**Recorded live at the 2024 SMPS Pacific Regional Conference in Portland, Oregon**

Ryn (Kathryn) Bennett, MPH, is a non-binary 40 under 40 award winner, world-record-holding strongman competitor, celebrated TEDx and Ignite speaker, and advocate for developing mental toughness. They are the author of Productive Pain, a personal memoir and inspirational guide. With a background in social and behavioral health and process improvement, Ryn's professional career spans industries including tech, healthcare, and engineering/construction. Ryn used the mental fortitude and tenacity they learned in the gym to advance their career and overcome burnout, working from an entry-level process improvement role into a director position. Ryn is a Certified Professional Services Marketer and is nationally ranked as a strongman competitor. They are passionate about helping others develop the mental tenacity and internal strength they need to succeed, no matter the adversity they're facing.

The podcast picks up after Ryn's keynote. A few excerpts from the keynote have been included for context, but the podcast discussion does not depend on having heard the address.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynbennettwrites/  Productive Pain, by Ryn Bennett (available on Amazon) https://www.proposalindustryexperts.com/  Music by RomanSenykMusic on Pixabay. www.pixabay.com