Episode #550

Turning Adversity Into Impact with Tiran Jackson

With Tiran Jackson

“One thing that will make you better suited towards being able to deal with that is if you have a resilient mindset to know that whatever you’re going through, what is the lesson I’m going to get out of it and how is it going to make me better? Where is the positive growth going to come from here?”

Tiran Jackson’s story is a masterclass in turning heartbreak into hope and challenge into fuel. If you think a speaking career is about big breaks or spotlight moments, Tiran is living proof that the real work happens in the trenches of adversity. What began as a thriving engineering career was turned upside down by a tragic accident that took his wife’s life and left Tiran fighting for his own. In the aftermath, he didn’t set out to be a speaker, but the realization that his journey through loss, resilience, and rebuilding could help others, sparked something new.

For months, Tiran focused on tiny, consistent steps: showing up for grueling physical therapy, supporting his son through grief, and speaking at small gatherings, but each moment, and every bit of hard-won progress, mattered. His breakthrough wasn’t about having the “best” story, but about building the discipline to show up, refine his message, and deeply serve his audience.

Today, Tiran speaks to leadership teams, NFL athletes, and faith communities on resilience and using adversity for growth. His business didn’t happen overnight—it grew as he learned to share his story with intention, listen to the needs of his audience, and put in the work of outreach and relationship-building. The lesson? Success as a speaker isn’t about being the loudest or most dramatic voice—it’s about being willing to show up, be real, adapt, and encourage others no matter how tough it gets.

You’ll learn:

  • Using adversity for growth
  • Resilience in challenging situations
  • The role of a strong support system
  • Growing confidence and recognition of potential
  • The importance of process, audience outreach, and message refinement
  • Customizing talks for various audiences
  • The value of building long-term relationships
  • Knowing one’s value
  • The realities of building a business
  • And much, much more!

“If you’re not good at something, the best thing you can do is have a process for improvement.”

Want to know exactly how to find and book more paid speaking gigs?

Download our 18-page guide to the 6 proven steps you can use to book more paid speaking gigs in 2024!

About Tiran Jackson

Tiran Jackson is a Certified Life Coach, Resilience Expert, and Inspirational Speaker with a mission to empower widows, widowers, and leaders facing life-altering setbacks. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, he helps individuals overcome grief, regain purpose, and build resilient lives. Whether you’re navigating loss, seeking renewed focus, or ready to thrive despite obstacles, he offers proven strategies to help you rebuild, recover, and rediscover life’s potential.

Episode Resources

Share This Episode 

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Email
Reddit

Explore Recent Episodes

#554: Why Speakers Should Build Community with Gina Bianchini
“The hardest thing about building a community is making sure that you’ve tapped into a transition that people have and are navigating so that they actually want to build relationships with each other.”...
#553: Turning Speaking Failures into Business Growth with Daniel Harkavay
“If you impact one leader and that leader shows up better, then that leader engages better with his or her team. And then if that’s a good experience and it’s consistent, then those teammates do the same...
#552: The Four Reasons Speakers Get Booked with Clint Pulver
“The goal is to become reassuringly expensive to some extent because what you’re able to charge as a speaker is directly correlated to the insurance policy that you can provide for that event.” One of...