Jan. 11, 2025

Refusing to Quit - with World Series Champ Ryan Lavarnway

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to become—and remain—one of the best in the world at what you do? Today’s guest, Ryan Lavarnway, has lived that story. He’s the World Series–winning catcher whose relentless refusal...

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to become—and remain—one of the best in the world at what you do? Today’s guest, Ryan Lavarnway, has lived that story. He’s the World Series–winning catcher whose relentless refusal to quit propelled him up, down, and back up again through multiple Major League Baseball rosters. Now, he’s harnessing that ironclad mindset to help business leaders, sales teams, and everyday high-achievers show up and win—no matter the obstacles.

In this episode, host Sean Osborn takes you behind the scenes of Ryan’s incredible journey in baseball and beyond. From wearing that massive World Series ring (think instant back problems!) to lessons learned from iconic coaches, Ryan explains why being “too realistic” is often just another way of saying “I’m giving up.”

Highlights That Will Pump You Up:

  • The ‘Refused to Quit’ Mentality
    Hear how Ryan rebounded—over and over again—every time the Majors sent him packing. It’s a masterclass in resilience (that every sales pro, entrepreneur, or dreamer needs to hear).

  • From ‘Limitations’ to Home Runs
    Discover the mindset shift Ryan credits for smashing through the barriers he once thought were insurmountable.

  • Behind-the-Dugout Stories
    Get up close and personal with insider baseball tales—like how Ryan didn’t pick fights with the ump (and why that matters for your career, too!).

  • The Power of Being Unrealistic
    In the face of setbacks, Ryan learned from top MLB managers to never settle for “realistic” goals. Spoiler alert: This perspective can supercharge your business, relationships, and life.

  • Mindset Isn’t Just for the Diamond
    Whether you’re leading a sales team, building a start-up, or pursuing your greatest passion, Ryan’s strategies for handling rejection, adapting to change, and cultivating top-tier discipline will leave you hungry for more.

  • Life After the Big Leagues
    How Ryan navigated his “midlife crisis” and found a whole new mission: sharing his passion for personal growth with global audiences.

Why You’ll Love This Episode

It’s not just a peek into a champion’s mindset; it’s a step-by-step blueprint to elevate your own game, whether that’s crushing it in sales, starting a new career chapter, or becoming the MVP of your own life.

Curious how a triple-PhD-level baseball mind translates into an unstoppable life game plan? Strap in and enjoy this high-energy, deeply inspiring episode—you’ll come away with more than a few “a-ha” moments (plus some laugh-out-loud stories you won’t hear anywhere else).

Ready to level up? Hit play now and get ready to rewrite your own definition of “unrealistic” goals!


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Ryan Lavarnway Profile Photo

Ryan Lavarnway

World Series Champion | Olympian | Ironman | Keynote Speaker | Leadership Coach | Girl Dad

Ryan Lavarnway, a former Major League Baseball catcher, is now a sought-after leadership coach and keynote speaker. With a 15-year MLB career that included winning the 2013 World Series with the Boston Red Sox, Ryan also represented Israel in the World Baseball Classic and Olympics. A Yale standout, he set records and earned MVP honors internationally. Today, Ryan inspires audiences with his dynamic approach to unlocking leadership potential and fostering a winning mindset.