We were lucky to catch up with Sam Goodwin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sam, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
Uncertainty isn’t just inevitable—it’s a hidden opportunity waiting to be unlocked. In a world where disruption is the new normal, Winning Through Uncertainty equips leaders and organizations with the tools to adapt, innovate, and thrive under pressure. Sam Goodwin’s renowned keynotes inspire a transformative shift in mindset, empowering teams to face complexity with clarity, confidence, and bold action. When the unknown arises, Sam doesn’t just help you navigate it—he shows you how to win.
Sam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Sam Goodwin is an American entrepreneur, bestselling author and international keynote speaker known for his thought leadership on embracing uncertainty. A former Division I hockey player, Sam co-founded a tech company and NGO in Singapore and is one of the few people to have traveled to all 193 countries in the world. His book, Saving Sam, recounts his experience of being taken hostage and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria. Sam speaks to audiences worldwide, from large corporate events to intimate leadership retreats, inspiring others to embrace challenges with resilience. He holds a bachelor’s from Niagara University, a master’s from Washington University in St. Louis and a doctorate from Johns Hopkins SAIS.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
From 2019-2023, I pitched a book proposal to 42 literary agents and publishers. They all said no. Some didn’t think the concept was marketable, while others believed it generally wasn’t a viable project. They told me stories like mine wouldn’t find an audience, that it was too niche, or that it just wouldn’t resonate in today’s market. On my 43rd attempt, I finally got a yes. My book, <i>Saving Sam</i>, was published on September 10, 2024. Despite the initial doubts, just a few weeks after publication, it became a bestseller. The journey taught me that perseverance can triumph over skepticism—and that the only way to know what’s possible is to keep trying.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One key lesson I had to unlearn in growing my speaking business was the belief that success comes from chasing every opportunity that comes my way. I realized that focusing on building authentic connections and delivering value to the right audience was far more impactful than spreading myself too thin. I unlearned this by refining my message, being more selective with partnerships, and prioritizing long-term relationships over short-term wins.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.samrgoodwin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samrgoodwin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sam.r.goodwin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-goodwin/
- Twitter: https://x.com/samrgoodwin
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/Y6WDNI0gtow?si=FzFCNGVbiXEulfSH
Image Credits
I own all of the photos