Chris Ruden
Professional Speaker
Chris Ruden is a recognized speaker on resilience, change, and culture, helping organizations turn obstacles into opportunities. Born with a disability and living with type 1 diabetes, he is living proof that there is always a way forward.
With humor, storytelling, and real-world strategies, Chris invites teams to embrace change, build inclusive cultures, and thrive under pressure. As a competitor on The Titan Games with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and a speaker for brands like Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and Zappos, he delivers more than inspiration—he delivers results. Get ready to rethink what’s possible.
10
Aug. 26, 2025
CMCL Interview: Chris Ruden
In this episode of Changing Minds & Changing Lives, Julie Sowash welcomes Chris Ruden, a world record-holding powerlifter, motivational speaker, inclusion advocate, and finalist on NBC’s Titan Games. Born with a disability and later diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, Chris shares how years of hiding his hand shaped his understanding of self-acceptance, resilience, and ultimately, his purpose.Julie and Chris delve into the complexities of psychological safety at work, examining why it cannot be reduced to a simple yes-or-no question and how leaders can foster cultures of trust and belonging through consistency, active listening, and authenticity. Chris also discusses the impact of internalized ableism, offering candid insight into his own journey from self-doubt to empowerment, and the pivotal moments that helped him stop hiding and step fully into his identity.Together, they examine the difference between showing up for employees versus speaking on their behalf, the risks compani…
Guest: Chris Ruden