Screenshot 2025-04-16 at 12.56.30 PM.png

Authenticity. Resilience. Growth.

When we walk our own path, everything changes—in life, in work, and everything in between.

Ryan Benz helps people and organizations reconnect with what matters most—to live and lead from the inside out.

Meet Ryan Benz—

Ryan Benz is a bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and storyteller known for his deeply human approach to authenticity and personal growth.

A former brand strategist who once felt “successful” on paper but lost on the inside, Ryan walked away from it all to hike 2,000 miles on the Appalachian Trail. That journey—equal parts physical and emotional—became the foundation of his life’s work: helping others find the courage to live and lead as their truest selves.

Today, Ryan speaks to audiences across generations—students, educators, leaders, and teams—about what it really means to walk your own path in a world of comparison, distraction, and pressure to perform.

His bestselling memoir, Wander: A Memoir of Letting Go and Walking 2,000 Miles to a Meaningful Life, and his TEDx Talk, Why Being Yourself Takes Courage—And How to Find It, have inspired audiences nationwide to pause, reflect, and rediscover who they are—beyond expectation.

Helping individuals and organizations build clarity, courage, and connection—so they can walk their own path, and leave trail magic behind for others.

See me in action.

Watch this short clip from one of my recent school assemblies.

While every audience is different, you’ll get a feel for my speaking style: real, grounded, and built to connect.

(My TEDx Talk is coming soon → Stay tuned)

Let’s work together.

Speaking

I speak at conferences, wellness events, and mission-driven gatherings—offering grounded messages about authenticity, resilience, and walking your own path.

Let’s talk about your next event
For Schools & Youth Organizations

Assembly programs and workshops that meet students and educators where they are—with courage, kindness, and clarity.
Nationally touring. Basecamped in New Jersey.

Bring this message to your school
Coaching

1:1 support for teens and adults navigating transition, self-doubt, or burnout.

See how 1:1 support works

This isn’t a hiking book—it’s a human one.

Wander tells the story of what happens when you leave behind the life you’re “supposed” to live—and walk into the unknown.

Raw, funny, and deeply honest, it’s for anyone ready to walk their own path.

Read the story that changed everything

Quick note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So if you snag my book through this Amazon link, you’re basically buying me a cup of trail coffee. Thanks for fueling the journey!

The story that started it all.

What client’s say…

“Ryan is an engaging, heartfelt presenter. His enthusiasm was contagious. He has practical, lifelong lessons for students which are presented in a clear, concise manner. His pictures and videos were remarkable, as his unique perspective on life!”

— Frankford Township School District, NJ (School Assembly Program)
"Ryan’s approach to authenticity felt like a breath of fresh air. His insights resonated with our team, and the exercises gave us practical ways to connect with our personal values in the workplace."

— KPMG, A Fortune 500 Company (Corporate Employee Workshop)
"With Ryan’s guidance, I was able to clarify my priorities and take meaningful steps I once thought were impossible. For the first time in years, I feel like I’m truly living, not just racing to keep up."

— Laura - Mom, Chief Storytelling Officer
“Ryan is changing lives. In our hurried, technology laden world, he gave us a reason to pause and think, presenting in a fun, engaging, and informative way.”

— Wildwood City School District, NJ (School Assembly Program)
“Ryan’s message of mindfulness and self-care came at the perfect time. In today’s climate, this workshop was exactly what everyone needed.”

— Family Promise Employee, a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization (Corporate Employee Workshop)