Transform Your Event with a Story of Preparation, Focus, Resilience and Triumph
When life throws you an unexpected challenge, how do you respond? As a triathlete who discovered that years of endurance training had unknowingly prepared me for the fight of my life against cancer, I bring audiences a powerful message: the experiences that shape us today are preparing us for challenges we can’t yet imagine. Those tests become the testament to what’s possible and the catalyst for becoming who we were meant to be.
About Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds
Nonprofit Executive. Ironman Triathlete. 2X Cancer Survivor. Author. Thought Leader. Speaker.
I never expected that my midlife crisis-driven journey into endurance sports would culminate in my completion of Ironman Florida, a grueling race with a 2.4 mile open water swim, a 112-mile bike ride and full 26.2 marathon. I also never imagined that just a few months after hearing finish line announcer Mike Reilly proclaim, “Jeffrey Reynolds, you are an Ironman” that a doctor would tell me “You have cancer.” Thankfully, I conquered prostate cancer, my recovery was going well, and I went on to race the New York City Marathon. A few months later, following a routine screening, I got another life-changing diagnosis – this time Stage 3B Colorectal Cancer.
I never expected that my passion for three sports would become my blueprint for surviving two cancers. But when my diagnoses up-ended everything I took for granted, I discovered that the mental toughness, systematic training, and community support I’d built as a triathlete became my greatest assets in facing treatment and recovery.
Now, as a seasoned nonprofit executive who has helped thousands through their darkest moments, an Ironman finisher and author of the bestselling book, “Every Mile Matters: How Triathlon Trained Me For Triumph Over Cancer,” I share how the principles of endurance sports apply to life’s unexpected challenges – helping audiences build resilience, find purpose in struggle, and discover strength they didn’t know they had.
Keynote Topics
“Every Mile Matters: Training for the Race You Never Signed Up For”
Perfect for: Corporate events, healthcare conferences, wellness summits
Life’s biggest challenges rarely come with a training manual. Drawing from my journey as a triathlete facing cancer not once, but twice, I reveal how the disciplines we build in chosen challenges prepare us for unchosen ones.
Audiences learn practical strategies for:
- Building mental resilience and grit before you need it
- Finding strength in systematic preparation
- Transforming setbacks into comebacks
- Pushing through doubts and leading through uncertainty with confidence
Key Takeaways:
- The “training effect” of everyday challenges
- Five practical resilience-building techniques
- How to reframe obstacles as opportunities
- Building a support network that sustains you through crisis
“The Athlete’s Mindset: Peak Performance Beyond Sport”
Perfect for: Sales conferences, leadership retreats, professional development events
What if you could bring an athlete’s mental approach to your biggest professional challenges? I share the mindset strategies that helped me power through marathons, 140.6-mile triathlons and cancer treatment, demonstrating how any professional can apply these principles to achieve breakthrough results.
Key Takeaways:
- Goal-setting strategies that create unstoppable momentum
- The power of process over outcome thinking
- Managing performance anxiety and pressure
- Building the discipline for long-term success
- Recovering from setbacks faster and stronger
“Community, Courage, and Comeback: The Support Systems That Save Us”
Perfect for: Healthcare organizations, nonprofit events, team-building conferences
No one crosses finish lines, in endurance sports or life, alone. Explore how the triathlon community’s support model became my template for building a cancer-fighting team, and how organizations can create cultures of mutual support that help everyone perform at their best.
Key Takeaways:
Transforming individual strength into collective power
Creating psychological safety in teams
The art of asking for, and offering help (Hint: They go hand-in-hand)
Building resilience through connection
Supporting others through their “races”
“Getting Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable: Embracing Challenge as Opportunity”
Perfect for: Educational institutions, youth organizations, personal development events
No one makes you swim, bike or run, but voluntary challenges like triathlon teach us that discomfort is a path to growth. When involuntary challenges like illness arise, we can apply the same principles. Learn how to shift your relationship with difficulty and discover how challenge becomes your greatest teacher.
Key Takeaways:
Building confidence through controlled challenges
Why comfort zones are actually dangerous
The neuroscience of resilience and growth
Practical steps for embracing challenging situations
Finding meaning and purpose through struggle
What Audiences Say
Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds’ Speaking Experience
- 500+ keynotes delivered to audiences ranging from 50 to 5,000
- Featured speaker at local, state and national conferences
- TedX speaker
- Expertise presenting to:
- Corporate leadership teams
- Healthcare and social work professionals
- Athletic and fitness organizations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Teens and young professionals
- Nonprofit organizations
- Wellness, addiction recovery and mental health conferences
Topics of Expertise:
- Resilience and mental toughness
- Performance psychology
- Leadership through crisis
- Health and wellness
- Community building and support systems
- Personal transformation and growth
Presentation Formats
Keynote Presentations (45-60 minutes)
High-energy, story-driven presentations that combine personal narrative with actionable strategies. Perfect for opening or closing major events.
Breakout Sessions (60-90 minutes)
More interactive sessions with deeper dives into specific topics, including audience Q&A and practical exercises.
Half-Day Workshops (3-4 hours)
Comprehensive programs that include my keynote message plus hands-on skill-building activities and small group work.
Virtual Presentations
Can be fully adapted for online audiences with interactive elements, breakout discussions, and digital resource sharing.
Perfect For These Industries
Corporate & Business
- Sales teams needing resilience for rejection, setbacks and comebacks
- Leadership groups facing organizational challenges
- Teams building culture and mutual support
Healthcare
- Medical professionals dealing with stress and burnout
- Patient advocacy groups, including those focused on reducing healthcare disparities
- Wellness, addiction recovery and prevention organizations
Sports & Fitness
- Athletic organizations and teams, including those focused on youth
- Fitness industry conferences
- Sports psychology and performance events
Education
- Student resilience, personal development and mental health programs
- Faculty and staff development
- Alumni and donor events
Nonprofit & Community
- Direct service and advocacy organizations addressing the needs of underserved populations
- Fundraising and cancer awareness events
- Volunteer appreciation gatherings
What's Included
When you book Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds to speak at your event, you get:
- Customized presentation tailored to your audience and objectives (No canned speeches)
- Pre-event consultation to ensure perfect message alignment
- Professional presentation materials and slides
- Digital resources for attendees (worksheet, action guide, etc.)
- Book signing opportunity (if desired)
- Post-event follow-up materials
- Professional speaker kit with AV requirements
- Flexible travel arrangements
Technical Requirements
For in-person events:
- Wireless lapel or headset microphone
- Screen/projector for presentation slides
- Standard lighting (no special requirements)
- Stage or raised platform preferred but not required
For virtual events:
- High-quality internet connection
- Platform integration support (Zoom, Teams, etc.)
- Interactive polling capability recommended
- Recording capability if desired
Investment
Speaking fees are customized based on:
- Event type and audience size
- Location and travel requirements (I’m based on Long Island)
- Presentation format and length
- Nonprofit vs. corporate rates available
- Bulk book purchases
Ready to Transform Your Event?
Let's discuss how the "Every Mile Matters" message can inspire and equip your audience to face their biggest challenges with confidence, community, and courage.
Get started: To discuss your specific event and receive a customized proposal, please complete this form.
Booking Process
#1 Initial Consultation
We discuss your event goals, audience, and ideal outcomes
#2 Proposal & Agreement
Customized proposal with all details and logistics
#3 Pre-Event Preparation
Content customization and technical coordination
#4 Event Day
I arrive early and you get a professional, high-impact presentation that exceeds expectations
#5 Follow-Up
Evaluation, feedback, post-event materials and continued connection opportunities
"For over thirty years, I've shared stages speaking about addiction, mental health, and social justice. Triathlon was supposed to be my escape, my personal challenge as I ventured into mid-life. Then cancer changed everything, showing up twice in two years. Suddenly, my swim-bike-run training became my survival blueprint, teaching me that the disciplines we build in chosen challenges prepare us for unchosen ones. Let me show your audience how to build resilience, community, and mindset that will carry them through anything life brings."
— Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds, Keynote Speaker & Author
Ready to Discuss Your Event?
Complete a booking inquiry form to explore how the Every Mile Matters message can transform your next gathering into an unforgettable experience of inspiration and practical wisdom.
Available for events nationwide and internationally. Virtual presentations available worldwide.