[Athlete Entrepreneur Series] Overcoming Setbacks to Win in Business and Sports With Ryan Lavarnway

Ryan Lavarnway is a former Major League Baseball catcher who played for eight MLB teams across 10 years, winning a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. A Yale University graduate, he set NCAA records in batting and later represented Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics. Beyond baseball, Ryan is a leadership coach, keynote speaker, and author focusing on mindset, resilience, and teamwork. Through his company Turn Left, he inspires others by sharing lessons from his journey in sports and personal growth.

In this episode…

Mindset and resilience are crucial in navigating the unpredictable world of professional sports. Adaptability, preparation, and maintaining confidence through setbacks are key elements of a good sportsman. So, how can professionals and business owners apply these lessons to overcome challenges and thrive?

As a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, Ryan Lavarnway experienced firsthand how strong leadership and a winning team culture drive success. He recalls how veteran players set the tone for the team’s resilience, especially after the Boston Marathon bombing. He also reflects on his time with Team Israel in the World Baseball Classic and the Olympics, where an underdog mindset and team unity helped them defy expectations. These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of teamwork, accountability, and a shared vision.

In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ryan Lavarnway, a former Major League Baseball catcher, about his journey from the MLB to leadership coaching and speaking. Ryan explores the mindset shifts that helped him excel, leadership lessons from his time in the big leagues, and how businesses can apply these principles to improve teamwork and adaptability.