Ruben Gonzalez: Latino Inspirational
Olympic keynote speaker Ruben Gonzalez shows audiences how ordinary people achieve extraordinary success through mental toughness, consistent action and the proven strategies he used to become a four-time Olympian.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Four-time Olympian who competed across four decades
- International expert on mental toughness and high performance
- Clients include Coca-Cola, Dell, Wells Fargo, Oracle and U.S. Treasury
- Featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, Time Magazine and The New York Times
- Formats: Motivational and performance keynote speaker on mental toughness, peak performance, resilience and sustained success.
- Audiences: Corporate teams, sales organizations, leadership groups, professional associations and audiences seeking inspiration paired with actionable performance strategies.
- Outcomes:
- A clear system for building mental toughness and overcoming self-imposed limits.
- Practical tools for sustained performance and long-term success.
- Renewed belief in the power of consistent action to achieve extraordinary goals.
- Travels from: Colorado Springs, CO
- **Fee range: $10,001 - $20,000
Talent Services
Talent Short Bio
Ruben Gonzalez is a four-time Winter Olympian, bestselling author and globally recognized expert on mental toughness whose story proves that anyone can achieve extraordinary results through discipline, resilience and focused action. Far from a natural athlete, Ruben didn’t take up the sport of luge until age 21. Four years later, he was competing in the Olympics, and at 47 he returned to race against competitors half his age in the Vancouver Winter Games. His journey shows that sustained success is attainable when people push beyond limitations and follow a simple, repeatable system for personal effectiveness.
Ruben has delivered his message on stages from Singapore to Dubai, Toronto to Cancun, inspiring corporate audiences with a compelling blend of high-energy storytelling and practical strategies for improvement. His client list includes leading organizations such as Dell, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Oracle, Farmers Insurance, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Million Dollar Round Table.
A respected figure in the personal development world, Ruben has shared the stage with icons including Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley and Tom Hopkins, who have praised him as a leader of a new generation of motivational speakers. He has been featured on ABC, CBS and NBC, and highlighted in Time Magazine, The New York Times and media outlets worldwide.
Read Full Bio
A seemingly “ordinary guy,” Ruben Gonzalez wasn’t a gifted athlete. He didn’t take up the sport of luge until he was 21. Against all odds, four years later he was competing in the Winter Olympics. At the age of 47 he was racing against 20-year-olds in the Vancouver Winter Olympics!
Ruben speaks from Olympic experience. He teaches the personal effectiveness system he used to achieve success again and again in both the Olympics and in business. He is proof that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things if they will follow a few simple steps.
From Dubai to Toronto, from Hanoi to Cancun, from Singapore to Africa, Ruben has inspired and motivated audiences around the world.
His client list reads like a Who’s Who of Corporate America: Dell, Coca-Cola, Farmers Insurance, Ortho McNeal, the Million Dollar Round Table, Oracle, Wells Fargo, Century21, and even the U.S. Treasury Department!
Ruben has shared the stage with speaking legends Zig Ziglar, Denis Waitley, and Tom Hopkins. They’ve hailed him as a leader of a new generation of personal development speakers.
As a Four-Time Olympian and internationally recognized expert on developing mental toughness, Ruben Gonzalez knows how to achieve success again and again.
A master storyteller, Ruben uses his Olympic experiences to inspire audiences to think differently, live life with passion and have the courage to take the necessary steps toward their goals – to push beyond self-imposed limitations and to produce better results!
Ruben’s appeared nationally on ABC, CBS, and NBC. He’s been featured in Time Magazine, the NY Times, as well as publications around the world.
View All Speakers and follow us on Twitter
Talent Videos
The Power of Following the Leader | Ruben Gonzalez | TEDxManitouSprings
In this high-energy TEDx talk, four-time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez reveals how letting go of control, embracing mentorship and shifting focus can eliminate fear and dramatically accelerate success.
Video Summary & Key Moments
In this 12 minute and 35 second TEDx talk, four-time Olympian Ruben Gonzalez shares the unlikely journey that began when, at age 21, he watched Scott Hamilton win Olympic gold and decided he would compete in the next Winter Games—despite not being a natural athlete and having no experience in luge. His strength, he explains, was tenacity, a trait that drove him to pursue a sport he knew nothing about from his home in Houston, Texas. After contacting Lake Placid and refusing to take no for an answer, Ruben began training but struggled early on because he resisted following the advice of his Olympic coaches.
He recounts the painful consequences of that resistance, including repeated injuries and countless crashes, until he finally learned to submit to leadership. Ruben describes the terrifying reality of the luge track—80 to 90 mile-per-hour speeds, intense G-forces and the emotional battle with fear—illustrating how failing to follow guidance nearly cost him his dream. He shares a pivotal moment when his Austrian coach, a world champion, pointed out that Ruben was focusing on the walls and the danger rather than on the single spot ahead that would guide him safely down the track. By shifting focus and trusting his coach’s instructions immediately, he experienced a breakthrough that eliminated fear and accelerated improvement.
Ruben uses his story to explain why many people resist leadership: fear of failure, fear of the unknown and a desire for control that keeps them stuck in their comfort zone. True growth, he argues, requires letting go, following proven guidance and taking action quickly. His renewed commitment to follow his coach’s advice led him to a historic achievement—becoming the first person to compete in four Winter Olympics over four decades, and later breaking his personal best at age 55.
Key Moments
- 02:10 Difficult start in Lake Placid, repeated crashes and resisting leadership.
- 04:20 Step-by-step walkthrough of a luge run and the fear that accompanies each descent.
- 07:15 Coach’s tough feedback and Ruben’s realization that he must change his approach.
- 09:05 Breakthrough moment: shifting focus, embracing visualization and eliminating fear.
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (38)
Scott Greenberg is a dynamic and established motivational business speaker hailing from Los Angeles, California. With a passion for transforming ordinary teams into high-performance powerhouses, Scott’s journey is a testament to the power of leadership and resilience. His unique approach, honed through years of hands-on experience, has made him a sought-after figure in the world […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Business Speakers
- (12)
Autumn Melody Thomas is an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and performer known for delivering electrifying performances that leave a lasting impact on audiences. With her soulful blend of R&B, pop, and contemporary sounds, Autumn brings a unique energy to the stage, captivating both intimate and large audiences alike. Whether performing at corporate events, private parties, or […]
- Travels from: Anaheim, CA
- Singers
- (31)
- Featured
Anima Anandkumar is Bren Professor at Caltech. She previously was a Senior Director of AI Research at NVIDIA and Principal Scientist at Amazon Web Services. She received her B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, and her Ph.D. from Cornell University. She did her postdoctoral research at MIT and an assistant professorship at the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (7)
The first woman of color to lead the iconic Girl Scouts of the USA in their 104-year-old history, Anna Maria Chávez is a renowned leadership expert who harnesses the power of technology and her passion for public service to transform organizations, earning her a place in U.S. News and World Report’s “STEM Leadership Hall of Fame” […]
- Travels from: Trenton, NJ
- Leadership Speakers
- (33)
Ali Brown provides business coaching and advice to over 250,000 followers via her social media channels, and her Glambition® Radio show. Humble BeginningsAli Brown, a native of Fairfield County, Conn., cut her teeth in marketing in her early 20s, starting as an account assistant at Mosby Consumer Health in Boston and working her way up […]
- Travels from: Scottsdale, AZ
- Leadership Speakers
- (68)
Sir Richard Branson is an international entrepreneur, adventurer, icon, founder of the Virgin Group, the eccentric and outspoken chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways and the founder of Virgin Records. Famous for his daring entrepreneurial style, he oversees the Virgin Group, Ltd., an extensive conglomerate encompassing over 360 companies, including recording studios, a travel business, publishing […]
- Travels from: London, UK
- Business Speakers
- (40)
- (14)
Chris Bertish has become a sought after global motivational keynote and TEDx guest speaker. Whether talking at corporate events or schools, his tale of overcoming obstacles to get halfway around the globe for the Mavericks competition final always has audiences clinging to the edge of their seats. There’s an authenticity to this material that makes […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Adventure Speakers
- (24)
- (1)
Dana Leong is a revolutionary musician, composer, and entertainer, known for his extraordinary fusion of jazz, classical, electronic, and hip-hop music. Leong’s expertise spans across multiple genres, transforming the way music is experienced by incorporating elements of technology and innovation. With an extensive background in both performance and composition, he is a two-time Grammy Award-winning […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Event Entertainers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
