Relentlessly Engaging ... Relentlessly Empowering ... Relentlessly Optimistic
Book Rya Hazelwood for a keynote or workshop that delivers the power of Relentless Optimism™ in action.
Inspiring, Actionable, Transformative
Keynotes & Workshops
Your mindset shapes everything – from how you lead to how you navigate challenges. Whether you need a strategy-driven approach to resilience, a perspective shift that fuels empowerment, or stories that spark deep inspiration, Rya Hazelwood delivers keynotes that move audiences to think, feel and take action.
Explore Rya’s signature keynotes below to find the message that will resonate most with your audience.​
Relentless Optimism™ for Life & Leadership
What if optimism wasn’t naïve but strategic? And when practiced with intention, a superpower?
In this inspiring keynote, author Rya Hazelwood speaks to the intersection of personal challenges and professional pressures, inviting audiences to explore how mindset shapes performance, culture and confidence – from the breakfast table to the boardroom.
Through powerful storytelling and real-world insight, she delves into: turning obstacles into opportunities; setting boundaries that protect what matters most; quieting imposter syndrome; and building a life fueled by purpose … even when the path forward isn’t obvious.
This session leaves participants energized, grounded and equipped to live – and lead – with confidence, intention and relentless optimism.
Relentless Optimism™: The Leader’s Edge
What if the real advantage in leadership wasn’t having all the answers but rather having the mindset to lead through uncertainty with clarity and confidence?
In this compelling keynote, Rya Hazelwood reframes optimism as a strategic leadership skill, one grounded in resilience, trust and decisive action. Designed for today’s high-pressure, ever-changing business environment, this talk explores how mindset quietly shapes performance, culture and credibility at every level of an organization.
Through real-world leadership experience, candid storytelling and practical insight, Rya shows how optimism – when practiced with intention – becomes a force multiplier for engagement, alignment and momentum. At its core is a powerful truth: leadership isn’t about having the map; it’s about how you show up when the map disappears.
This session equips leaders to build trust through consistency, lead with calm under pressure, set boundaries that protect focus and energy, and shape cultures that don’t just endure change but grow because of it.
Relentless Optimism™ & Other Life Goals
What if the life you’re waiting for doesn’t arrive by chance – but by choice?
In this deeply inspiring keynote, Rya Hazelwood invites audiences to examine the moments when life feels stuck, uncertain or off-course … and what it takes to move forward anyway. Through candid, often humorous storytelling and hard-earned perspective, she explores how small shifts in mindset can unlock courage, clarity and meaningful change.
This talk challenges the seductive pull of magical thinking and replaces it with something far more powerful: agency. Rya shows how relentless optimism isn’t about denying reality – it’s about facing it honestly, reclaiming personal power and choosing momentum even when the road is steep.
Audiences will explore how to reframe adversity, quiet self-doubt, recognize where they’re waiting instead of choosing, and build a life fueled by resilience, purpose and forward motion – both personally and professionally.
Participants leave energized, empowered and reminded that transformation begins the moment you decide to believe in better and take the next courageous step.
Relentless Optimism™ in Action a.k.a Life Happens FOR You
In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world, resilience isn’t optional – it’s essential.
Organizations that cultivate practical optimism, adaptability and a solutions-oriented mindset don’t just weather change … they gain a competitive edge. The difference isn’t luck or personality. It’s mindset, applied with intention.
In this energizing keynote, Rya Hazelwood reframes mindset as strategy, not magic. She challenges the idea that optimism is about positive thinking alone and shows how intentional perspective shifts drive engagement, performance and momentum at every level of an organization.
Through relatable storytelling and real-world insight, audiences explore how the way we respond to challenges shapes outcomes. When teams learn to reframe setbacks, stay grounded under pressure, and move forward with clarity, adversity becomes an advantage.
Participants leave inspired and equipped with practical tools to turn obstacles into opportunities, build resilience that lasts, and create forward motion, even when conditions are uncertain.
I have known and worked with Rya for over 16 years and deeply value our professional relationship and more importantly, our friendship. Rya's determination and loyalty is second to none. She is passionate about her work, helps companies thrive and does it all from a place of service.
- Ashley Snyder
Principal at Cresa
In my line of work, I have the opportunity to work with many fabulous professionals. Without question though, Rya is in a class of her own. Besides being freakishly smart, Rya is kind, incredibly organized, thoughtful, supportive, responsive and everything that you could ever hope for ... To say that I loved my time working with her would be the understatement of the century. If you have the honor of working with Rya, you are in for a world-class experience.
- Shola Richards,
International Keynote and TEDx Speaker, Author of Civil Unity
Rya is one of those rare professionals who also naturally serves as an inspiring mentor. She exhibits strong interpersonal skills and a unique capacity for empathy. These qualities most notably translate into her ability to motivate a team to care about its project and be invested in the project’s success.
- Michelle Roy
Office Manager of Heritage Distribution Holdings