It is with great enthusiasm that I write this letter of referral for Ryan Stramrood, whom I had the pleasure of hosting at two different events with my clients and team at Touchstone Capital.
I first encountered Ryan earlier this year at a conference and was immediately struck by the uniqueness of his message and delivery — a rare experience after three decades in business and dozens of conferences. Ryan’s message is not just inspiring — it’s transformational. He invites his audience to confront a powerful truth: that the most extraordinary force on Earth is the human brain — both our greatest asset and, paradoxically, our most significant limiter. His presentation challenges us to recognize how our instincts for self-preservation can hold us back from achieving the extraordinary. It’s a perspective that speaks not only to professional development but to every facet of life.
Ryan’s sessions with both our clients and team were nothing short of remarkable. Clients described his message as awe-inspiring and perspective-shifting. Many left feeling empowered to pursue bigger dreams and richer lives, particularly as they reflected on their future plans and goals. The feedback was universally positive — a rare and wonderful result.
Within our own team, the impact was even more profound. Ryan led small group and one-on-one sessions where people opened up emotionally and vulnerably. One team member, brought to tears during the session, called it “the most inspirational message I’ve ever heard by a speaker.”
Several who had struggled with self-doubt or imposter syndrome left with renewed self-confidence and clarity. Beyond the content of his message, Ryan’s very presence had a deeply human impact. One teammate put it best when she said after her coaching session, “I only wish I could spend more time with him.” That wasn’t just a comment about a good speaker — that was the reflection of someone who had encountered a genuinely authentic human being.
That, in the end, is what makes Ryan so special. His humility, approachability, and authenticity make his extraordinary message not just heard but felt. He connects. He empowers. He uplifts. The laughter he elicits is real, the inspiration lasting, and the internal growth measurable.
If you are considering Ryan as a keynote speaker, personal development coach, or leadership catalyst, I would strongly encourage you to move forward. He will help you and your people unlock the potential that already lies within — and do so in a way that is grounded, memorable,
and deeply human.We look forward to welcoming Ryan back in the future.
Ted Kerr, CEO/Founder, Touchstone Capital – USA, 2025
Testimonials
I couldn’t possibly go another minute without telling you how stunning Ryan was yesterday. You have to see him to believe it! At one stage I was in tears! The audience could not get enough of him, he is very special – a true mensch. Salt of the earth type! He speaks beautifully – he is funny, he is modest. He deserves everything that the good universe has to give.
Ana-Maria Valente, Director, Dictum Publishers
I travel the world and attend conferences across the globe. I see the best of the best in main platform speakers and guest speakers but I was astounded and inspired by Ryan Stramrood.
When I was fortunate to see him present on one of his favourite topics, I was mesmerise and felt like I was right with him in Antarctica, could feel the cold go through my body and veins and felt his pain – I was there when his mind and body overcame the brick wall over the last 100 meters of his sub-zero, ice-challenge. Ryan is an amazing and incredible story teller and presenter! He will take you with him all the way and make you part of his storyline.
I can highly recommend corporates and any other entities to make use of Ryan to inspire, EMPOWER and motivate their employees, teams and management or memberships of affiliations.
Ryan is also one of the nicest personalities around and easy to deal with. WOW!
Kobus Kleyn, CFP, Financial Planning Institute SA – 2025
Ryan was flippen amazing. In Afrikaans – my mother tongue – asemrowend! Swim schools in Jozi are just about to get really busy – lots of ladies keen. I am planning a similar event for my other clients – I would love to book him again.
Tracey Copley, Managing Director, Blueprint Agency (for Eskom Trendspotting)
I travel the world and attend conferences across the globe as well as in South Africa. I see the best of the best in main platform speakers and guest speakers but I was astounded and inspired by Ryan Stramrood. When I was fortunate to see him present in KZN on one of his favourite topics I was mesmerised and felt like I was right with him in Antarctica, could feel the cold go through my body and veins and felt his pain.
Ryan is an amazing and incredible story teller and presenter! He will take you with him all the way and make you part of his storyline. I can highly recommend corporates and any other entities to make use of Ryan to inspire and motivate their employees, teams and management or memberships of affiliations. Ryan is also one of the nicest personalities around and easy to deal with. WOW!
Kobus Kleyn, Financial Expert and MDRT Country Chairman
Ryan was our keynote speaker this morning at DataGroupIT’s annual sales kick off.
To say that he was one of the biggest highlights of our trip to Cape Town would be an under statement. Ryan’s story is a truly inspiring and the way he delivers it is impeccable.
I would recommend Ryan’s PUSH PAST IMPOSSIBLE talk to any company hoping to improve employee motivation and sales performance.
Thank you so much, Ryan – it was a truly wonderful morning spent in your presence.
Debbie Waller, Head Talent & HR, DataGroupIT – 2023
Push Past Impossible… the theme from yesterday’s special guest speaker, Ryan Stramrood.
To say his message was impactful is a total understatement. We are truly fortunate to have had the ability to bring Ryan to our community.
As an extreme ice swimmer he taught us what the mind can make the body do, and how powerful our beliefs can be.
To top it all off he’s a pretty cool guy.
One message from Ryan that really hit home for me is to define our own “impossible”…
When we think about what we want most in life there are things that feel completely out of reach. While his journey has been in ice swimming, that’s not my journey or yours. But we all have our own “Impossibles”.
I’ve been sitting here in reflection listing out my impossibles in the last 24 hours and I have a feeling 2025 is going to be a game changing year.
If you are looking for a speaker or performance coach for your team, Ryan is your guy!
Brittany Anderson, Director, Sweet Financial – USA, 2025
What an amazing night and inspiring speaker. Ryan Stramrood from Cape Town South Africa (holder of 3 Guinness World Records for extreme ice water swimming) shared how having the right mindset you can “Push Past Impossible”. He tells the story/video of swimming in Antarctica where the water is 30 degrees ( Doesn’t freeze because of the salt). His message is not a story of success or failure but how we are all capable of so much more but allow excuses to hamper our ultimate success/achievement. What big goal do you have that you once thought impossible? It’s time to push past your own personal boundaries.
If you want to learn more about Ryan he has a book also titled Push Past Impossible.
In addition to speaking to our clients Ryan was kind enough to speak to 900 kids at our local high school. WOW did he open some eyes to what each of us is capable of.
Bryan Sweet, Partner, Sweet Financial Partners – 2024
Now that we’ve had a moment to reflect after a busy and successful conference week, I wanted to personally thank you for your outstanding session at our annual conference. Your insights and expertise not only enriched the event but also left a lasting impression on all who attended.
We greatly appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to preparing and delivering such a valuable presentation. The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting your session as a key highlight of the conference.
Thank you once again for your invaluable contribution. Your participation played a significant role in making our event truly memorable, and we hope to have the pleasure of working with you again in the future.
Roxanne Reeves, CEO, CMASA, 2024
The impact and value Ryan Stramrood is bringing to an ever-growing number of businesses across the US is impossible to ignore.
There’s cold. And then there’s Ryan Stramrood cold.
Most people see an obstacle and find a way around it. Ryan sees a frozen, unforgiving ocean and says, “I’m going through it.”
I first worked with Ryan at the Mimecast Cyber Resilient Summit in Dallas 2019, where he took the stage and transformed the way people see limits – both mental and physical.
His journey, from swimming across the Bering Strait as part of an international team to being first to complete an open water swim around “The Sailor’s Graveyard”, Cape Horn (with SA team), is not just about endurance. It’s about mindset. Discipline. Resilience. The same qualities that define elite warriors, high-performing teams, and those who refuse to accept mediocrity. And the examples cited as the tip of the proverbial iceberg…
I’ve personally spent time with Ryan, and his message is not just about pushing limits – it’s about destroying them. If your team, company, or conference audience needs to redefine what they believe is possible, Ryan is the speaker you bring in. Period.
If you have an event coming up – whether in person or virtual – do yourself a favor. Get Ryan on stage!
Alex Bender, Chief Marketing Officer, Firemon – USA, 2025
Thank you! Your presentation was beyond inspiring and like Tam said we have used your messaging to challenge ourselves and others. It’s those small moments in time that can really change people and the world around us and you deliver just that! So a big thank you from me as well.
Dan Kwaczynski, CEO, Maytronics – Australia, 2024
I can quite confidently say that this was one of the best “motivational” speakers I have been fortunate enough to have seen in some time. His story is inspirational and extremely captivating, the journey he takes you through is both enjoyable and frightening. He delivers this with passion and a wholesomeness that resonated with all our retailers. I can highly recommend Ryan.
Mario Santana, Managing Director, The Spar Group Ltd (South Africa)
I’m so glad we asked you to be our guest speaker! Your story, your positive message and the linkage between our theme and what we need to do as a business and your life changing experiences were literally spot on, so thank you.
Just a few of the comments we have had from the attendees are listed below:
- “It was the right talk for the theme – Focus, Align and Accelerate, and push for the impossible”
- “Very interesting as well as motivational”
- “His story was very thought provoking and inspiring at the same time”
- “If you need motivation, he is your guy”
- “Brilliant, loved him”
- “He was one of the best speaker I’ve have ever seen. Thank you for that”
- “Lunatic”
I especially like the last quote! I will certainly talk to a few of my colleagues from around the world and I know Stuart and Lonny were also impressed.
Laurence Hipkin, President, EEMEA UK
What an incredible day yesterday was!
It has been our commitment as a company over the years to bring the spirit of possibility and inspiration to our clients and community.
Yesterday we hosted Ryan Stramrood who shared in two separate sessions on what it means to push past impossible. As an extreme ice swimmer Ryan demonstrated through impeccable story-telling just how powerful the mind can be.
The lessons woven into his stories were ones that made audiences of all ages pause and think about what might be possible for them.
We believe possibility comes to those who create it and are grateful to continue to impact the community we love so much.
While wealth management is what we do, inspiring people realize their dreams are possible is who we are!
Sweet Financial Partners – USA, 2024
