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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
In order to view the below you must be logged in.
Brandeis Marshall is a trailblazing figure in the realm of data ethics and education, passionately bridging the gap between technology, ethics, and social impact. As the Founder and CEO of the DataedX Group, she has redefined how organizations and individuals engage with data, championing ethical practices that align with inclusivity and fairness. Brandeis’s compelling vision […]
Chris Waddell’s story is one of unimaginable resilience, boundless courage, and the relentless pursuit of possibility. After a skiing accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, Chris refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he redefined what was possible—not just for himself, but for millions who would come to be inspired by his journey. […]
First Sergeant Matt Eversmann’s harrowing experience during the Battle of Mogadishu, famously depicted in “Black Hawk Down,” has become a testament to courage and leadership under fire. His story not only highlights the chaos of combat but also underscores the profound lessons of duty and resilience that are essential in both military and civilian life. […]
Dr. Catriona Wallace is a globally recognized thought leader in artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and digital transformation. A trailblazer in the tech industry, Dr. Wallace is one of the few women at the helm of an AI-driven enterprise, leading the charge to create technology that not only solves problems but also fosters positive societal impact. […]
Denise Lee Yohn is a globally recognized expert in brand-building and organizational excellence, captivating audiences worldwide with her profound insights and practical strategies. As a keynote speaker, she seamlessly blends her extensive industry experience with a dynamic and engaging speaking style, making her a sought-after presence at major business conferences and events. Her unique ability […]
Barb Stuckey has been at Mattson since 1997, and is currently President and Chief Innovation Officer at the country’s most successful independent developer of foods and beverages for the retail foods and chain restaurant industries. Barb is known as a taste, food trend, innovation, consumer insights, and product development expert. As part of Barb’s role […]
Pandit Dasa is a highly sought-after expert on mindful leadership, bringing a unique blend of personal insight, practical experience, and academic grounding to his audiences. With years of expertise in promoting mindful workplace culture, Pandit empowers leaders and employees to embrace appreciation, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence. As a former monk, motivational speaker, and author, Pandit […]
Sara Frasca is a business growth expert. Honing her skills in senior leadership roles in both corporate America and the world of startups, Sara now serves as Chief Executive Officer for Point NorthEast, a global business coaching firm. She helps leading organizations cultivate human imagination, build a culture of accountability, and solve complex problems to […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
