Justin Wren: MMA Legend

  • If you’re looking for a speaker to inspire your audience like never before, that’s Justin Wren.

  • While doing so, he teaches personal techniques to confront any adversity, in business and in life, with the goal of maximizing impact.

  • Whether you’re looking to drive a sales team forward, navigate a changing corporate environment, or demonstrate the power a single person can have in making a true difference, Justin’s humility, authenticity and masterful storytelling will not soon be forgotten.

  • A former Mixed Martial Arts Champion, Justin is a tireless and inspiring humanitarian who has dedicated his life to fighting for those who can’t fight for themselves.
  • Overcoming severe personal adversity of his own, a remarkable collection of circumstances led this gentle giant to live among the Mbuti Pygmy people in the Congo, which transformed both his life, and theirs, forever.

Travel & Fee Range:**

  • Travels from: Austin, Texas, United States
  • **Fee range: On Request

Keynote Topics

ustin’s breakout keynote, ‘PURPOSE – PERFORMANCE – IMPACT’ shares his remarkable personal story from humble beginnings in rural Texas and a childhood shaped by relentless bullying.

He eventually rose to mixed martial arts stardom, fighting in front of thousands in person and millions around the world, only to lose it all to drugs and depression.

But he fought back again, first on behalf of other victims of bullying, and later, through an almost unbelievable turn of events, on behalf of the Pygmy people of the Congo and Uganda.

A three-time survivor of malaria, Justin has fought opponents both large and small throughout his life and along the way he has evolved into astonishing force for good in the world…and a remarkable keynote speaker.

A FIGHTER’S HEART GOAL SETTING, HIGH PERFORMANCE, AND “PEAK WEEK.”

To the untrained eye or casual fan, it is often believed that it’s the fighter with the strongest muscles or best physique who will win an MMA fight. But in actuality, the one who wins in the cage is the fighter with the deepest purpose and strongest reasons. 

Learning to strengthen and stack your WHYs is a skill, and one that sets apart a winning fighter from the rest. Reminding yourself of why you are fighting and who you are fighting for is how the bar of high performance gets raised during a fighter’s “peak week”– that crucial time period before a fight, as you let yourself heal from a grueling ‘fight camp’ of training. 

We are all fighting for something. At home, at work, with our teams, for our personal goals, or for our community. Learning these insights and tapping into both a fighter’s mind and a fighter’s heart, and applying it to life, will help anyone achieve peak performance and find that flow state while in hot pursuit of any goals and give you a new game plan– and a new edge– for victory. 

Opportunity is greater than charity. While charity certainly has its place, opportunity is proven to be better: it’s the difference between a hand out and a hand up, or Band-Aids and stitches. 

The shocking truth is that the band-aid of charity has turned into a toxicity that has caused the good intentions of charity to actually hurt. 

Learn the how and why of this from Justin’s own founding of Fight for the Forgotten, and how contribution meets collaboration, and helps people build their own ladder to climb out of poverty, oppression, insecurity and injustice. There is always a better way for communities to move forward and toward wholeness.

Leading from the front has long been the most inspirational and most effective way of leadership. But someone who has been there before, has a deep well of knowledge from the experience of having been there before, or currently is within the team, has been proven to be more trusted, effective, and impactful. 

Someone who has been, can be, and is always willing to jump back in the trenches or hold space for the frontline workers who are currently there will have open lines of communication and will have the opportunity for their team to have ears that hear. Open ears, open minds, open hearts to receive direction, feedback, and leadership advice and instruction. 

Learn how to further lead from service through Justin’s own story, combining head knowledge and heart knowledge. Get the real game plan for victory: care not only about the bottom line, but the through line of the people involved making the performance possible.

Leaders are being blindsided today external circumstances cheapshotting our internal condition without our permission. Think: mental health issues, compassion fatigue, and burnout. 

The antidote to burnout is tending to the internal fire. We will always be vulnerable to external circumstances depleting our energy, detouring our performance, and have our purpose circling the drain if we neglect our internal condition. 

This talk will share Justin’s Overcomer story and his story of recovery and ultimately, thriving, and how to maintain this as a leader and a true Overcomer.

After battling depression, suicide, and drug addiction, Justin Wren experienced a life-changing journey living with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo Basin Rainforest. When he returned he founded Fight For The Forgotten, to knockout the world water crisis, which today has expanded its impact to serve the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda. Justin has a […]

After battling depression, suicide, and drug addiction, Justin Wren experienced a life-changing journey living with the Mbuti Pygmy people of the Congo Basin Rainforest.

When he returned he founded Fight For The Forgotten, to knockout the world water crisis, which today has expanded its impact to serve the Batwa Pygmies of Uganda. Justin has a deep-seated belief & ability to empower people to stoke the fire that is within us all.

Justin “The Big Pygmy” Wren is a 10 time State Champion, 5 time All American, and 2 time National Champion Wrestler, UFC veteran,and has been inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame.

His MMA record is 15-2.

Justin Wren | Inspirational Speaker

As a humanitarian Justin Wren is the the Founder and CEO of the non-profit Fight for the Forgotten, also authoring a bestselling book with the same name through Simon & Schuster publishing.

Justin’s transformative storytelling Ignites a fire In the human soul that inspires and empowers us to take action that leads deeper purpose, high performance, and long lasting change and impact.

Justin has inspired millions through his appearances on the Joe Rogan Experience (9x), Mike Tyson’s HotBoxin’, the Ed Mylett Show, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and TEDx Talks, along with his book, Fight for the Forgotten. Today he is the host of his own inspirational podcast, Overcome with Justin Wren and a globally recognized keynote speaker.

View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter

Videos

Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry

Speaker Contact Form

Enquiry Form

In order to view the below you must be logged in.

  • Powerpoint Slide – For meeting and event planners
  • Gallery Images
  • High Resolution Images
  • PDF Files
  • Books and Magazine Links
  • Music List
  • Podcast Shows
  • Courses
  • + more

You may be interested in...

  • (10)
Rachel Bogle

Rachel Bogle is a seasoned event emcee, award-winning journalist, and accomplished anchor with over a decade of experience captivating live audiences and television viewers alike. Her dynamic presence, polished delivery, and ability to adapt to any event atmosphere make her a top choice for high-profile corporate events, conferences, and live shows. With her background in […]

  • Travels from: Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Event Emcee
  • (20)
  • (5)
Jason Tharp

If you’re searching for a speaker who inspires resilience, ignites authentic self-leadership, and empowers audiences to break through impossible challenges, Jason Tharp is your go-to. A powerhouse storyteller and founder of the Beyond Hope Project, Jason brings a fresh perspective on overcoming life’s toughest roadblocks. Imagine the authenticity of Brené Brown, the self-leadership insights of […]

  • Travels from: Powell, OH
  • Resilience Speakers
  • (19)
BE BETTER THAN YOUR BS Risha Grant

After years of conversations and consultations, research and interviews regarding diversity & inclusion, Risha Grant has learnt that companies don’t have diversity problems; they have people problems. For too long, diversity has been blamed for loss of productivity, discrimination and a litany of other workplace faux pas, but diversity has never been the issue. It can’t […]

  • Travels from: Tulsa, OK
  • Diversity Speakers
  • (13)
Gregory Robinson

Gregory Robinson is a distinguished leader in aerospace and science, celebrated for his pivotal role as the former director of the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (Webb). With an illustrious 33-year career at NASA, he has been instrumental in shaping some of the most groundbreaking space exploration projects of our time. His expertise in […]

  • Travels from: Washington, DC
  • STEM Speakers
  • (80)
Bjørn Heyerdahl

Bjørn Heyerdahl is more than just an explorer or environmentalist. He embodies the legacy of his lineage, stretching back to the iconic Viking era, and channels it into a modern narrative of sustainability, adventure, and humanitarianism. As an internationally recognized speaker and consultant, Bjørn Heyerdahl brings a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, personal grit, and […]

  • Travels from: Toronto, ON
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (56)
Meridith Elliott Powell

Meridith Elliott Powell is an award-winning author, keynote speaker and business strategist. With a background in corporate leadership and sales, her career expands over several industries including banking, healthcare and finance. Meridith worked her way up from entry-level to earn her position in the C-Suite. She is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame, […]

  • Travels from: Asheville, NC
  • Sales Speakers
  • (19)

Mark Schulman, a luminary in the music industry and former drummer for P!NK, is a multifaceted talent. Renowned for his exceptional musicianship, electrifying stage presence, and astute business acumen, Schulman is more than a performer; he’s a strategic thinker who translates his stage success into remarkable business achievements. With a unique blend of musical prowess […]

  • Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
  • Motivational Speakers
  • (43)
Jim Kelly

Jim Kelly is a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire NFL career as a Buffalo Bill. His hallmark as a player was his toughness. Jim is considered one of the elite quarterbacks in the history of the National Football League. He led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls in […]

  • Travels from: Williamsville, NY
  • Sporting Speakers
Disclaimer
The profiles and images embedded on these pages are from various conference entertainers and other talent.

These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.

Fee ranges where listed on this website are intended to serve as a guideline only.

All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.

Subscribe to our Newsletter and get connected:

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

We use Brevo as our marketing platform. By submitting this form you agree that the personal data you provided will be transferred to Brevo for processing in accordance with Brevo's Privacy Policy.

Our Mission:

We are your partner creating memorable and engaging experiences that go beyond the event itself.

© All rights reserved 2025.  Designed using Voxel