Inspirational speaking
The Journey of an Unlikely Ironman. A keynote about belief, preparation, gratitude and the moment your plan runs out — built for audiences who will never swim 2.4 miles and will absolutely recognise the feeling.
A dream that started in the hours before midnight in July 2008, and a sign on a wall that said if you can dream it, you can do it.
The fuel: people, places, lessons and memories — and why the ones who carry your bag matter more than the ones who hand you the medal.
What’s my why? Then, unavoidably: what’s yours? The question the rest of the talk hangs on.
Sister Madonna Buder, Chris Nikic, Hector Picard. Three people who redefined what the word impossible is worth.
Why inspiration has to be sought out rather than waited for, and what it costs to go looking.
Planning and preparation. Commitment and consistency. Organisation and structure. The unglamorous foundation under every finish.
Seventy seconds before a swim start, and what the day does to a plan that took a year to build.
The spot on the Big Island where it came apart, and the decision that followed. If you can’t find a way, make a way.
The bridge is not motivational. It is structural — because a demanding job asks for exactly what a long day of racing asks for:
What is your increment?
| Format | What it is | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Conference keynote | The full talk, with photography throughout and time for questions at the end. | 45–60 min |
| After-dinner | A tighter, warmer version built for a room that has eaten well. | 30 min |
| Leadership offsite | The keynote plus a facilitated session on the audience’s own why, increment and follow-through. | Full day |
| Sports club or team | For triathlon clubs, running groups and school or university squads. | 45 min |
| Fundraiser | Delivered at cost for events supporting World Bicycle Relief and similar causes. | By arrangement |
Fees: US$5,000, of which 20% goes to World Bicycle Relief. Travel from Chicago billed at cost. Fundraisers and club events by arrangement.
I know we had a great line-up of speakers, but your talk may well have been my favourite. I appreciated the sincerity and humility you displayed while delivering a powerful message.
Mark G.I frankly didn’t know what to expect from this segment and I was worried it would be lame and a waste of time — which, at the end of the night, was a real concern. It ended up being fun, and I went to the gym before cocktails because I had the motivation to go do that.
Jon E.Your unlikely story is truly amazing. What you accomplished was a complete reboot of your life and a lesson for us all. Breaking things down and keeping them simple are great tools to stay focused on what is important.
Alan T.I’ve been running “Unlikely Ironman” through my head all week. The more I contemplate my why, the more excited I am about my career and life transition. You’ve helped and inspired me.
Jay F.It was a pleasure to meet you and hear your story. You are an inspiration.
Josh D.I had no triathlon background. Ten 70.3s and two Ironmans later, Bill has become someone I genuinely look up to, and a lifelong friend.
Rashed AlNaber · Sub11 AthleticsTell me the audience, the room and what you want them walking out thinking. I will tell you honestly whether this is the right talk for it.
The C4G Success Podcast, with John A. Kailunas II.
How an Ironman and a career turn out to ask for the same things. The journey to becoming one, what went wrong along the way, and what preparation, perseverance and the people around you are worth — on the course and at work.
Listen on Catalyst4Growth →