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Ryan Estis: The Wisdom Within
Episode 260
Episode Summary
In this powerful, emotionally resonant episode of Gratitude Through Hard Times, host Chris Schembra sits down with one of the world’s most respected thought leaders on human-centered performance: Ryan Estis.
Ryan isn't just a keynote speaker or former Fortune 500 Chief Revenue Officer. He’s a guide for leaders navigating complexity, a man who’s lived the tension between growth and burnout, performance and peace, ambition and alignment. Through stories both deeply personal and professionally profound, Ryan takes us behind the curtain of a life built on momentum through harmony—and how choosing wellness, wisdom, and worth have shaped his impact.
From founding ImpactEleven (which achieved a 500% growth rate, 1300% increase in shareholder value, and 90% client retention in just two years), to standing ovations across global stages, Ryan’s track record is undeniable. But what makes this episode different is what’s unsaid—the inner work of reclaiming health, reconnecting to truth, and redefining success not by how far we go, but by how deeply we live.
Together, Chris and Ryan explore:
- the meaning of legacy and how wisdom passed down from a father becomes a compass,
- the role of weak ties and long-held partnerships like Lynn in a world obsessed with speed,
- the power of surrender and how BDSM culture taught Chris to drop into presence and care,and the hard-earned truth that we must unlearn external validation to live our truth.
This episode is part mentorship session, part love letter to resilience, and part rallying cry for those who feel like they’re achieving outwardly, yet quietly burning out inside.
10 Memorable Quotes
- “Success without fulfillment and feeling good is failure.” – Ryan Estis
- “You have to borrow someone else’s belief in you until your own catches up.” –Ryan Estis
- “Don’t wreck the product. You’re the product.” – Ryan Estis
- “Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical.” – Words of Wisdom from Ryan’s father
- “To connect in service, you must first live from your center.” – Ryan Estis
- “Gratitude isn’t just for the good times. It’s best practiced through the hard times.”– Chris Schembra
- “The world will define you—if you let it.” – Ryan Estis
- “Every person has the wisdom they need. It was put there for them.” – Ryan Estis
- “Live your truth. It’s the kindest thing you can do for yourself—and for others.” – Ryan Estis
- “You’re not the first person with a message on their heart who’s blown the moment.” – Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, as quoted by Chris
10 Key Takeaways
1. The Journey Isn’t Linear—But It’s Worth It.
Chris’s lowest speaking moment led him directly to Ryan, proof that our darkest hours often plant the seeds of the brightest chapters.
2. Don’t Just Grow Fast. Grow From Your Center.
Ryan’s success wasn’t a straight hustle; it required slowing down, getting healthy, and aligning with values like momentum through harmony.
3. Your Legacy May Live in a Wooden Box.
A literal box of quotes from Ryan’s dad revealed the timeless wisdom that now shapes how he leads, speaks, and lives. These quotes became mantras.
4. The Quiet People Beside You Are Often the Most Powerful.
Ryan’s long-standing partnership with Lynn, his business manager since his first job out of college, is a testament to loyalty, presence, and consistency.
5. Define Success On Your Terms—Then Re
Published on 1 month, 2 weeks ago