Meet Rya Hazelwood
Author | Motivational Speaker | Mindset Strategist
“Relentless Optimism™ is my non-negotiable and the foundation of my work. Not blind positivity, but the kind of optimism that keeps you moving even when the road is steep … The way we think shapes the way we succeed. Transform your thinking and you can transform your life.”
- Rya Hazelwood
Life has thrown me my fair share of curveballs – a business I built and sold, two marriages that became survival stories, and a journey from magical thinking to intentional action. Every challenge became a lesson, every setback a launching pad. And through it all, relentless optimism was my anchor – not as wishful thinking, but as a strategy for moving forward.
I’ve worn many titles: entrepreneur, corporate marketing executive, devoted mother of boys, traveler, emotional abuse survivor, ex-wife of an alcoholic, speaker, author and mindset strategist. But above all else, I am proof that even the hardest chapters can lead to extraordinary new beginnings.
Why I Do This Work
I’ve lived it. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to question if you’re capable of more, to wonder if things will ever change. I also know that the way we think shapes the way we rise.
That belief fuels my work as a speaker, author and mindset strategist with a focus on helping individuals and teams turn obstacles into opportunities, shift from reactive to resilient and lead with optimism.
Through humor, vulnerability and powerful storytelling, I don’t just inspire; I equip people with the tools and mindset shifts to break free from limiting beliefs, own their power and create the success they deserve.
My Philosophy
Relentless optimism doesn’t mean ignoring challenges or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about choosing optimism as a touchstone, even in life’s darkest moments. It’s about digging deep to find your inner power, reframing your thinking and rising above with purpose and determination. After all, even a small shift in mindset can create lasting change.
Let's Work Together
Are you or your team ready to transform your mindset, overcome challenges and step fully into your potential? Let’s talk about a keynote, workshop or strategy session tailored to your needs.
Fast Facts:
Life throws curveballs at all of us. Here are just a few I’ve faced — and overcome:
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A rickshaw ride in Beijing that unexpectedly turned into a short-term kidnapping.
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Building and selling a multi-million-dollar-per-year business.
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A brief marriage to a now ex-husband who was secretly planning another wedding with a woman halfway around the world.
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Navigating an accidental career in corporate event planning.
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Creating an intentional career in motivational speaking.
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Marriage to — and divorce from — an alcoholic.
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A dragon stuck in her garage (ok, it was just a lizard).
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Spending a transformative year living abroad in Madrid.
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The emotionally and physically demanding journey of IVF.
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The heartbreaking death of my children’s father.
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Writing a book.
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Launching a new career in my 40s.
Through every twist, challenge and heartbreak, one constant has guided me forward: relentless optimism. Not blind positivity, but the kind that keeps you moving, even when the road is steep.
You Can Too
No matter what life throws your way, you have the power to rise above. Whether you're facing personal turmoil, professional setbacks, or a season of uncertainty, resilience is within your reach.
I’ve been there. I get it. And I know firsthand that a single mindset shift can change everything.
Let’s reframe, rise and lead with relentless optimism — together.