You know those people who make you stop and think differently? The ones who shift your perspective without forcing it? That’s Ryan Estis for me.
I met Ryan a few years ago through Impact Eleven—he’s a partner, I’m a student. Since then, he’s been an invaluable mentor, resource, and teacher. But more than that, he’s just a great guy. The kind of person you want to be around. The kind who elevates any room he’s in.
Every time I hear him speak, read something he’s written, or watch how he operates, I walk away better for it. And here’s the thing—he’s not flashy about it. He’s not the loudest guy in the room. But when Ryan talks, you lean in, because you know he’s got something real to say.
He’s one of the top keynote speakers in the world, a renowned thought leader, and his work has inspired millions. His new book, Prepare for Impact, is no exception.
What I appreciate most about Ryan is how he takes big, complex ideas and makes them click. He doesn’t just talk theory—he shares his own journey. Whether it’s getting his health back on track, taking on new challenges, or learning to say “no” to the right things, he breaks it down in a way that’s honest, relatable, and—most importantly—useful. He’s got this quiet confidence that never tips into ego. Like a really smart friend who’s figured some things out and is happy to share what’s worked and what hasn’t.
That’s how this interview happened. It wasn’t even supposed to be an interview. We were just catching up on a call, and he started sharing what he’d been working through, how he was approaching it, and I stopped him mid-sentence—“Are you cool with me publishing this?” Because guys need to hear this.
I keep coming back to Ryan’s perspectives because they’re not just interesting—they’re actionable. And that’s why I wanted to bring him into this community. Because his way of thinking, his approach to life and work—it’s something special. Trust me, you’re going to want to read what he has to say.
How I See It with Ryan Estis
MLM: How have you been since we last spoke? Any big changes recently?
Ryan Estis: A lot of upgrades in terms of business—new brand, new website, book release, and a lot of momentum on the speaking side. On the personal side, I’ve taken additional steps to focus on my health. New doctor, deeper biomarker measurements, more supplementation, peptides—I’m starting to see the results. I feel stronger in the gym, my energy is improving, and I’ve reduced the inflammation I was dealing with. You hit your 50s, and it’s just not like being 30 anymore. I had to take a closer look at what was happening inside me, and I’m on a good path now.
MLM: That’s amazing. Everything you do, you set a goal and then map out how to get there. I’d love to get deeper into your process—how you found your doctor, what’s working. I think guys learn best by hearing from relatable, aspirational men who are at the top of their game but still face challenges.
Ryan Estis: I haven’t talked about this publicly yet, but I’ll share it with you. I wasn’t just feeling off—I was sick. Metabolic syndrome, thyroid dysfunction, stage two kidney disease, high cholesterol, high risk for cardiac disease. And this was happening to someone who works out five days a week, eats clean, and generally takes care of himself. I wasn’t eating junk, yet I was still inflamed and exhausted. It was a mix of environment, stress, past neglect, and aging. I went to three different doctors, and none of them could give me the help I needed. Finally, I found a holistic, integrative doctor who took a deeper dive. She told me the standard tests weren’t telling the full story, and she was right. Once I got the right protocols in place, things started improving.
MLM: That’s so important. And I love what you said about mental health—it’s not talked about enough. High achievers don’t want to admit they have low T or thyroid issues, but it happens. We work so hard to be the example, but we don’t talk about when we feel off.
Ryan Estis: It’s easier to just say, “I’m great, best year ever,” while secretly knowing something’s wrong. I might have had my best financial year, but if I was going back to my hotel room feeling like crap, what kind of wealth is that? I see it over and over again—whether it’s a billionaire hedge fund guy, a top speaker, or an entrepreneur. We project success, but when we peel back the layers, we ask: What actually makes us feel wealthy and healthy? The real success is getting my health back on track and feeling great again.
MLM: That’s why I love talking to you. It’s about redefining success. It’s not just money or applause—it’s feeling great, being on the right path, and enjoying life. And I think mental health conversations are getting glossed over. It’s become a buzzword, like “burnout” or “culture,” but real optimization happens when the conferences and masterminds are over. It’s about what you do when you go home.
Ryan Estis: The most important minute of a meeting is 8:01 the next morning—when you actually do the work. You have to ask yourself: If I feel like this now, how am I going to feel in five years? And I wouldn’t accept that this was just “getting old.” I saw guys like you, Troy Aikman, Kelly Slater—guys in their 50s still crushing it. So I found someone who could help me, and I got to work.
MLM: And that’s what it’s about—iron sharpening iron. Surrounding yourself with the right people and refusing to accept complacency. How we feel in our 50s starts in our 20s and 30s. Some of us may have squandered that time, but at some point, we hit a tipping point and realize we have a choice. And once you commit, the transformation begins.
Ryan Estis: If you follow a business plan to success, why not apply that same structure to your health? I hired a functional medicine doctor like I would a CEO. Once I believed in her plan, I committed 100%. Discipline is my strength—so if I see something is working, I’m all in.
MLM: That’s key—being a great leader also means being a great follower. Finding the right experts, trusting them, and executing the plan. Whether it’s business, health, fitness, or finance, it’s about putting the right systems in place.
Ryan Estis: I have a financial advisor, a trainer, a doctor, a coach—each expert in their domain. I show up, trust the process, and get the work done. And the biggest change? My mental health. Now that I have clarity and a plan, I feel inspired and committed. This is what real success looks like.
MLM: That’s a powerful shift. You know, it’s like setting boundaries in business—if you let everything dictate your schedule, you’re never in control. But when you put systems in place and trust them, everything levels up.
Ryan Estis: That’s why I’m setting new standards. No calls before 10 a.m. My mornings are mine. If someone wants a meeting, they have to fit my schedule, not the other way around. And you know what? People adjust. They respect it more when you set boundaries because they see that you’re in control of your time and priorities.
MLM: 100%. The strongest men aren’t the ones who grind 24/7—they’re the ones who know when to say no. When you set your parameters and have discipline, everything falls into place.
Ryan Estis: And that’s the challenge, right? Society still rewards the hustle, the grind, the packed schedule. But at what cost? You hit a point where you realize that real wealth isn’t just making more money—it’s having the health and energy to enjoy it.
MLM: Couldn’t agree more. It’s about defining success on your own terms. And once you do that, everything else gets easier.
Ryan Estis: Exactly. And now, with this clarity, I feel like I’m just getting started.
