Lisa Bentley
Lisa Bentley is an 11-time Ironman Champion and motivational speaker who inspires audiences to turn adversity into triumph.
Why book Lisa Bentley for your next event
- Learn how Lisa turned a life-threatening illness into her greatest source of power and purpose.
- Discover how mindset, resilience, and self-belief can override any obstacle.
- Be inspired by a true story of courage, perseverance, and excellence in sport and life.
Non-binding request for Lisa Bentley
World-class athlete, author, and motivator transforming adversity into strength.
Lisa Bentley is an 11-time Ironman Champion, author, and motivational speaker whose journey redefines what’s possible. Born with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease, Lisa defied all odds to become one of the world’s top triathletes for over two decades. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and purpose. She teaches audiences how to transform adversity into opportunity and to pursue excellence with courage and conviction. Whether on stage or in sport, Lisa inspires people to live fully, to lead with heart, and to win with gratitude and grit.
From Adversity to Triumph
Lisa Bentley’s story is one of extraordinary courage and relentless optimism. Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, she was never expected to become an elite athlete, let alone one of the most successful triathletes in the world. Yet, over 20 years as a professional, she won 11 Ironman and 16 Ironman 70.3 titles. Lisa’s achievements go far beyond medals and records; they reflect the triumph of spirit over circumstance. She found a way to turn her illness into her greatest teacher, using it as fuel to push her limits, redefine her identity, and inspire countless others to do the same.
The Power of Mindset
Lisa’s success was built not on perfect health, but on an indomitable mindset. Her cystic fibrosis was supposed to slow her down, but instead, it became the fire that kept her going. Lisa believes in the strength of the human mind to overcome physical and emotional barriers. Her keynote speeches guide audiences through the mental strategies she used to compete and win, on the world stage. She shares practical insights on how attitude can triumph over fact, teaching that every challenge can be reframed into an opportunity for growth.
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience
A former high school teacher with degrees in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Education, Lisa combines intellect with experience. Her keynotes blend storytelling and science, inspiring professionals to build resilience, embrace discomfort, and develop the courage to act. Whether speaking to corporate teams, educators, or athletes, Lisa’s message is universal: success is not about perfect conditions, but about showing up with determination and heart. Her talks with organizations such as Pfizer, RBC, Unilever, and TEDxEustis have left audiences energized, empowered, and ready to redefine what’s possible.
Life Beyond the Finish Line
After retiring from professional triathlon, Lisa authored her book An Unlikely Champion, where she shares the mindset and life lessons that helped her overcome adversity. She continues to inspire through her work as a commentator for CBC, CTV, TSN, and SportsNet, including coverage of the Olympic Games in 2012, 2020, and 2024. Beyond sport, Lisa serves as an ambassador for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, offering hope and visibility to families navigating the same disease that she has lived with and conquered every day.
A Legacy of Inspiration
Lisa’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic accomplishments. She was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame in 2012, the Triathlon Canada Hall of Fame in 2014, and the Caledon Sports Hall of Fame in 2025. She continues to compete as an elite masters marathon runner, clocking an impressive 2:47 marathon at age 46 in Boston. But for Lisa, winning was never just about the finish line, it was about fulfillment, growth, and using her platform to inspire others to reach their full potential.
Book Lisa Bentley for Your Event
Booking Lisa Bentley means bringing a story of determination, resilience, and hope to your stage. She customizes every presentation to connect deeply with your audience, whether your goal is to spark motivation, cultivate teamwork, or inspire leadership. With a rare combination of authenticity, humor, and heart, Lisa shows how to win in life no matter the circumstances and how to turn every “no” into a resounding “yes.”
Keynotes
Keynote by Lisa Bentley:
Exceeding Expectations - Defying Gravity - Transforming Adversity into Greatness
Have you ever felt weighed down by challenges that seem impossible to overcome?
When the pressure mounts and limits feel unshakable, Lisa Bentley’s keynote Exceeding Expectations – Defying Gravity – Transforming Adversity into Greatness delivers the breakthrough your team needs. Drawing from her journey as an 11-time Ironman Champion living with cystic fibrosis, Lisa reveals how to rise above obstacles and turn setbacks into power. Her message ignites resilience, fuels performance, and inspires a mindset where “can’t” becomes “can.” Through compelling storytelling and actionable strategies, Lisa empowers audiences to push beyond perceived limits, elevate results, and lead with courage. Book Lisa Bentley to help your organization defy gravity and discover greatness on the other side of adversity.
Keynote by Lisa Bentley:
Courage - A woman-focused inspirational talk
Do you ever feel like fear, doubt, or expectations hold you back from your true potential?
In a world that demands perfection, many women struggle to find the courage to take bold steps and own their power. Lisa Bentley’s keynote on Courage changes that. As an 11-time Ironman Champion who triumphed while battling cystic fibrosis, Lisa brings a deeply personal and empowering message: courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about acting bravely despite fear. Her stories connect, her energy uplifts, and her insights inspire women to lead with confidence, resilience, and authenticity. Lisa helps audiences silence self-doubt, embrace imperfection, and rise stronger in every arena, professionally and personally. Book Lisa Bentley to help your organization unleash courage and ignite the extraordinary strength within every woman.
Keynote by Lisa Bentley:
Unstoppable
Do you ever feel like you’re running hard but not moving forward, disconnected from your purpose and unsure of what drives you?
In today’s demanding world, many women lose sight of the “why” behind their efforts. Lisa Bentley’s keynote Unstoppable reignites that purpose. Drawing from her journey as an 11-time Ironman Champion who defied the limits of cystic fibrosis, Lisa teaches how to build courage through process, passion, and connection. Her message helps women replace pressure with purpose, fear with focus, and self-doubt with unstoppable momentum. Through powerful storytelling and proven mindset tools, Lisa inspires audiences to align effort with meaning and rise with confidence in every chapter of life. Book Lisa Bentley to help your team reconnect, refocus, and rediscover the unstoppable strength that comes from
Keynote by Lisa Bentley:
Mental Resiliency and Leadership
Do you ever feel like your team is running on empty, pushed by pressure, change, and constant demands?
In today’s fast-paced world, leaders need more than strategy, they need mental resilience. Lisa Bentley’s keynote on Mental Resiliency and Leadership equips organizations to thrive under challenge, not crumble. As an 11-time Ironman Champion who competed while battling cystic fibrosis, Lisa knows what it takes to lead with endurance, adaptability, and heart. She merges powerful storytelling with actionable leadership strategies, showing how mindset drives performance and resilience fuels results. Her insights empower teams to embrace stress as strength, navigate uncertainty with clarity, and lead through adversity with confidence. Book Lisa Bentley to strengthen your organization’s mental toughness and inspire leadership that endures, no matter the obstacle.
Keynote by Lisa Bentley:
The Mastery of Coaching – Building Your Championship Team
Do you ever wonder why some teams thrive while others struggle, despite having the same talent and resources?
The difference lies in coaching. Great teams are built by great coaches who know how to inspire, guide, and elevate every individual. In her keynote The Mastery of Coaching – Building Your Championship Team, 11-time Ironman Champion Lisa Bentley reveals the mindset and methods behind championship leadership. Drawing from two decades of elite competition and years of mentoring others, Lisa teaches leaders how to communicate with purpose, build trust, and create environments where people perform at their best. Her strategies transform managers into motivators and teams into unified, high-performing forces. Book Lisa Bentley to empower your leaders to coach with clarity, compassion, and confidence and build a team that wins together, in sport, business, and life.
EPIC 60 Lisa Bentley: Attitude is More Important than Fact
Watch Lisa Bentley in action!
An Unlikely Champion | Lisa Bentley | TEDxEustis
Watch Lisa Bentley in action!
