Justin Wren Humanitarian; Former MMA Fighter; Author; Nonprofit Founder; Mental Health Advocate

A once prominent UFC fighter, Justin emerged from a near death experience, found purpose through service to others, and now stands as a force for good on the international humanitarian stage. The visionary Founder and Executive Director of Fight for the Forgotten, his organization has provided life-changing clean water, housing, healthcare, land ownership, sustainable farming and freedom from slavery for thousands of the world’s most disadvantaged people.

In his inspiring keynote, From the Ring to the Rainforest: Leadership Principles from an Ultimate Fighter’s Remarkable Journey, he unveils the rollercoaster of his life – from headlining the UFC in front of capacity crowds in Las Vegas, to plummeting into the abyss of addiction, and ultimately, to his extraordinary redemption deep in the jungles of Africa helping those most in need. With raw vulnerability and emotion, he narrates how one flawed man, grappling with his own insignificance, discovered the power to create change, one person, one life, at a time.

Justin speaks of how personal accountability, resilience in the face of adversity, and profound gratitude for each new day can ignite a fire in all of us to create meaningful change in our work, in our lives, and in our world.

Audiences travel with Justin to the remote Congo Basin Rain Forest, through stunning photos and videos, for a rare insider’s view of the Mbuti Pygmy people, where they laugh, cry, and stand up and cheer as they bear witness to an improbable yet profoundly inspiring tale of redemption – a testament to the enduring power of second chances.

Purpose + Performance = Impact

In the electrifying arena of life, we all step into the ring, donning the gloves of struggle, pain, and adversity. In the face of every challenge, we have a choice to make - a choice to rise, to fight, and to overcome.

As an MMA fighter, I have danced in the octagon, where every second counts and every blow matters. But my toughest fight, my most grueling bout, was not inside those steel cage walls. It was the battle within my own mind, the war against self-doubt, fear, and the weight of past failures.

This speech is not just about fighting in the ring– it's about fighting for your dreams, your purpose, and the meaningful impact only you can create. Together, we will unravel the secrets of the Overcomer's mindset, the unyielding spirit that separates the victors from the defeated. It's time to transform pain into fuel, setbacks into comebacks, and doubts into unwavering belief.

What happens after you hit rock bottom? Sometimes you find a calling that changes your life forever. You just might become a hope dealer that empowers sustainable change for others.

The Pygmies, a marginalized and forgotten people, became the catalyst for my journey of purposeful service. Through my experiences with these incredible individuals, I witnessed firsthand the immense impact we can have when we dedicate ourselves to a cause greater than ourselves.

Together, we will explore the power of service, the profound difference we can make in the lives of others, and the ripple effect that extends far beyond what we can imagine– including the transformation that occurs within ourselves when we choose to serve selflessly.

Above all, this talk is about hope. It is a reminder that we each possess the power to create a better world, one act of kindness at a time. By leaving our imprint on this world through purposeful service, we can inspire others to do the same, sparking a chain reaction of love and compassion that reverberates far and wide.