We recently connected with Bryce Runge and have shared our conversation below.

Bryce, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In life, the greatest rewards often lie just beyond the borders of comfort. It’s in the moments of uncertainty, when the outcome is unclear, that we discover the true extent of our potential. As Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Embracing risk isn’t about being reckless; it’s about stepping into the unknown with courage, knowing that growth and greatness are on the other side.

I’ve come to realize that life isn’t a destination but a journey, one that is filled with both triumphs and trials. Along the way, we face storms, sleepless nights, and crushing disappointments. I’ve been shipwrecked in a sea of regret, haunted by the past, and bound by fear. But in those darkest moments, I discovered that pain has a purpose—it’s there to transform us if we allow it.

The same holds true for the risks we take. As an author, publishing a book is a significant risk. There’s the fear of rejection, the vulnerability of sharing personal experiences, and the uncertainty of how the message will be received. Yet, I took the leap, knowing that the words could touch lives and spark change. Similarly, stepping onto the stage as a keynote speaker is a risk. It’s a moment where you lay your heart bare, unsure if the audience will connect with your story, but trusting that your words will inspire and uplift.

Risk is an inevitable part of life’s journey. It’s a step into the unknown, where the outcome is uncertain but the potential for growth is immense. Just as I’ve faced the valley of sorrow, I’ve also walked the path of risk, learning that the discomfort and uncertainty are what propel us toward greatness.

As we journey through life, we must choose to see the good, embrace the challenges, and trust that every risk taken is a step closer to our destiny. Remember, the greatest rewards lie on the other side of fear. So, take the risk, for it is in risking that we truly live.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Bryce Runge, a vision-driven leader, speaker, and author, deeply passionate about helping others advance toward greatness. My journey began with my own life experiences—trials, setbacks, and a profound transformation. Growing up, I was immersed in sports and the extreme sports culture, which shaped much of who I was. But life took a turn, and I found myself searching for meaning and purpose beyond the rush of competition.

Today, my passion for helping others achieve greatness comes from a genuine desire to see people overcome their challenges and reach their fullest potential. I help individuals and teams cultivate a growth mindset, navigate life’s purpose, and find direction in moments of uncertainty. Through my work, I offer hope, practical tools, and a clear path for people to rise to new heights, embracing their unique greatness.

I wrote Wake Up, Wake Up, Wake Up, a devotional designed to empower people to enhance their thought life, overcome challenges, and achieve greatness. This is more than just personal reflection; it’s a call to action, encouraging readers to actively engage in their transformation journey. My background in sports, education, and leadership gives me a unique perspective, allowing me to deliver powerful presentations that inspire audiences to embrace change, foster resilience, and build a lasting legacy.

What sets me apart is my integration of faith with practical insights, grounded in evidence. I firmly believe that God’s Word is true, and the challenges we face are opportunities to grow stronger, more resilient, and more prepared for what comes next. Champions don’t run from difficulties; they face them head-on, knowing these moments shape them into who they are meant to become. This approach makes my message both spiritually uplifting and intellectually engaging, offering a holistic perspective on how to navigate life’s challenges and reach for greatness.

As a speaker, I’ve had the privilege of addressing a wide range of audiences, from churches and schools to sports teams and prominent organizations. I tailor each presentation to meet the specific needs of the group—whether it’s fostering a growth mindset in young athletes, addressing mental health stigma in corporate settings, or inspiring spiritual growth within church communities. My mission is to inspire and equip people, teams, and businesses to unlock their potential, create meaningful change, and leave a lasting legacy.

What I’m most proud of is the impact my work has had on individuals and communities. Hearing stories of lives transformed, minds renewed, and hope restored fuels my passion to keep going. The main thing I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that my mission is to help them embrace their full potential. Whether it’s through my writing, speaking engagements, or one-on-one coaching, I am committed to guiding others toward greatness—rooted in faith and supported by proven strategies.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation within my market is my unwavering focus on relationships. In today’s self-absorbed, all-about-me society, it’s easy to forget that it’s really about others. I believe that people matter, and I’m committed to ensuring that when I meet someone, they leave our interaction better off for having met me. My approach is rooted in being transparent, genuine, and authentic. Sharing the crucibles I’ve experienced in my life not only helps me communicate effectively but also allows me to connect more deeply with those I interact with.

Whether I’m writing, speaking, or coaching, my goal is always to add value and leave people with a lasting, positive impact. I want people to feel loved, valued, and appreciated because, as Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” It’s this commitment to making others feel important and valued that has truly helped me build my reputation and connect meaningfully within my market.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that illustrates my resilience is rooted in my journey through extreme sports and eventually finding my way back to education and faith. I grew up surfing, skating, and rollerblading, fully immersed in the extreme sports culture. My life revolved around the next wave, the next trick, and the next thrill. However, as time passed, the lifestyle caught up with me, leading to poor choices and ultimately a series of devastating setbacks.

At one point, my life spiraled out of control. I hosted a party that ended in chaos, leading to job loss and a tarnished reputation. My skating career was over, and I was left with nothing to fall back on. This was a dark period for me—I was filled with regret, haunted by the past, and drowning in a sea of sorrow.

But even in that dark valley, I found the strength to change. My brother Bradd stepped in and offered me a chance to help coach at our old high school. Despite being far removed from football, I accepted the offer. It was during this time that I began to see a glimmer of hope. I reconnected with the discipline and focus I had as an athlete, and soon, memories of my playing days began to flood back. Encouraged by my brother, I trained for a year and walked onto the football field at Fullerton JC—six years after I had graduated high school.

This was a turning point. I not only succeeded on the field but also earned an associate degree and a full athletic scholarship to play football at the University of Hawaii. Yet, life threw me another curveball when I declared for the NFL draft and discovered I wasn’t eligible due to a missed requirement. This was a crushing blow, but I didn’t give up. I continued to pursue my dream, even when it seemed out of reach.

Eventually, my journey led me back to Texas, where I faced more challenges, including a divorce and financial struggles. But with each setback, I chose to persevere. I completed my bachelor’s degree, became a certified teacher, and found a renewed purpose in helping others.

Through all these experiences, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t about never facing hardship; it’s about rising every time you fall. I’ve faced obstacles that left me hopeless, but I kept moving forward, trusting that each trial was there to transform me. Today, whether I’m writing, speaking, or coaching, I draw on these experiences to connect with others, adding value and leaving them better off for having met me. My journey has taught me that even in the darkest valleys, there’s always a path forward if you have the courage to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brycerunge.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thebrycerunge/
• Twitter: https://x.com/thebrycerunge
• Other: legacyshapers.com
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