books including Obstacle is the Way, Stillness is the Key, Ego is the Enemy, Discipline is Destiny and his latest, book Right Thing, Right Now.

What is Stoicism? The idea that while we don’t always control what happens to us in life, we always control how we respond. Illustrated vividly with stories from the greats of history, Ryan provides a framework for overcoming obstacles, scaling new challenges and battling both the ups and downs and life. Profiled by the New York Times, Sports Illustrated and ESPN, Ryan counts among his clients and followers some of the biggest names in business, tech, culture and professional athletics.

Ryan lives in Austin, TX where he does his writing in between raising cattle, donkeys and goats.

Video Library

Speech Topics

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.

Image Gallery

Avery Akkineni

Chief Marketing Officer, VaynerX Former President, Vayner3, Former Managing Director, VaynerMedia APAC & LatAm

Will Guidara

Restaurateur, Eleven Madison Park, The #1 Restaurant in the World; New York Times Bestselling Author, Unreasonable Hospitality

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