Meet Ryan Benz
Meet Ryan Benz
Ryan is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and storyteller who explores what he calls the quiet rebellion of being yourself—in a world that rewards performance, attention, and comparison. known for his deeply human approach to authenticity and personal growth.
With honesty and heart, Ryan helps people and organizations rediscover who they are beneath the layers of expectation—cultivating clarity, courage, and connection in life, work, and everything in between.
From Building Brands to Building Authentic Lives
Before becoming a full-time speaker and writer, Ryan spent nearly two decades as a brand strategist, helping companies uncover what made them truly unique. But somewhere along the way, he realized something deeper—something we so easily lose sight of:
the most important brand you’ll ever build is the one inside yourself.
That insight reshaped his life. Ryan walked away from the corporate pace and onto a 2,000-mile journey along the Appalachian Trail—a pilgrimage that stripped away the noise, the pressure, and the need to perform.
Somewhere between the blisters and the breakthroughs, he discovered a truth that now guides all of his work:
You don’t need to become someone new. You just need to remember who you already are.
A Story That Became a Movement
Ryan’s bestselling memoir, Wander: A Memoir of Letting Go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life, chronicles that journey—both on the trail and within. His TEDx talk, The Quiet Rebellion of Being Yourself, expands on that message, revealing that authenticity isn’t something you find—it’s something you build.
Today, Ryan shares his message with audiences across generations—students, educators, leaders, and teams—inviting them to slow down, shed what doesn’t fit, and live with greater alignment and purpose.
At the Core of His Work
Ryan’s approach blends storytelling, mindfulness, and the psychology of human motivation. His signature framework—Clarity, Courage, Connection—serves as a roadmap for walking your own path, building resilience, and creating a ripple of positive impact in the world.
Because in a culture obsessed with attention, the quiet rebellion is choosing to be yourself—and leaving a little trail magic behind for someone else.
Certifications & Training
As Seen In
TEDx
National Speaking Tours
Fortune 500 Companies & Universities
Dozens of School Districts & Youth Organizations
Wellness & Leadership Events
Media Outlets & Podcasts
Ryan lives in New Jersey with his family, where he continues to write, speak, and explore the intersection of authenticity, awareness, and purpose.
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