Eric McElvenny: Inspirational Speaker

Proving strength through endurance and faith, guiding teams to resilience with lessons forged from Marine service, Ironman triathlons, and Paralympic podiums.

Quick Facts:

Highlights:
  • Eric McElvenny’s journey begins with his distinguished service as a Marine, where he deployed three times and demonstrated unwavering courage and dedication to his country. 
  • The moment Eric stepped on an IED and lost his right leg below the knee marked a turning point in his life. 
  • His journey from the hospital bed to the Ironman World Championships is a testament to the power of perseverance and the triumph of the human will.

Formats: Keynote (45–60 min), Executive Briefing (90 min)

Audiences: C-Suite / Leadership Teams: 20–60, Conferences: 50–3,000

Outcomes:
  1. Cultivate mental toughness for high-pressure goals.
  2. Translate endurance lessons into leadership stamina.
  3. Ground success in purpose, perseverance, and positivity.
Reviews: (1 reviews)
5/5
  • Travels from: Pittsburgh, PA
  • **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Format: 45-60 minute Keynote presentation. Eric’s signature talk explores the characteristics, traits and actions he found most useful in his journey from the hospital bed to the Ironman World Championship finish line. During this presentation, Eric McElvenny gives his audience tools and techniques to overcoming life’s obstacles through funny and emotional stories.

This program is perfect for:

Corporate Events
Meetings/Conferences
Schools and Universities
Athletic Teams 

The audience will leave with:

  1. Skills to adapt to changes and challenges
  2. Tactics on how to develop a mindset to achieve more than just the ‘bare minimum’
  3. Ability to look for the ‘positives’ that come from any situation

Format: 45-60 minute Keynote presentation. Eric emphasizes the importance of a team and the key characteristics that a team should exhibit to work cohesively. Eric McElvenny pulls from his sports experience, Marine service and endurance athlete career to bring his audience tools for success.

This program is perfect for:

Team Building Management
Teams Coaches
Sports Teams

The audience will leave with:

Strategies on how to set big goals, and actually follow through Inspiration to work for what you want
Ability to stop making excuses

Talent Short Bio

Eric McElvenny is a Marine Corps Veteran, Naval Academy graduate, two-time USA Paralympian, and eight-time Ironman World Championship finisher. After losing his right leg in Afghanistan to an IED blast, he resolved to not just survive but thrive earning his place at Kona’s Ironman and Tokyo’s Paralympics, fueled by faith and unshakable resolve.

A sought-after motivational speaker, Eric brings riveting personal narrative to organizations seeking grounded, passionate guidance on resilience and leadership. His sessions explore core principles including grit, mindset, courage, and purpose-driven leadership built from extreme challenges, elite athleticism, and a humble heart. His message resonates across boardrooms, campuses, and athletic forums, where audiences walk away not just inspired, but equipped with mental tools to pursue their own finish lines.

Eric McElvenny is more than just a speaker; he’s a living testament to resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. As a former Marine who served his country with valor, Eric’s journey took an unexpected turn when he was wounded in Afghanistan, resulting in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. However, rather than succumb to despair, Eric saw this as a new beginning—a challenge to redefine what was possible. His story is one of overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and inspiring others to embrace their own journeys, no matter how daunting they may seem.

In his captivating presentations, Eric shares his remarkable story of going from the battlefield to the finish line of the Ironman World Championships. With humor, humility, and raw honesty, he invites audiences to join him on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. From the depths of despair to the pinnacle of athletic achievement, Eric’s story resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, reminding us that the only limits that exist are the ones we place on ourselves.

As a professional speaker, Eric draws upon his experiences in the military and as an athlete to inspire audiences around the world. His journey from the hospital bed to the Ironman World Championships serves as a powerful example of resilience, perseverance, and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Through his engaging storytelling and interactive presentations, Eric captivates audiences of all ages, leaving them inspired to overcome their own obstacles and pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.

Eric’s speaking influence extends far beyond the stage, as he empowers individuals and organizations to adopt a mindset of resilience and adaptability in the face of change. Whether addressing corporate teams, educational institutions, or community groups, Eric’s message resonates deeply with audiences, sparking meaningful conversations about courage, leadership, and the limitless potential that lies within each of us.

In summary, Eric McElvenny is a speaker who defies expectations and challenges audiences to rethink their own limitations. His journey from the battlefield to the Ironman World Championships is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the human spirit. Through his engaging presentations, Eric inspires audiences to embrace change, overcome obstacles, and pursue their dreams with unwavering passion and purpose.

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Talent FAQ's

A1. No—he centers leadership insights, not heroism.

A2. Personal faith underpins–and empowers–universal leadership lessons.

A3. Yes—his relatable journey translates well across any audience.

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